What to Do Immediately After a Rideshare Accident to Strengthen Your Claim
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have made transportation more accessible, but accidents involving these services are becoming increasingly common. If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident, knowing what to do immediately afterward can make a significant difference in your ability to file a successful claim. The actions you take at the scene and in the days following the crash can help protect your legal rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
This guide outlines the key steps to take after a rideshare accident to strengthen your claim.
1. Check for Injuries and Seek Medical Attention
Your health should always come first. Check yourself and others for injuries, and call 911 if anyone is hurt. Even if you feel fine, it’s essential to seek medical attention as some injuries—like concussions or internal bleeding—may not be immediately noticeable.
Delaying medical treatment can not only put your health at risk but also weaken your claim. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries were not serious or were unrelated to the accident if you don’t seek prompt medical care.
2. Call the Police and File an Accident Report
In Florida, law enforcement should be called to any accident that results in injury, death, or significant property damage. A police report provides an official record of the incident, including key details about what happened, who was involved, and any citations issued.
When speaking to the police, stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault or speculating about what caused the accident. The report will serve as critical evidence in your claim.
3. Collect Key Information from All Parties Involved
Gathering the right information at the scene is essential. Be sure to document the following:
- Rideshare driver’s details – Full name, contact information, driver’s license number, and insurance provider
- Vehicle details – Make, model, color, and license plate number
- Trip confirmation – If you were a passenger, take a screenshot of the rideshare app showing the trip details
- Other involved parties – If another driver or pedestrian was involved, collect their contact and insurance information
- Witness statements – If there were any bystanders, ask for their contact details in case their testimony is needed later
The more evidence you gather at the scene, the stronger your case will be when negotiating with insurance companies.
4. Take Photos and Videos of the Scene
Visual evidence can be incredibly valuable when filing a claim. Use your phone to capture:
- The accident scene from multiple angles
- Vehicle damage
- Skid marks, traffic signals, and weather conditions
- Any visible injuries
These images and videos can help establish fault and provide clarity on what happened.
5. Report the Accident to the Rideshare Company
If the accident involved an Uber or Lyft driver, report the incident through the rideshare app. Both companies require drivers to report accidents, but passengers and other involved parties should also submit a report to ensure the case is documented properly.
Rideshare companies provide liability coverage in certain situations, but the amount of coverage depends on whether the driver was logged into the app, waiting for a ride request, or actively transporting a passenger.
6. Notify Your Insurance Provider
Even if you were not at fault, inform your insurance company about the accident. Provide only factual details and avoid giving recorded statements without consulting a lawyer. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize payouts by using your statements against you.
7. Keep Records of Medical Treatment and Expenses
If you’ve been injured, thorough documentation of your medical treatment is crucial for strengthening your claim. Keep copies of:
- Hospital and doctor’s visits
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy sessions
- Medical bills and receipts
Also, track any lost wages if you had to take time off work due to your injuries. These records will help determine the full extent of your damages.
8. Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters Without Legal Guidance
After an accident, insurance companies—especially those representing rideshare services—may contact you with a quick settlement offer. While it might be tempting to accept, these initial offers are often much lower than what you deserve.
Before discussing your case with an insurance adjuster, consult an attorney who specializes in rideshare accidents. A lawyer can protect your interests and negotiate for fair compensation.
9. Determine Liability and Understand Florida’s Insurance Laws
Florida follows a no-fault insurance system, which means your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance covers your medical expenses up to a certain limit, regardless of fault. However, in serious accidents, you may be entitled to additional compensation from the rideshare driver’s or company’s insurance.
Liability depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash:
- If the driver was off-duty – Their personal insurance applies.
- If the driver was logged into the app but had no passenger – Limited coverage from Uber or Lyft may apply.
- If the driver was transporting a passenger – The rideshare company’s $1 million liability policy is in effect.
Understanding these insurance policies can be complicated, which is why legal assistance is often necessary. If you’ve been involved in an Uber Accident in Orlando, seeking professional legal help can ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
10. Consult a Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Navigating a rideshare accident claim can be challenging, especially when dealing with multiple insurance policies and large rideshare corporations. A skilled attorney can:
- Investigate the accident and gather additional evidence
- Determine which insurance policy applies to your case
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies
- File a lawsuit if necessary to secure fair compensation
Having legal representation increases your chances of receiving a fair settlement, covering medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Final Thoughts
What you do immediately after a rideshare accident can have a major impact on your ability to recover compensation. Seeking medical attention, documenting the scene, and consulting a lawyer are all critical steps to strengthening your claim.
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Understanding your rights and taking the proper steps can make all the difference in securing the compensation you need to recover.
