5 Steps to Take After a Rideshare Crash
Whether you’re heading to the airport or a night out on Atlantic Avenue, most Uber and Lyft passengers never imagine their ride ending in a collision. Yet rideshare crashes happen every day, and when they do, understanding what to do next can make all the difference in protecting your health, your rights, and your ability to seek compensation.
Have a conversation with a Port St. Lucie Personal Injury Lawyer if you were injured in a rideshare accident. The steps you take early on matter.
#1. Check for Injuries and Call 911
Your first priority is safety. Check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 right away if anyone needs medical assistance. Even if you aren’t sure if your injuries are serious, it’s best to have emergency services respond so there’s an official record of the accident.
Rideshare collisions can cause whiplash, head trauma, back injuries, and internal damage, many of which aren’t obvious right away. Getting evaluated at the scene or soon after the crash helps protect both your health and your claim.
#2. Report the Accident to the Police and Rideshare Company
In Florida, any crash involving injuries or property damage over $500 must be reported to law enforcement. An official police report will document key details such as the drivers involved, vehicle information, and witness statements.
You should also report the crash through the Uber or Lyft app. Both companies have protocols for handling accidents, and this step creates a digital record showing that the incident occurred during a rideshare trip.
#3. Note Whether Your Ride Was Standard or Luxury
If it’s safe to do so, collect as much information as possible before leaving the scene. Take photos of vehicle damage, the accident location, visible injuries, and any traffic signals or road conditions that may have played a role.
Also be sure to note whether your ride was in a standard vehicle or a luxury rideshare option such as Uber Black or Lyft Lux. This distinction can affect insurance coverage.
#4. Schedule a Medical Evaluation
Even if you don’t require an ambulance, see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Under Florida’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) laws, you must seek medical care within 14 days to qualify for PIP benefits.
#5. Contact a Rideshare Accident Attorney
Rideshare accident claims can be more complex than standard car crashes because they involve multiple layers of insurance. The coverage that applies depends on whether the driver was logged into the app, waiting for a ride request, or actively transporting a passenger.
A knowledgeable Port St. Lucie Personal Injury Lawyer can help you navigate these complexities, determine which policies apply, and fight for the full compensation you deserve. This includes damages for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term care if needed.
Do you need to focus on your own recovery rather than spending time talking to insurance representatives? Whether your Uber or Lyft accident took place in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Stuart, or Vero Beach, the attorneys at Leifer & Ramirez can ensure your rights are fully protected. Call 561-660-9421 to schedule a confidential consultation.
