What Evidence Do You Need After an Uber Accident in New York City?
Much of the evidence you need to gather after a New York City Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare accident is similar to that of any motor vehicle collision. If it is physically possible, start collecting that evidence at the scene of the crash.
An NYC Uber accident lawyer at Douglas & London protects your rights and negotiates with the at-fault party and their insurance representatives so you receive the compensation you deserve. When it comes to Uber and other rideshare accidents, just who is liable depends on when the accident happened in the rideshare schedule.
Take Notes and Photos
Take photos and videos of the scene. Include shots of the vehicle damage from several angles. Document your own injuries with photos.
Besides the vehicles, take photos or videos of any skid marks, road conditions, or anything that may have contributed to the accident or prove useful as evidence.
Keep the sound on as you record your video. You might document evidence of driving while intoxicated or even admission of fault. When you have solid sound and video confirmation of the accident aftermath, it is difficult for others involved in the crash to later change their stories.
Write down or record your memory of what happened right away. Details may fade with time. Even though you have just been through an accident, try to remember exactly how the crash occurred from your perspective and jot down or record recollections are specifically as you can.
Eyewitnesses
Eyewitnesses are often vital when it comes to providing evidence about the crash. They may have seen something occupants in the other car were unaware of, such as how fast the vehicle that hit them was moving at the time of impact. What an eyewitness saw may identify which driver was responsible for the collision.
Get the contact information for eyewitnesses, including name and address, personal and work telephone numbers, and email. Ask them about what they saw, and take notes or ask them to record their observations.
Surveillance Videos
It is unlikely that a passerby is filming the accident as it happens unless something of interest is taking place at the same time. If someone does catch the collision on video, they would have to let you or the police officer know they had done so.
Many businesses and residences have surveillance video, and that can prove critical to your case. Obtaining such video is just one reason to contact an NYC Lyft accident lawyer or other rideshare attorney right after the collision. The sooner the investigation starts, the more evidence is available. For example, many businesses and residences automatically delete their surveillance videos after 30 days, so time is of the essence.
While the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in New York is three years from the date of the incident, waiting to consult a lawyer can mean that valuable evidence may vanish.
Medical Evidence
New York is a no-fault state when it pertains to car insurance. That means only those with serious injuries may go outside of the no-fault system and file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Medical evidence is a crucial part of your claim. Go to the emergency room immediately after an Uber accident, even if you do not think you were badly hurt.
Fail to seek prompt medical attention, and Uber or Lyft’s insurance carriers may allege you were not seriously hurt or that your injuries arose from another cause. Not only does a swift medical examination identify the nature and extent of your injuries, but there is little question they resulted from the accident.
Make sure to follow doctor’s orders at all times. Keep track of all accident-related visits to healthcare practitioners, and save all receipts relating to such visits. These include transportation costs and prescribed or over-the-counter medication.
Contact a New York City Uber Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one were seriously injured due to the negligence or recklessness of an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare driver, contact an experienced personal injury attorney at Douglas & London. Schedule a free consultation and case evaluation by submitting our online form or calling or texting us 24/7.
After the case review, we will advise you on how to proceed. Our attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means you pay no fee unless you receive compensation. Hablamos Espanol.