You may find ridesharing services to be a practical and nearly indispensable form of travel. Hardworking drivers typically do all they can to make your experience safe and pleasant. However, accidents can still happen for various reasons.
Actually, the New Jersey Department of Transportation finds that almost 49,000 injury-causing crashes occurred on the state’s roads in 2021 alone. Such a collision during a rideshare trip can be particularly disorienting as you may not be sure what to do or who to contact to get fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Consider four vital steps to take after a rideshare accident.
1. Contact first responders
You should call 911 after a motor vehicle accident. Your first concern is naturally your health. Regardless of how minor the injuries may seem, seek medical attention promptly.
Many injuries may not manifest immediately, so a thorough examination by a health care professional is wise. You may uncover forms of trauma such as concussion or post-traumatic arthritis.
After ensuring your safety, you should contact the police. Reporting the accident is necessary for documentation purposes. When the authorities arrive, provide them with accurate details about the incident. This official record can prove invaluable later on when dealing with insurance and rideshare companies.
2. Exchange information with other parties
Communication is key in the aftermath of an accident. Exchange contact information with the other parties to the incident, including names, phone numbers and insurance details.
Additionally, gather information from any witnesses present at the scene. This step lays the groundwork for a smoother claims process.
3. Gather evidence
To bolster your case, gather as much evidence as possible at the accident site or have someone you trust to do so. Take photographs of the scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions and relevant traffic signs.
These visuals can serve as powerful evidence when dealing with insurers. The more detailed and comprehensive your evidence, the better you will be able to handle the aftermath.
4. Contact insurance and rideshare companies
You must also contact your insurance company and the rideshare company. Provide them with accurate details of the accident, ensuring transparency.
However, do not say anything to indicate that you were somehow responsible for the accident. Simply stick to the facts about what you witnessed.
Like any motor vehicle accident, you may be able to protect yourself and your personal injury claim using the steps above. Furthermore, swift action can also make a significant difference in resolving the situation effectively.
