Ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized the way people in New York travel, but the worst sometimes happens, and the ride-hailing car is involved in an accident. At that point, there are some key actions that passengers need to take.
Steps to take after an accident
The first thing to do is assess whether anyone is injured. If there are even minor injuries, it’s a good idea to call 911. Sometimes, a bruise can be a sign of serious internal bleeding, especially if the collision was at high speed.
The next thing to do is get information from the parties involved in the accident. It’s important to have contact details for the drivers and their insurance companies, especially if an injury occurred.
It’s also important not to leave the scene of the accident. If it’s a fender-bender or worse, the police may be required to respond. When they do, they will want to speak to witnesses, and that includes passengers. You may need to make a statement.
Finally, it’s also necessary to contact the ride-hailing service provider. Usually, passengers can do this via the app they used to book the ride. For one thing, the service can call another driver so that the trip can be completed. For another, ride-hailing companies need to know about motor vehicle accidents involving their business.
How might a lawyer help?
Anyone who is injured in a car accident should consider contacting a lawyer. The attorneys who work for insurance companies will likely make a settlement offer, but they sometimes low-ball accident victims. Having a dedicated, experienced advocate is one way that victims may be able to get the compensation they actually deserve.