Using Lyft and Uber is almost difficult these days. And in busy cities like Atlanta, it’s not uncommon for car accidents to happen with these ride-hailing services and for passengers to sustain personal injury. Know that these services have insurance policies to protect their drivers and passengers in such eventualities.
If you find yourself in such a situation while riding in a cab, it’s important to know how to protect your rights and navigate filing a personal injury claim. Here are the steps to follow:
- Prioritize Your Health and Safety
Immediately after the accident, your health should be your top priority. Get to safety and check yourself for injuries. Also, check on the driver and other injured parties. If you’re too hurt to move, call emergency ASAP, and don’t try to move. Even though its a minor case, call the police.
- Obtain Driver and Company Information
If you’re able and while awaiting the police, exchange information with the cab driver, including their name, contact information, and license. If there’s another injured party, note down their information as well, but refrain from taking the blame for the accident, as this might hurt your case. These details will be crucial when filing your claim.
- Gather Evidence
Preserving evidence is vital for building a strong personal injury claim. If possible, document the accident scene by taking photos of the Lyft or Uber driver, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries you’ve sustained. If you’re severely injured, call an Atlanta Lyft Accident Lawyer ASAP so they can come to document the scene on your behalf. They can also help you collect the contact information of witnesses who can provide statements about the accident.
- Report the Incident
Once the police arrive, give them a full official report of the accident. Again, refrain from blame. Notify the local law enforcement agency and the cab company about the accident. Inform the cab insurance company to begin the claims process.
- Consult with Your Car Accident Attorney
Navigating the legal aspects of a personal injury claim can be complex, especially when dealing with insurance companies and liable parties. For example, Lyft drivers in Atlanta have a $1 million insurance policy that covers the driver and their injured passenger, but the insurance company may offer you way below that amount. This is where your Atlanta Lyft accident lawyer will prove indispensable. is crucial if you wish to enforce your rights and get maximum compensation.
- Seek proper medical attention
Although the paramedics may give you a quick check, it’s wise to see a doctor for a proper checkup later. Some injuries might not manifest symptoms immediately, like head injuries, so it’s crucial to get checked by a medical professional. This may strengthen your case, so consider it important.
- Preserve all records and evidence
Any medical treatment you receive after the accident should be thoroughly documented. Keep records of doctor’s visits, prescriptions, treatment plans, and medical bills. These records will provide evidence of your injuries and the costs associated with your recovery. The cost of your medical bills will factor into the amount of damages awarded to you. Also, going to the hospital shows that you took every possible care to prevent your injuries from worsening. Neglecting your health and therefore allowing your injuries to worsen can hurt your claim.
Final words
Being involved in an accident while riding in a cab can be a traumatic experience. But with the right approach, you can minimize their impact on your life and move forward with confidence. Consulting a personal injury attorney is a wise move, as they can provide expert guidance to ensure you get what you need to raise your quality of life again to what it was before the accident.
