5 Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident
Rideshare services are now available almost everywhere. These services provide great benefits to the communities they serve and relieve countless drivers of their duties to drive. However, rideshare drivers can also cause accidents, just as any other drivers on the road can.
The process for seeking compensation in these rideshare crashes can be more complicated than when only private drivers are involved in the State of New York. If you frequently use rideshare services, it is vital to learn these five key steps to take in the event of a crash to help ensure you are compensated for your losses.
1. Call 911
Regardless of the circumstances, you should call 911 after an accident. Doing so gets first responders on the scene who can evaluate your condition and arrange for transport, if necessary. You will also get a police officer on the scene who will create a crash report, which will relieve you of your duty to report the crash.
2. Gather Evidence
If you can, try to gather as much evidence as possible relating to the crash, such as:
- Photos
- Video footage
- Witness statements
- Evidence of weather conditions or road hazards
Keep in mind that you might need clear evidence showing who was at fault in order to succeed in a liability claim in New York. However, never put yourself in harm’s way to get the proof you need.
3. Exchange Information
You will also need to exchange information with the rideshare driver if you were driving a car during the accident. If you were a passenger, pedestrian, or on a bicycle, you would still want to get the driver’s contact and basic vehicle information. You will want to make sure they have your contact information as well.
4. Record an Account of the Accident
Evidence is important to your claim for compensation, and your account of the crash is powerful evidence. For this reason, you want to ensure you record your version of the events using a voice recorder or a journal. The closer in time to the crash that you do this, the more reliable and trusted the account will likely be.
5. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
As soon as you are medically able to do so, you need to contact a personal injury attorney to help you collect compensation for your crash. Avoid the insurance company at all costs until you have had an experienced lawyer review your case. An attorney will give you a truer evaluation of your case than an insurance company adjuster.
In fact, the adjuster is likely to lowball you in order to save money. They will also probably try to use what you say against you, for the purpose of reducing your claim or denying it altogether. But with an attorney representing you, you have a better chance of receiving maximum compensation.
A Rideshare Accident Attorney Can Help You Get Justice
Rideshare accidents are on the rise and may leave victims with serious injuries. If you have experienced a rideshare accident yourself in New York, let a seasoned rideshare accident attorney review your case for free so you can find out your options for recovering valuable compensation.