Four Steps to Take After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Maryland
Accidents are stressful, no matter what the circumstances. But if you’re in an accident involving a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, you may be wondering if there are additional factors to consider. Let’s talk about the steps you need to take to ensure that your health, safety and legal rights are protected if you are in an Uber or Lyft accident in the state of Maryland.
1. Make sure you – and others – are okay. Immediately after the accident, the first thing you should do is check for injuries, both to yourself and to any others who may have been involved in the accident. Call 911 if you need to, or get yourself to a doctor as soon as possible – even if you feel as though your injuries are minor. (It might take a while for you to know the extent of certain injuries, because your adrenaline is running high in the moments after an accident.) Remember, too, that documenting your injuries might be important from a legal standpoint later on.
2. Report the accident to Uber/Lyft and the police. Even if no one is injured or there isn’t significant damage to any cars or property, you should contact your local police and report the accident. That way, an objective person (the police officer) can assess the situation and provide you with an official record of the accident, which might be necessary if you file a claim (or if someone else disputes your recollection of events). Another thing you should do right away is make Uber or Lyft aware of the accident; you can do this by reporting it through the app or on their website. Both rideshare companies have specific rules in place for handling accidents involving their drivers, and they can provide you with guidance on next steps.
3. Gather as much information as you can. While you’re waiting for the police, ambulance and/or other authorities to arrive (and assuming you’re physically able to do so), you should try to document the scene. Exchange contact and insurance information with the Uber driver and anyone else who is involved in the accident. If there are witnesses, take down their information as well. Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage and road conditions. All of this information can really help to support your case if you end up filing a claim for compensation.
4. Get in touch with an attorney. Once the dust has settled and you’ve talked to police and gotten your injuries looked at, you should consider contacting a qualified personal injury attorney who specializes in car accident cases. This person can walk you through the legal process and act as your representative when working with other involved parties, witnesses, insurance companies and more. Crucially, a seasoned lawyer can help you determine if Uber or Lyft is responsible for the accident – and if so, how to claim compensation from them.
Being in an accident involving a rideshare service can be scary on many levels. But if you remain calm, gather evidence and enlist the help of an experienced lawyer, you can navigate the ins and outs of the legal system and ensure the best outcome for yourself.
If you’ve been injured in an accident involving Uber, Lyft or another rideshare company, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Parr in Baltimore, MD today to schedule your free consultation. We don’t receive a fee unless we win.