5-Step Process To Do if You Are Injured in a Lyft Accident
When living in a big city, people do not tend to use their own transportation. Instead, many have shifted to using rideshare apps like Lyft. While these new services are useful, it can be challenging determining who is actually at-fault after an accident, which means victims may be confused about how to move forward if they are injured. Thankfully, as with any other accident, there is a simple five-step process you can follow.
- Call Emergency Services
After any collision where there is injury or property damage, you should contact emergency services to make an official report. However, not every accident requires the use of the emergency line. Unless people are severely injured, contact a police station directly rather than dialing 911.
- Go to the Doctor
If you must use 911 because of trauma, be sure you are checked out on the scene and that you go to the doctor, if necessary, with the ambulance. However, even if you need not receive immediate treatment at the scene, you should make an appointment with your primary care physician to get checked out. Be sure to explain that you were in an accident so that he or she can document it.
- Contact an Attorney
Whether or not you plan on filing a claim, contact a local accident attorney to discuss your options. The lawyer can tell you the strength of your case and whether a lawsuit is the best way to handle your situation. Sometimes a claim is not worth the risk of trial.
- Determine Fault
If a lawyer takes your case, they may hire a private investigator to help determine the fault of the accident. While a police report may be filed, it always helps to have a special investigation into the accident and the drivers.
- File a Claim
Once you have all the information, you need to decide if suing is in your best interest. Consider your medical expenses, personal property loss, and rehabilitation time. If your accident has caused a significant financial burden and you were not at-fault, your attorney may suggest going through with the claim, but in the end, it is up to you.
Ridesharing is becoming the new travel norm in cities. While the diversion from taxi companies may make the process of filing an accident claim seem different from any other accident, it really isn’t. The process in the immediate aftermath is extremely similar.
