How to Handle an Out-of-State Uber or Lyft Accident – Pt 1

Taking an Uber or Lyft ride should be easy, but Car accidents are devastating no matter what state they occur in. But an accident in your own state close to home is much easier to deal with than one that occurs outside the laws and customs you’re used to. Especially if you’re in an unfamiliar Uber or Lift at the time of the accident.

Experiencing an accident out of state, you’ll need to tread carefully both to navigate the accident aftermath and to deal with legal concerns of getting involved in the inevitable insurance battle ahead. Not to mention, of course, making sure you get full treatment for any injuries you may have suffered. If you’ve been involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, be sure to take care of yourself and seek help when necessary.

A Passenger in the Aftermath

As an Uber or Lyft passenger outside your home state, it can feel like your options are severely limited, but they aren’t. If you are uninjured and able, it’s best to take charge of your situation and handle the aftermath as sanely and effectively as possible. Or at least make sure that someone else is on that job already.

Stay At the Scene

Do not let your Uber driver leave the scene and do not call another ride until you have spoken to the police. It is necessary to stay at the scene and make a report in every state. You also need to remain in control of the situation.

Unlike a car accident without rideshare, it’s important to take a few extra steps or precautions during the aftermath.

End the Ride

Do not let your “meter run” during the aftermath of an accident. Instead of trying to cancel the ride, simply ‘end’ it through the app. Mark it as complete. Most likely, you will get a refund from Uber or Lyft after you report the incident.

Report the Incident

In the app, leave a comment about your ride mentioning the crash. Then, through the ‘Help’ section, go through the correct channels to report the accident to the corporate office. You may have time to do this while you wait for the cops and paramedics to arrive.

Uber and Lyft Insurance

The Million-Dollar-Policy is not a myth. Both Uber and Lyft have insurance policies that will cover your injuries and other collateral damage if you are involved in a rideshare accident. But, like all insurance claims, you may need assistance getting the settlement you need.

The Usual Accident Aftermath

After two cars collide in the US, the is almost always the same. The police must be notified, injuries must be treated, and the scene must be cleaned up so that normal traffic flow can resume. This doesn’t change when one car is an Uber or Lyft vehicle on the job. You are a key witness to the accident and may also need immediate medical assistance. Many people don’t realize how badly they are hurt right after a car accident, and the police will want to speak to you about the events immediately leading up to the accident.

Call the Police

First, whoever is most capable should call the police. Even if you’re late for something. Even if your Uber driver wants to leave the scene to finish Give no spin or detailed story to how the accident happened, that’s up for the police and insurance companies to determine on their own. Instead, focus on the severity of the crash, whether anyone is hurt, and whether traffic is being blocked. The police will arrive shortly on the scene to provide assistance.

Once the police arrive, you can ask them about any legal details you need to be concerned about as an out-of-state Minnesotan. The police should be able to give you a few out-of-state pointers.

Address Medical Needs

Next, make sure that everyone who was in the Uber or Lyft accident is looked at by a doctor. Take care of your own injuries and those of your companions and driver first. Then, if you can, investigate to see of others near the crash need help. Get yourself checked out even if you feel completely fine and uninjured. Often, car accident internal injuries may not show symptoms until a few hours or days later. Including whiplash, which is a real condition that occurs when a person’s velocity changes suddenly as in a car accident.

Take Away

Being in an Uber or Lyft accident can be scary, especially if you’re out of state. Remember to take care of yourself and your companions as your first priority. Then the police, and finally Uber or Lyft. Join us next time for the second half of this article and further aftermath tips. Contact us today for a consultation on your Uber or Lyft accident.