Have you or a loved one been injured in a car accident involving a Lyft or Uber driver in Scranton? Contact The Slocum Firm today to schedule a free consultation. Our Scranton rideshare accident lawyers can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Have you been involved in a rideshare accident in Scranton, PA? If so, you know how stressful and confusing this experience can be. Rideshare accidents can lead to severe injuries, property damage, and significant financial losses. Understanding the steps after an accident is crucial to protecting your rights and maximizing your chances of recovering compensation.

At The Slocum Firm, we’re committed to helping victims of rideshare accidents in Scranton navigate the legal process and seek fair compensation. Our experienced Scranton rideshare accident lawyers deeply understand the complexities of these cases and are dedicated to fighting for your rights.

This article will cover the essential steps to take after a rideshare accident. By following these guidelines, you can increase your chances of a successful outcome for your accident claim and minimize the stress associated with the aftermath of an accident.

Whether you were a passenger, driver, or pedestrian involved in a rideshare accident, we’re here to provide the legal representation you need. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you navigate the complexities of your case.

Ensure Safety and Call Emergency Services

Your safety and the safety of others should be the priority after a rideshare accident. As soon as the accident occurs, dial 911 to report the crash and request medical help if anyone is injured. Even if the injuries seem minor, getting medical attention is essential. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, may not show symptoms immediately but can have severe consequences if left untreated.

• Prioritize Medical Attention: Ensure everyone involved in the accident receives necessary medical treatment. This includes rideshare passengers, the rideshare driver, and other drivers or passengers.
• Report the Accident: When speaking with the 911 operator, provide precise details about the accident scene, including the location, the number of vehicles involved, and the extent of the injuries.

Report the Accident to Authorities

Once emergency services are on their way, you need to report the accident to the local authorities. In Scranton, the police will document the crash, which is crucial for any personal injury claims you may need to file later. A police report serves as an official accident record and can be critical evidence in legal action.

Ensure that the officer files a report. You should also request a copy for your records. This document will be invaluable when dealing with insurance claims and any potential legal representation from a Scranton auto accident lawyer.

Gather Evidence at the Accident Scene

Collecting evidence at the accident scene is essential to support your claims and protect your rights. This evidence will help establish the details of the accident, determine who was at fault, and assist your rideshare accident lawyer in seeking fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

• Take Photos and Videos: Capture the accident scene, the vehicles involved, any visible injuries, and property damage. Documenting the crash from multiple angles can help provide a clear picture of what happened.
• Talk to Witnesses: If there are witnesses, get their contact information and a brief statement about what they saw. Their testimony can be critical if there are disputes about how the accident occurred.
• Record Details: Write down everything you remember about the accident, including the time, weather conditions, and what led to the crash. These details can be crucial for your legal process later on.

Exchange Information with All Parties Involved

After ensuring everyone’s safety and gathering evidence, exchanging information with all parties involved in the accident is essential. This includes Uber or Lyft drivers, other drivers, and any passengers. Make sure to collect and share the following information:

• Driver’s Information: Get the names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information of all drivers involved, including the rideshare driver.
• Vehicle Details: Record the make, model, color, and license plate numbers of all vehicles involved in the accident.
• Rideshare Company Information: If the accident involved a rideshare vehicle, note the rideshare company’s name (Uber or Lyft) and the details of the rideshare app used for the trip. This will be necessary when dealing with insurance issues related to the rideshare company’s insurance policy.

Notify the Rideshare Company

After a rideshare accident, one of the first things you should do is notify the rideshare company, whether it’s Uber or Lyft.

Reporting the accident to the rideshare company is critical for record-keeping and ensuring that the company is aware of the incident and can start the necessary procedures, including insurance claims and investigations.

• Use the Rideshare App: Both Uber and Lyft have features within their apps that allow you to report an accident. Use these features as soon as possible after the crash occurs. The sooner you report the accident, the quicker the rideshare company can initiate its insurance coverage processes.
• Provide Accurate Information: When reporting the incident, provide as much detail as possible, including the time and location of the accident, the vehicles involved, and any injuries sustained. This information will be crucial when you or your rideshare accident lawyer seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
• Document the Accident Scene: While notifying the rideshare company, take the time to document the accident scene. Photos of the vehicles involved, visible injuries, road conditions, and other relevant details can be invaluable when dealing with the rideshare company’s or the at-fault driver’s personal insurance policy.

Seek Medical Attention

After notifying the rideshare company, your next priority should be seeking medical attention, even if you believe your injuries are minor. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent but can become serious if left untreated.

• Immediate Medical Evaluation: After a rideshare accident, it’s essential to get evaluated by a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Even if you feel fine initially, a thorough medical examination can reveal injuries that might not be immediately obvious. This evaluation is also crucial for documenting your injuries, which is essential for any personal injury case or claim you may pursue later.
• Follow-Up Care: Depending on the severity of your injuries, follow-up medical treatment might be necessary. This could include visits to specialists, physical therapy, or ongoing medical care. All of these medical expenses should be documented. They can be included in your personal injury claims against the at-fault driver, the rideshare company’s insurance policy, or other parties involved.
• Document Medical Bills and Records: Keep a detailed record of all medical bills, treatment records, and prescribed medications. This documentation will be critical when your rideshare accident lawyer seeks to secure fair compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages.

