Ridesharing services, like Lyft, have greatly expanded the average person’s transportation options. Like any other type of transportation, however, ridesharing vehicles aren’t immune to accidents. And with the popularity of Lyft and other ridesharing services skyrocketing, the number of accidents they are involved in continues to rise. In this article, we discuss what to do if you’re injured as a passenger in a Lyft accident.
Steps to Take Following a Lyft Accident
Below is an overview of the steps you should take following a Lyft accident in New York.
Check for Injuries
The first thing you should do following a Lyft accident in New York is check yourself and other parties involved for injuries. If anyone involved in the accident appears to be injured, you should call 911. However, don’t attempt to move anyone unless their safety depends on it. Often, moving an injured person after an accident can exacerbate their injuries.
Call the Police
Even if it doesn’t appear that anyone was injured in the accident, you should call the police for assistance. Upon arrival, an officer will speak to those involved in the accident and create a police report, which will summarize the officer’s findings. Before leaving the scene, you should record the officer’s name and obtain a copy of the incident report number so you can request a copy of the police report when it’s been completed.
Gather Evidence
Next, you should obtain the names and contact information of everyone involved in the accident. In addition, if anyone witnessed the crash, you should obtain their names and contact information as well. Further, if possible, you should take pictures and videos of the crash site, any property damage, and any visible injuries you sustained in the accident.
Report the Accident to Lyft
After taking the above steps, you should report the accident to Lyft. The Lyft app contains an accident reporting form. After reporting the accident, a Lyft representative may contact you for a statement. However, you should contact an experienced car accident attorney before providing a statement to Lyft.
Take Notes
To ensure that you can remember the details of your Lyft accident, you should take notes as soon as possible after the incident occurs. Essentially, you should write down all important details, including the time and location of the accident, the parties involved, any injuries you suffered, and any other relevant information.
Contact Our Suffolk & Nassau County Car Accident Attorneys
Finally, if you’ve been hurt in a Lyft accident in Long Island, New York, you should contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. At Dell & Dean, PLLC, we will review the facts of your case, formulate a strategy, and aggressively seek financial compensation on your behalf. Please contact us today to arrange a consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer.