What Should I Do If I’m a Passenger in an Uber Accident in New York City?
What you do in the aftermath of an Uber or Lyft accident in NYC can have a direct impact on the amount of compensation you receive. In the coming days and weeks, it’s crucial to preserve documentation such as the accident report and the notes from our primary care provider. Your NYC Uber accident lawyer at Douglas & London will use this and other evidence to help you receive the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Call for help
When you call 911 let the dispatcher know if it appears you or someone else might need an ambulance. When the police arrive, you should write down their names and badge numbers, and request a copy of their accident report.
Next, you will need to report the accident to Uber or Lyft. For Uber passengers, open up the Uber app, and navigate to Trip and Fare Review > Driver Feedback or Trip and Fare Review > I was involved in an accident. This page allows you to report the accident immediately. If you’re riding in a Lyft, tap on the purple “Report an Accident” button within the app and follow the onscreen prompts.
Gather important information
Passengers in an Uber or Lyft also need to gather specific information from the involved parties. You should already have the rideshare driver’s name in the app, but it won’t hurt to write down this information, just in case.
Ask the Uber driver for their insurance card and either write down the information or take a picture of it with your smartphone. If you opt to take a photo, go into your gallery, and make sure all of the information is visible in the picture. You’ll also need the plate numbers of the involved vehicles, as well as the drivers’ license numbers.
You should also write down the names and contact information of any other drivers and passengers involved in the crash– especially if it was a multi-vehicle accident. In addition, you’ll need the same information from eyewitnesses. Lastly, take a screenshot of the Lyft or Uber app. Make sure the screenshot shows the basic information about your ride, including your receipt.
Take photographs
It’s essential to document the accident to substantiate your claim. Take photographs of all involved vehicles, being sure to document the damage. Make sure you have images of street signs, locations/positioning of the cars, and even the injuries.
Take notes
When you consult a personal injury lawyer after the accident, they will have many questions for you. Avoid relying on your memory. Instead, at the scene, if you are able, take notes about the crash, including:
- Date and time of the accident
- Location (street and nearest cross street)
- Direction of travel of the Uber/Lyft vehicle and other involved vehicles
- Weather
- Eyewitness statements
Seek medical attention
Your next priority is to go to the nearest ER. Let the doctor know you were in a car accident. Follow all instructions given to you by the medical staff, including instructions to make follow-up medical appointments or receive diagnostic testing. Take notes about your medical treatment, symptoms, and diagnoses, and get the names of all treating providers.
It’s possible for symptoms to manifest during the coming days. For instance, the symptoms of whiplash might not develop for 24 to 48 hours after the crash. Keep track of your health and recovery and see your doctor if new issues arise.
Be careful about what you say
Be mindful of what you say to the insurance adjuster and the Uber/Lyft customer support personnel. Although it’s likely you will recover compensation from the insurance carrier– it’s also possible that you may file a lawsuit. It’s best to speak with an NYC Lyft accident lawyer before talking to the insurance adjuster.
Contact us for a free consultation
The New York City car accident lawyers at Douglas & London have secured billions in settlements and verdicts on behalf of our injured clients. Our team will thoroughly investigate your case and determine the best avenue for pursuing maximum compensation for your injuries. Schedule a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we win.
