Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become very common ways to get around South Florida. However, by their very nature, rideshare drivers spend a lot of time on the road, which increases the risk of being involved in a car accident – there were 97 Uber accidents reported between 2019 and 2020.
If you are a rideshare passenger and get into an accident in Fort Lauderdale, there are several important steps you should take.
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Check for Car Accident Injuries
The first priority after any accident is to check for injuries and get medical assistance for anyone who needs it. Even if you don’t have visible wounds, you may be experiencing shock or have internal injuries. Call 911 right away if there are any significant injuries or complaints of pain.
Gather Information
If the car accident is minor and there are no injuries requiring immediate medical care, start gathering relevant information while at the accident scene. This includes the name and contact details of the rideshare driver, vehicle make/model, license plate number, rideshare company info, time of the accident, weather and traffic conditions, location, and any damage to vehicles or other property. Take photos documenting damage and skid marks as evidence. Get witness information if available.
File a Police Report
You should always file an accident report with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, even for minor collisions. This creates an official record of the incident and can help protect you if questions arise later about fault or liability claims. Be detailed, accurate, and honest when providing statements to the responding officer. Getting a copy of the report can help support insurance claims.
Notify Your Car Insurance Provider
The rideshare driver’s insurance carrier should be the first one notified of the accident details. Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies provide some level of insurance coverage depending on the situation, such as when passengers are actively being transported to their destination. You may also need to file a claim with your own car insurance company, especially if injuries or vehicle damage are extensive. Call them as soon as possible after the accident happens.
Contact a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Lawyer
It’s highly advisable to consult a Fort Lauderdale car accident attorney after being in a rideshare accident rather than trying to handle it yourself. An experienced lawyer specializing in car accidents can deal with the insurance companies and ensure you get full and fair compensation while making sure your rights are protected each step of the way. If the accident was caused by another driver’s negligence and resulted in major injuries or other losses, you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit and should discuss options with a qualified attorney.
Document All Medical Care Related to Your Car Accident Injuries
Keep track of all medical visits related to car accident injuries, including ER or urgent care consults, doctor and specialist appointments, physical therapy, medical devices, and prescriptions. Have providers document symptoms complained of and treatments administered. Save all bills, treatment plans, and notes. Thorough medical records will help support financial claims for both health insurance and liability payouts.
Save Receipts for Other Costs Related to the Accident
In addition to medical bills, which can cost in excess of $15k, keep receipts for any other accident-related costs incurred, including car repairs, rental vehicles needed while yours is in the shop, damage to personal property, rideshare costs while unable to drive, missed wages due to injury, and more.
Being in a rideshare accident can be unsettling, but taking the proper steps afterward can help protect your rights and allow you to access fair restitution.
Featured Image by 12019 from Pixabay
