Getting into a rideshare accident is never part of the plan. One moment you’re checking your phone or watching traffic pass by, and the next, everything stops. Whether you’re a passenger, the driver, or just happen to be in another vehicle, what you do next matters more than you might think.
Take a deep breath. If you’re physically okay, make sure others are too. Then, when you’re able, call Fabbrini Law Group for a free legal consultation. We’ll walk you through what to do next and help protect your rights from the very beginning. You don’t have to figure this out on your own.
Make the Reports That Matter
Once you’re in a safe place and immediate injuries are handled, it’s time to report the accident. First, you’ll want to call the police, even if the damage seems minor or no one looks seriously hurt. In Chicago, police reports are a big deal when it comes to insurance claims and possible legal action later.
The officer will arrive, ask questions, and document what happened. This report is one of the first pieces of official evidence, and it’s often crucial when sorting out liability. So stick to the facts, don’t guess, and share exactly what you know.
Next up: reporting through the rideshare app. Uber and Lyft both have built-in ways to report accidents, and it’s smart to do this as soon as you can. If you wait, you risk details getting fuzzy or app data disappearing. Use the app to describe what happened, attach photos if possible, and take screenshots of your report. Those extra seconds can really pay off later.
Document the Scene — It Could Be Key Later
While you’re still at the scene, do your best to document everything. It might feel like overkill in the moment, but it can become critical later. If you’re not injured and it’s safe, use your phone to gather:
- Photos of all vehicles involved, including damage and license plates
- Screenshots of your rideshare trip screen, showing time and driver
- Driver licenses and insurance cards, if possible
- Your own injuries, even if they seem minor
- Street signs, weather conditions, and anything else that seems relevant
Also, open your phone’s notes app or grab a scrap of paper. Write down the time of the accident, how it happened, and what you remember. Your memory is sharpest right after the event, and even small details can help later when insurance companies or attorneys are piecing together the story.
And one more thing: get checked out by a doctor. It’s tempting to brush off that stiff neck or lingering headache, but many injuries don’t show up right away. Seeing a doctor gives you peace of mind and creates medical documentation, which could become important if you decide to pursue a claim.
Understanding Rideshare Insurance and When to Call a Lawyer
One of the trickiest parts of any rideshare accident is figuring out who’s financially responsible. Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors, and their personal insurance may not always apply when they’re working. The good news? Both companies do provide insurance, but only under specific conditions.
Here’s a general breakdown:
- If the driver is off duty, their personal auto insurance applies
- If they’re logged into the app but have not accepted a ride, limited company coverage may kick in
- If they’ve accepted a ride or you’re already in the car, the company typically provides up to one million dollars in coverage
But that’s just the start. Insurance companies are known for looking out for their own bottom line. They may push back on claims, try to settle quickly, or deny responsibility entirely. That’s why reaching out to a law firm like Fabbrini Law Group isn’t just helpful, it’s often necessary.
When you call us, we’ll review what happened, preserve key evidence before it disappears, handle communication with insurance reps, and make sure your injuries and expenses are taken seriously. We know how these cases work, and we fight to get our clients the compensation they deserve.
Contact Fabbrini Law Group for a Free Legal Consultation
A rideshare accident can leave you shaken, confused, and unsure of your next steps. But here’s what matters most: you don’t have to do this alone. You have rights. And the sooner you understand them, the better protected you are.
Take the right steps. Stay calm. Gather what you can. Talk to the police. Report it through the app. And above all, contact Fabbrini Law Group for a free legal consultation. We’re here to listen, guide, and help you move forward with confidence.