To get from one place to another, and conveniently at that, many people rely on Uber, Lyft, or other ride sharing services as their mode of transport—and there really is no surprise there. For one, booking an Uber or Lyft is very practical. With just a few clicks on your smartphone, your ride will arrive at your chosen pick-up point in just a matter of minutes, which you can easily track using the application, and will then drop you off directly at your chosen point. Payment is convenient, which can also be done via the app, with rates also very reasonable, sometimes even cheaper than riding a cab.
Given the support Uber and Lyft have been getting from patrons, the ride sharing industry has indeed grown exponentially over the years. Consequently, car accidents involving Uber and Lyft rides have increased, too, with many of these mishaps resulting in costly property damage, serious physical injuries, and even wrongful death.
Uber and Lyft Accident Protocols
If you frequently book any of these ride sharing services, it is important that you equip yourself with the knowledge on what to do in the unfortunate event that you get involved in a car accident while on an Uber, Lyft, or any similar service. While, of course, the chances of getting into a car accident are low, as it is presumed that these driver
1. Stay calm. Check for injuries that may need immediate medical assistance. It is admittedly difficult to think clearly immediately after an accident. The first thing you must remember, however, is that panicking will not contribute to the situation. Stay calm, and assess yourself for possible injuries. If you are clear of serious injuries that should need immediate assistance, check your Uber or Lyft driver, too, as you may need to seek medical help for injuries that he or she may have suffered because of the mishap.
2. Document the accident. Take photos and videos of the scene of the car accident, the damage to the Uber or Lyft, as well as to the other vehicles involved, the injuries suffered, and all other matters that would help in the investigation. The investigation shall be facilitated by the authorities, starting with a police report, so it is also at this point where authorities must be called to the scene, if they have not arrived yet.
3. Track all expenses relating to the accident. Remember that proper documentation does not end on the day of the accident. You have to track and document, too, such expenses that you will be shouldering in relation to the mishap, even if incurred on days succeeding the incident. This usually involves medical expenses, including check-ups and medication.
4. Seek the services of a personal injury lawyer specializing in Uber and Lyft accidents. Especially if you are looking to seek liability and claim damages, it would definitely help if you engage the services of a lawyer who is highly qualified and experienced in personal injury cases. Note that in these instances, passengers usually need to deal with insurance companies, and even the ride sharing service company itself. Thus, it is important to put yourself on equal footing with these big-time parties, and this is most definitely through a lawyer.
If you are an Uber or Lyft driver, these protocols would more or less apply to you, too. The most important step, however, is to contact a lawyer who specializes in Lyft and Uber accidents because you will also have to deal with your agreement with the concerned ride sharing company you are servicing under. Apart from that, there are specific laws that apply to the ride sharing service industry, and you will definitely need an expert to help you understand your rights, as well as your possible liabilities, under these laws.
Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer in Norcross, GA
That said, if you get involved in an Uber or Lyft accident in Georgia, Musgrove Trial Fim is here to provide its legal expertise and assistance.
Located in Norcross, Georgia, Musgrove Trial Firm has a set of highly skilled and competent personal injury lawyers on its team. It is currently offering its professional legal services in Atlanta and nearby areas, and surely, this is the kind of legal service that you deserve and need to help you in a potential personal injury case arising from an accident involving an Uber, Lyft, or any similar ride sharing service.
Musgrove Trial Firm is ready to hear and represent you. Send us a message on our website or give us a call at (678) 226-1994 for immediate assistance.