The hustle of modern life has made some services, like Lyft ridesharing, part and parcel of modern daily transport systems. Ridesharing services are almost always available, flexible, and really make our lives easier during commuting. But, just as in everything related to transportation, some accidents can happen.
It is definitely a confusing period after an accident. You may feel shocked, scared, or even injured. Nevertheless, there are immediate things you need to do. These first reaction steps will most likely determine further compensation and support.
Below are steps to take when wondering what to do after a Lyft accident.
Ensuring Safety: Immediate Steps Following a Lyft Accident
Safety is a number one priority. Check yourself and others for injury. If anyone is hurt, call the emergency services number now. Even if the injuries seem minor, it’s important to get medical attention. The severity of those “minor injuries” might not be immediately apparent. Assure everybody’s safety, then move to a safe location if possible.
Afterwards, you should report the accident to Lyft through their app. Lyft needs to learn of these situations so they can provide support and start to make plans for the necessary insurance procedures.
Building Your Case: Documenting the Lyft Accident
The accident should be well documented: all vehicles involved, pictures of the surroundings, any visible injuries, and even the license plates captured using your phone. Statements of any witnesses on the site may come in handy.
Jot down the details of the accident, including the time, place, and how the accident occurred—as you can remember everything. These are necessary details which you will need to provide while reporting the case to the police or the insurance company.
Prioritizing Health and Formal Reporting
Seek medical care as soon as possible. Even if you feel okay, this is something you really need to see a doctor for. As we briefly mentioned earlier, the severity of those minor injuries might not be immediately apparent. Some injuries do not even leave visible scars.
Take for example, whiplash. Potentially deadly, in fact, some whiplash cases don’t present symptoms immediately afterward. For many people, symptoms of whiplash may begin a full day or even a few days later. So, if you check yourself, and see/feel nothing, still do not neglect visiting a medical professional.
Once these are done, report the incident to the police. The police report is an official record of what happened, and you might need to refer to the insurance company or use it in case litigation is needed.
Navigating Insurance Claims and Liability
In case of any accident during the ride, Lyft provides insurance. Understanding the insurance coverage given by Lyft is important though, because it affects how you file a claim. Generally, the insurance company will cover the loss or injury if the driver has been deemed at fault. However, there are complexities to this, and at times you may have to deal with multiple insurance companies, or an insurance company who is trying to reduce your insurance payout.
Seeking Expertise: The Role of a Lyft Accident Lawyer
Consult a Lyft accident lawyer if involved in an accident. The attorney will guide you through the process, making sure that you are compensated fairly. Lyft accident lawyers understand the complexities of rideshare accidents and will be the best advocates in cases like these.
However, the choice of attorney should be considered carefully. Look out for a Lyft accident lawyer who has filed claims before and who has a good track record. They also have to be someone you will feel comfortable working with.
The Claims Process: Filing and Negotiating with Confidence
Claim filing is informing the insurance company about the accident and providing any proof that you have. This may include photos, witness statements, and medical reports for further examination. After this, the insurance company will likely offer you a settlement amount. In such an instance, however tempting the amount may be, you should consult your attorney to advise you accordingly before accepting any given settlement. Your Lyft accident lawyer will be in a better position to negotiate on your behalf—ensuring that the settlement reached covers all your bills, ranging from medical expenses to lost wages, and also covering payments for any pain and suffering you might be experiencing.
Conclusion
A rideshare service like Lyft changes the way we commute, but like other ways to get around, accidents do occur. If you or someone you know has been in a Lyft accident, don’t panic. Simply follow our tips above.
Navigating the aftermath of a Lyft accident might seem daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. By proceeding with these steps and getting assistance from a skilled Lyft accident lawyer, you can rest assured that you will get what is due to you.