What to Do If You’re Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident in the DFW Area
Ride-sharing has taken the nation and the world by storm. Since their inception nearly 15 years ago, rideshare companies, such as Uber and Lyft, have consistently increased their market share, now accounting for up to 3% of all motor vehicle traffic nationwide and significantly higher percentages in many urban areas.
As the use of rideshares has increased, though, so has the number of traffic accidents and traffic fatalities. Studies by the National Bureau of Economic Research and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business both show approximately a 3% increase in traffic fatalities in tandem with the rise in rideshare use.
Why Does the Increase in Rideshare Usage Lead to a Rise in Traffic Fatalities?
While much of the data is preliminary, there’s evidence to suggest that passengers have changed some behaviors in response to the growth and availability of rideshare. One study, conducted by a graduate student in Denver, found that 34% of the people interviewed took a rideshare when they would have walked, bicycled, or taken public transit if such services did not exist. Accordingly, rideshare has not just replaced the personal use of vehicles but has led to increased traffic and miles on the road. Authorities have long observed a correlation between miles on the road and motor vehicle accidents.
What Should You Do If You’re Hurt in a Rideshare Accident in the DFW Metroplex?
After any motor vehicle accident, your first step should be to determine the extent of your injuries. If you have any pain or discomfort in your neck, shoulders, or back, stay right where you are, provided you can do so safely. If at all possible, wait until emergency responders arrive. They’ll know exactly what to do.
Make certain that someone notifies the police. The Uber app has an emergency button that will automatically dial 9-1-1. Your insurance company may require a police report before it will provide full coverage.
If possible, gather as much evidence as you can while at the scene of the accident, including the names and relevant contact information for all drivers, passengers, and witnesses. You should also take pictures of anything that may be relevant to the accident, including your injuries, any damage to the vehicles, any roadway hazards, and the weather conditions.
Do not assume that the Uber or Lyft driver will report the accident to their employer. There’s also a place on the Uber app to report traffic accidents. By using this feature, you’ll improve your chances of recovering compensation from the rideshare company’s insurer.
Save a screenshot of your ride in the app to use as evidence that you were in the rideshare at the time of the crash. If you believe that your driver was at fault, you should also ask for their insurance information, which can be extremely helpful for your attorney in a personal injury lawsuit.
If medical personnel recommend that you travel to the hospital by ambulance, do it. Even if you can walk away from the accident, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Have medical personnel fully document all your injuries in writing. Don’t focus only on obvious injuries—tell medical personnel about anything that seems out of the ordinary.
Contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Your lawyer will be your liaison with insurers, as well as with the rideshare company and its legal counsel.
At the law offices of Bailey & Galyen, we bring more than four decades of experience to people in Texas and across the nation who are hurt in accidents caused by the negligence of others. Contact us by email or call our offices to set up a free initial consultation with a proven personal injury lawyer. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
