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3 Steps to Take After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Florida
It can happen to anyone: You’re in the backseat of an Uber or a Lyft when you suddenly find yourself in the middle of a car accident that didn’t involve you. Roads in Florida are notoriously dangerous, with motor vehicle accidents ranking among the top three leading causes of injury-related death, so circumstances such as these are common. These situations are stressful, and as the passenger of a rideshare, it can be difficult to decide how to proceed after a crash.
Take a look at the following list as we detail the most important steps you need to take if you or someone you love is involved in an accident while in an Uber or Lyft.
1. Alert the Authorities
In the event of an accident, you should always ensure the safety of the drivers and passengers before taking any next steps. If someone involved was severely injured, determine the specifics of your location and call for an ambulance to help them seek medical attention.
Even if no one was hurt, calling the authorities will be a major step in resolving the situation appropriately. Law enforcement officials will be able to help you move aside any debris that was caused by the accident, in addition to blocking off the scene and helping to gather evidence. This will also be an important step for reporting the incident to your insurance company, which might require a police report from the scene.
2. Gather Evidence and Information
During any motor vehicle accident, recording evidence is vital. Photographs and videos of the incident are valuable pieces of information that can be given to insurance companies and used in court, but during an accident that involves a rideshare like Lyft or Uber, you will also want to take a photo of the license plate for the vehicle that you were riding in.
Be sure to record the inside and exterior of the vehicle in the event of any damage. This will give insurance agents a better idea of the extent of the crash. Be sure to also take pictures of the other vehicle and any surrounding debris or obstacles in the road.
3. Report to Your Insurance Company
Even though you were not behind the wheel of the car that was involved in the crash, you are still considered someone who was a part of the incident. This means that you might need to answer follow-up questions about the circumstances that led to the crash, or what happened afterward. Reporting this kind of information to your insurance company is necessary, regardless of your direct involvement in the accident, especially if you have been injured.
Contact an Expert Personal Injury Lawyer in Florida
Have you recently been involved in a car accident involving Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare service in South Florida? If you’re ready to begin building your personal injury case, the dedicated Florida car accident attorneys at McCullough & Leboff can help you prepare your defense.
McCullough & Leboff have more than 48 years of combined experience helping members of their communities successfully take their personal injury claims to court, and they’re eager to help you. Whether you’re in Hollywood, Davie, or Broward County, we will work with you until justice is served.
Call or contact us today to schedule your free consultation with one of our expert attorneys.