Accidents always seem to happen when you least expect them. If you are riding in an Uber or Lyft and suddenly find yourself in a crash, it can leave you feeling shaken and unsure about what to do next. You are dealing with more than just the accident itself. There is the rideshare company, the drivers, and the insurance companies all involved, which can make things confusing pretty quickly.
That’s why it helps to know what steps to take right away. A few simple actions can go a long way in protecting your health and your ability to get the compensation you may deserve.
If you have been in a rideshare accident in Chicago, consider reaching out to Fabbrini Law Group. We can help you sort through the process and make sure your rights are protected.
Check for Injuries and Call for Help
Right after a rideshare accident, your first priority should be safety. Check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt or even just feels off, call 911 right away. Some injuries may not show up right away, so it is better to be cautious.
In Illinois, the law requires accidents to be reported to the police if anyone is injured, killed, or if property damage appears to be over fifteen hundred dollars. If one of the vehicles does not have insurance, that limit drops to five hundred dollars. Even if the damage seems small, calling the police is usually the smart move. The police report they create can be very helpful later with insurance or legal claims.
Once help is on the way, stay at the scene. Illinois law says drivers must remain there if anyone is hurt or killed. Leaving could lead to serious legal trouble. When the officers arrive, they will gather details and write a report. Make sure to get the report number so you can request a copy later.
As you wait, stay cool and don’t say you’re at fault. If it’s safe, move your car off the road. Getting checked out by a doctor right away also links any injuries to the crash, which might matter down the line.
Gather Information at the Scene
If you’re not hurt and it’s safe to move, try to get as much info as you can before you leave. First, grab names, phone numbers, and insurance details from everyone involved. This includes the rideshare driver and any other drivers in the crash. Jot down license plate numbers and note which rideshare company the driver worked for.
Take photos of everything you see. Get pictures of the cars, any damage, the road, traffic lights, and anything else that might help explain what happened. If you see cameras nearby, like ones outside a store or at a traffic light, make a note of their location. They could capture useful footage.
If anyone saw the accident, ask if they would be willing to give their contact information. Later on, witnesses can help clear up details if there are questions about how the crash happened.
The more details you collect at the scene, the easier it will be to deal with insurance companies or build a legal case if you decide to take that step.
Report the Accident to the Rideshare Company
Once you leave the scene and make sure you receive any needed medical care, it’s a good idea to report the accident to the rideshare company as soon as you can. Both Uber and Lyft ask that riders report any crashes directly through their apps or websites. This creates a record of what happened and helps start the process if an insurance claim needs to be made.
For Uber, you can report the accident by signing into your account or using their help page here.
For Lyft, you can report the crash through the app or by visiting their support page here.
Once you’ve reported the accident, hang on to copies of any messages or confirmation emails you get. Having a paper trail can come in handy if questions pop up down the road or if you need to chat with a lawyer about your situation.
Contact a Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Rideshare accidents can become complicated. Multiple insurance companies might be involved, and determining who should cover your expenses isn’t always straightforward. This is when a lawyer can help.
A rideshare accident lawyer knows the ins and outs of these situations. We’ll review your crash details, deal with insurance companies, and help you get fair payment for your medical costs, missed work, and other losses. Having an expert who understands the process on your side can ease a lot of your stress.
If you’ve gotten into a rideshare crash in Chicago, think about getting in touch with Fabbrini Law Group. We respond to your queries, lay out your choices, and assist you to proceed with assurance.
Speak With a Chicago Rideshare Accident Lawyer Today
If you have been involved in a rideshare accident, getting the right legal advice can make all the difference. You do not have to figure it out on your own. Contact Fabbrini Law Group today for a free legal consultation. We can help you understand your options and guide you through every step of the process.