According to Statistica, 36 percent of American adults use ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft. With more people using these ridesharing services, more accidents have occurred. Being involved in a ridesharing car accident is never a pleasant experience. Uber and Lyft accidents are unsurprisingly becoming more common as the apps gain more users.
Suppose you have sustained injuries after being hit by an Uber or Lyft vehicle. In that case, you might be able to obtain compensation by utilizing the services of an Orlando car accident attorney. However, it’s likely you don’t know what to do when you have been hit by an Uber or Lyft driver. That’s why at Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis, PA, we have put together this article to help you identify what you need to do.
What to Do after You Were Hit by an Uber or Lyft Driver
Below we have put together a brief list of what you should do if you were hit by an Uber or Lyft driver. We know how intimidating it can be to initiate a case against an Uber or Lyft driver. However, if you are armed with the right information and follow the tips we have provided, you will find the experience less stressful while you focus on recovering.
Call the Police and 911 after Your Collision
Should you have been hit by an Uber or Lyft driver, the first thing you should do is call the police and 911. In most instances, when you call 911, they will dispatch a police unit to the accident scene. It’s imperative a police officer be at the scene of the accident as they will complete a police report that will help you prove that an Uber or Lyft driver was truly at fault for your injuries.
In addition to this, the police accident report will be unbiased and, therefore, a crucial piece of evidence to have for your case.
Exchange Information with the Uber or Lyft Driver
Another crucial thing you need to do after being hit by an Uber or Lyft driver is get the driver’s information. This will include their personal contact details and their vehicle registration and insurance information. Most times, you will need to claim from the Uber or Lyft driver’s personal insurance, so it’s crucial you obtain this information.
Seek Medical Care
When an Uber or Lyft driver has hit you, you need to seek medical attention. Even if the 911 ambulance healthcare professionals have already attended to you, you should go to a hospital or doctor of your choosing.
Seeking medical attention will help you identify injuries caused during the accident and help you recover faster. In addition to this, the medical records you obtain after the accident will serve as vital evidence that your injuries were caused by being hit by the Uber or Lyft driver.
Obtain Accident Evidence
Another crucial step you need to try and do is obtain as much accident evidence as possible. Some of the evidence you’ll want to retrieve includes witness statements and their contact information, images of the accident scene, photos of your injuries, and images or video footage of any property damages.
Can You Sue Uber or Lyft If a Driver Hit You?
Should you have been hit by an Uber or Lyft driver, you’re likely eager to uncover if you’re allowed to sue either of these companies for your injuries.
Unfortunately, you will not necessarily be able to sue Uber or Lyft directly as drivers of these companies are employed as independent contractors. That means you will have to initiate a lawsuit against a driver or claim through their personal insurance or the insurance Uber and Lyft provide their drivers while they are actively working.
Speak with an Orlando Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney Today to Discuss Your Uber or Lyft Claim
Should you have recently been hit by a rideshare driver, it might be best to consider speaking with an Orlando Lyft and Uber accident attorney. A professional attorney with ample experience will be able to help you navigate the often difficult legal proceedings surrounding Uber and Lyft accident claims.
At Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis, PA, our attorneys can help you. Our Orlando firm has more than 50 years of legal experience helping clients obtain compensation for injuries and damages incurred by someone else’s negligence. Our award-winning firm is eager to help you, which is why we provide free consultations. To speak with us, contact us here or give us a call at (407) 843-7060.