What to do next if you’re a passenger in a Lyft accident? You should call for help immediately, gather evidence, get medical care, and talk to a Lansing Lyft accident lawyer if you’re a passenger in a Lyft accident.
Rideshare services like Lyft often employ independent contractors as drivers. When that driver makes a mistake or another driver strikes the vehicle you are in, it may be hard to know what to do.
Call for Help Right Away
In any accident, the sooner you can get medical care to your location, the better. There are two benefits of this. First, it ensures you get the medical care you need to protect yourself from further injuries and losses. In addition, it starts the process of documenting what occurred and who is at fault.
If you are able to move yourself out of the way of further injury, do so. If you cannot move for any reason, let the dispatcher know where you are and what you are experiencing. They will provide specific instructions to you, enabling you to get the care you need as soon as possible.
If you are able to move out of the way, take a moment to check on others involved in the accident. That includes the driver of the car and any other parties involved.
Focus first on medical care whenever possible to do so. This is an important part of what to do next if you’re a passenger in a Lyft accident.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
What to Do Next if You’re a Passenger in a Lyft Accident: Gather Evidence at the Scene
When safe to do so, gather evidence at the scene of the accident using your phone. Both photos and videos can help you capture the details of what occurred in real time, making it clear what happened and why it occurred.
Some of the photos and videos you should have include:
- Images of the damage to all cars and structures involved in the accident
- Photos of your injuries
- A video showing the surrounding area where the incident occurred
- A photo of the driver and their driver’s license
In addition to this, take the time to speak to anyone who was at the scene and saw or experienced what happened. This should include people in the vehicle with you, people in the other vehicle, and witnesses outside of the car.
Ask for their name and contact information so you can use them later to help you document what occurred. A Lansing car accident lawyer can assist with evidence collection.
Go to the Hospital for Further Evaluation
As soon as you can do so, head to the hospital for a full examination. Do this even if you feel okay right after the accident. It is very common for victims to have unseen injuries with no outward signs. Going to the hospital helps you get the care you need right away.
We encourage you to explain to the medical professionals what occurred so they can comprehensively provide an examination. Agree to the necessary medical tests that can help substantiate what happened. Then follow up with the medical providers they recommend that you see in the days following your accident.
If admitted to the hospital, start documenting the type of care you receive and the diagnoses of your injuries. It is not too early to contact an attorney to begin helping you build your case. The sooner you do, the easier it is for us to seek evidence to back up your claim.
We know how to get our clients the results they need in the toughest legal arenas.
Report the Injury to the Necessary Parties
There are several factors to consider at this point. First, no matter who you report the accident to, you are just documenting that the incident took place, the location, and the names of those involved.
You do not want to file a claim until you know what all of your losses are. You should:
- Use the Lyft app to document the accident’s occurrence. Do not detail injuries or losses at this point. Avoid making statements you are unsure about, including who is to blame.
- Complete a police report. The police may arrive at the scene of the accident. If they do not, head to the local police station where the incident occurred to report the accident. Avoid any statements that could indicate you were at fault.
- Contact your insurance company. In a Brief Explanation of Michigan No-Fault Insurance, Michigan is a no-fault accident state. That means if you have personal injury protection, you may have to file a claim there first.
In these situations, do not provide any statements that could be misleading about your role in the accident. Now is also a good time to turn to an attorney who will help you seek legal action against those at fault. Your lawyer will explain exactly what your rights are.
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
Contact an Attorney to Go Over Your Legal Options
Lyft accidents involve numerous moving factors, making it more challenging for victims to seek compensation. Your Lansing personal injury lawyer will provide you with an overview of what your legal rights are based on the details of your case. Consider the following:
- The Lyft driver was using the app to provide you with the requested service. In this case, you may be able to pursue Lyft for additional damages over and above the coverage you have.
- The driver failed to log your ride. When the app is not in place, it may be necessary to pursue legal action against the other party.
- If a third party, not the Lyft driver, caused the accident, it may be necessary to seek legal action against that party.
Every situation is very different, and having an attorney available to guide you throughout it can prove to be critical. Lyft is a big company, with powerful insurance companies all working against you.
When you have injuries because you took a Lyft ride, taking legal action is the right you have.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Lyft Accident Lawyer Now
At White Law PLLC, we provide a wide range of services to victims facing serious injuries and losses through no fault of their own. Contact our Lansing Lyft accident attorney now to discuss your Lyft accident case and what to do next if you’re a passenger in a Lyft accident.
Do that before you file a claim with any party. We can protect you from making decisions that could put your future and finances on the line.
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