What to do after an Uber rideshare accident
If you were the passenger in an Uber or LYFT that was involved in a car accident on Long Island there are certain steps that you should immediately take while at the accident scene.
The first thing we tell anyone who has been in a motor vehicle accident on Long Island or in New York City, is stay near the accident scene, but if physically able to, move to a safe location where you can call 911 and seek medical attention and police assistance.
What should I do if the Uber I was in gets into an accident?
If you were the passenger in an Uber or LYFT that was involved in a rideshare accident on Long Island there are certain steps that you should try to take immediately after the accident happens:
You should note the exact time of the accident and if possible take a screen shot of the map on the Uber or LYFT App
You should take down the information from any taxi license or drivers identification card that is posted in the vehicle, typically hanging from the seatback or located on the rear seat windows
You should take note of anything the driver says about why the accident happened
Go over in your head and take note of what you observed in the moments leading up to the accident
Look to see where the drivers phone showing the rideshare app was located at the time of the accident and check if there is a dashcam
You should speak with the responding police officers and ask them to note that you were a Uber or Lyft passenger on the accident report
You should make sure that you are listed as a passenger in the vehicle on the police report
You should make sure any injuries or pain you are experiencing are noted in the report
After speaking with the police politely refuse to speak with anyone else about the accident until you consult with an experienced New York rideshare lawyer, this includes insurance companies who reach out to you, emails from corporate rideshare safety teams, and direct messages or pop-up screens on the rideshare mobile-app.
Hold off on using the rideshare app, agreeing to the terms of service, or updating the rideshare mobile app software on your phone until you speak with an experienced Long Island rideshare lawyer
Often after a rideshare accident there will be billing issues. We have seen issues where the meter continued to run after the accident as well as other odd billing patterns post Uber or LYFT accident including multiple incorrect charges. Do not contact rideshare customer service to argue about your bill or seek a refund, until you have spoken with an experienced rideshare attorney.
Resist the urge to leave the driver a negative review on the Uber App or complain to customer service until after you have spoken to a highly rated rideshare accident lawyer.
Often after a rideshare accident with passengers those passengers still need to get to their destination or home. Call a friend, a local cab company or ask the police to call you a taxi. Unless absolutely necessary do not use the same rideshare app to call another vehicle.
Rideshare accident cases against Uber and LYFT are unique and different from other types of car accident cases. Lawyers handling rideshare accidents must be intimately familiar with the app-based technology involved, the policies and procedures of the rideshare companies, and the rapidly developing New York caselaw and legislation in this particular area of law. If you have been injured in an rideshare accident you need an attorney with experience and an aggressive plan for handling these personal injury cases.
Contact experienced Long Island rideshare accident attorney Adam C. Raffo, Esq. at 516-363-0123
