If you are in an accident, it can be hard to know what to do. This may be even more true if your accident involved a Lyft vehicle or other ride-sharing vehicle. It is important for you to take the proper steps after an accident to protect yourself, both physically and legally. Whether you were recently in an accident or you just want to be prepared in case one ever happens, this guide will explain everything you should do.
What To Do Right After the Accident
What you should do immediately after the accident is the same regardless of whether a Lyft driver is involved in any way. Whether you are a passenger in a Lyft vehicle or collided with a Lyft vehicle, always take these steps, in order:
- Evaluate your own health. If you are injured in any way, call 911 immediately. You should take even minor injuries very seriously.
- Evaluate the health of others around you. If anyone was injured call 911 immediately.
- If the vehicles are blocking traffic, consider if they can be moved. Only do so if you believe it can be done quickly and safely, but it is better to leave them where they are than to be injured. If any vehicles are blocking traffic and cannot be moved, call 911 immediately.
- Exchange contact information with all drivers and witnesses.
- Take many pictures of the accident.
You should always call the police within 24 hours of an accident so an accident report can be filed. You should call the police immediately if anyone is injured, the other driver is not cooperating, or if you estimate the damage to the vehicles to be over $1,000.
In the Following Days
Once you are no longer at the scene of the accident, you should turn your attention to legal matters. In a perfect world, the insurance companies would be able to compensate all drivers completely, but that does not always happen. If you are not fully compensated for vehicle damage and medical bills, then you may have a chance to file a lawsuit.
In most states, you will be filing a lawsuit against the individual driver that you collided with, rather than the company Lyft. If you were a passenger in a Lyft vehicle that crashed, you likely will still be suing the individual driver. In some states, Lyft may be held responsible, but that is usually not the case.