With the rise of ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft, more and more people are opting for these convenient and affordable options for transportation. While the services are generally safe, accidents can still happen. In the event of a rideshare accident in California, it’s important to know what steps to take to protect yourself and your legal rights.
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention
The first and most important step after any accident is to seek medical attention for yourself and any passengers who may have been injured. Even if you feel fine, it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional to ensure that there are no hidden injuries that could worsen over time.
Step 2: Contact Law Enforcement
After ensuring the safety of all involved, contact law enforcement to report the accident. The police report can serve as important evidence if you need to file a claim later on.
Step 3: Exchange Information
Exchange information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. This includes contact information, insurance information, and driver’s license numbers.
Step 4: Take Pictures and Gather Evidence
Take pictures of the accident scene, including any damage to the vehicles involved and any injuries sustained. Additionally, gather any witness statements and contact information.
Step 5: Contact Your Rideshare Company
Contact your rideshare company to report the accident and get guidance on how to proceed. The company may have specific protocols in place for accidents involving their drivers.
Step 6: Contact an Experienced Rideshare Accident Attorney
Contacting an experienced rideshare accident attorney is crucial in protecting your legal rights and ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve for any injuries or damages sustained in the accident.
It’s also important to note that California has specific laws regarding rideshare accidents. In 2018, California passed Assembly Bill 2989, which requires rideshare companies to provide $1 million in liability coverage for accidents that occur while the driver is on duty.
If you were a passenger in a rideshare vehicle at the time of the accident, you may be entitled to compensation from both the rideshare company and the driver’s insurance company. This can be a complicated process, which is why it’s crucial to work with an experienced rideshare accident attorney.
It’s worth noting that while rideshare accidents are not uncommon, they are not the only type of accident that can occur while using a rideshare service. Pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists can also be involved in accidents with rideshare vehicles. If you are involved in any type of accident while using a rideshare service, it’s important to take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your legal rights.
Being involved in a rideshare accident can be a traumatic experience. However, by following these steps and working with an experienced attorney, you can take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your legal rights.
As a law firm that specializes in personal injury cases, including rideshare accidents in California, at Timothy J. Ryan & Associates, we can help individuals who have been involved in a rideshare accident. We offer a free consultation to review the details of the case and provide guidance on the legal options available.
Once we take on a case, we conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, including gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and working with experts to determine the cause of the accident. We communicate with the insurance companies involved in the case on our clients’ behalf and negotiate for fair compensation for their injuries and damages.
We can also litigate the case in court. Our attorneys have extensive trial experience and are dedicated to fighting for our clients’ rights.
We are committed to helping individuals who have been involved in a rideshare accident in California navigate the legal process and obtain fair compensation for their injuries and damages.