Why Seeking Medical Attention Is Crucial

• Protect Your Health: The primary reason to seek medical attention is to ensure your well-being. Rideshare accidents can cause a range of injuries, from minor injuries like bruises and sprains to severe injuries such as fractures, spinal damage, or traumatic brain injuries. Timely medical treatment can prevent complications and aid in a faster recovery.
• Strengthen Your Legal Case: Seeking medical attention promptly also strengthens your personal injury case. Insurance and rideshare companies scrutinize claims closely, looking for reasons to minimize payouts. If there is a delay between the accident and your medical treatment, they might argue that your injuries are not severe or are unrelated to the accident.
• Support for Insurance Claims: When filing insurance claims—whether through the rideshare company’s insurance policy, the at-fault driver’s insurance, or your insurance—having medical records documenting the extent and cause of your injuries will be essential. These records will be instrumental in securing a fair settlement for your medical expenses, lost wages, and any emotional distress you’ve suffered.

Contact a Scranton Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Rideshare accidents can be complex, especially when determining liability between the rideshare driver, the rideshare company, and other parties involved.

Whether it’s a Lyft accident or an Uber accident, you might face challenges with insurance coverage and seeking compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. That’s why contacting a Scranton car accident attorney as soon as possible is crucial.

• Seek Legal Representation: A competent lawyer experienced in rideshare accidents can guide you through the legal process, help you understand your legal options, and ensure you pursue fair compensation for your injuries.
• Insurance Claims and Compensation: Your accident attorney can assist with filing insurance claims, whether through the rideshare company’s insurance policy, the driver’s personal insurance policy, or other insurance coverage. They will also help navigate insurance limits and other legal hurdles that may arise.
• Free Consultation: Many Scranton law firms offer a free consultation to discuss your case. This is an opportunity to ask questions, understand your rights, and determine the best action.

File a Claim with Insurance Companies

After a rideshare accident, you need to file an insurance claim. However, dealing with insurance companies can be complicated. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have specific insurance policies that may cover the accident, but these policies can vary depending on the circumstances of the crash. Your accident lawyer will help you navigate these complexities to ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.

• Understand Insurance Coverage: The rideshare company’s insurance policy may cover damages if the driver is at fault. However, their insurance might be responsible if another driver was at fault. Understanding who is liable can be complex without legal assistance.
• Avoid Quick Settlements: Insurance companies may offer a quick settlement that doesn’t fully cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. Before accepting any offer, consult with your rideshare accident lawyer to ensure it’s a fair settlement.

Keep Records

When a rideshare accident occurs, whether you’re a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian, keeping detailed records is crucial. Documenting everything related to the accident can significantly impact the outcome of any personal injury claims you might file.

Maintain Copies of All Medical Records

If you’ve sustained minor or severe injuries, it’s important to keep all medical records related to your treatment. This documentation is essential when calculating medical expenses and pursuing a personal injury case.

• Medical Bills: Keep copies of all medical bills related to the accident, including those for emergency room visits, doctor consultations, surgeries, prescriptions, physical therapy, and other medical treatments.
• Medical Reports: Request detailed medical reports from your healthcare providers that outline the extent of your injuries and the treatment plan. These reports will be critical when your accident lawyer negotiates with the rideshare company’s insurance policy to seek a fair settlement.
• Ongoing Treatment: If your injuries require ongoing medical treatment, maintain records of all follow-up visits, treatment plans, and related costs. This is crucial for showing the long-term impact of the accident on your health and your ability to work.

Document Financial Losses

Rideshare accidents can lead to significant financial losses beyond just medical bills. Keeping records of these losses will help your personal injury lawyers build a solid case to seek compensation.

• Lost Wages: If your injuries have caused you to miss work, document the time you’ve had to take off and any lost wages. Your employer can provide a letter or a pay stub that details the income you’ve lost due to the accident.
• Property Damage: Keep records of the damage to your vehicle or any personal property destroyed in the accident. This includes repair estimates, repair receipts, and the cost of replacing damaged items.
• Other Expenses: If the accident caused you to incur other expenses, such as hiring someone to help around the house due to your injuries or paying for transportation while your vehicle was being repaired, keep receipts and records of these costs.

Insurance Communications

Communicating with the insurance company, whether your own or the rideshare company’s insurance provider, is a critical part of the legal process following a rideshare accident. Keep records of all these interactions to protect your rights.

• Insurance Claims: Keep copies of all claims you file with the insurance companies. This includes claims filed with your driver’s personal insurance policy, the at-fault driver’s insurance, and the rideshare company’s insurance policy.
• Correspondence: Save all emails, letters, and other correspondence with the insurance company, including any settlement offers they make. This will be helpful if there are insurance coverage disputes or if you need legal action to obtain fair compensation.
• Phone Call Logs: Document the dates and times of all phone calls with the insurance company. Note what was discussed during each call, especially if they ask you for information or offer a settlement.

Contact a Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Scranton

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, you may be unsure of what steps to take next. At The Slocum Firm, we understand the complexities of these cases, from dealing with the rideshare company’s insurance to identifying the at-fault party.

Our experienced Scranton rideshare accident lawyers are here to guide you through the process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical bills, and lost wages. We provide a free consultation to review your case and help you explore your legal options. Our team ensures personalized attention, working closely with you to create a strategy that fits your needs.

Call 570-209-7376 today to learn how we can help you navigate your rideshare accident claim and fight for your rights.