A Seattle car crash can shake you to your core, leaving you confused, injured, and unsure of where to turn. When that collision involves an Uber or Lyft vehicle, the situation becomes even more complex due to multiple insurance policies, corporate interests, and competing claims. If you were hit by an Uber or Lyft driver in Washington, taking the right steps after the crash can make all the difference in protecting your health and legal rights.
Call 911 to Report the Collision
Your safety comes first. Even if the crash seems minor, calling 911 makes sure that police document the scene and that medical help arrives quickly if needed. The responding officers will create an official accident report, recording critical details about road conditions, witness statements, and any citations issued at the scene. This report will become valuable evidence for your injury claim.
Go to the Hospital
After your accident, seek immediate medical attention—even if you feel relatively fine. Many serious injuries, including whiplash, traumatic brain injury, and internal trauma, may not show symptoms right away. Getting medical care not only protects you from dangerous complications but also creates documentation linking your injuries directly to the crash. With this evidence, you can prevent the rideshare companies’ insurers from claiming your injuries came from something else.
Exchange Information with the Rideshare Driver
Obtain the driver’s personal contact details, insurance information, and rideshare account information. Ask whether they were actively transporting a passenger or en route to pick someone up, as this affects what type of insurance claim you can file. Note the driver’s rideshare vehicle information, including the license plate number and any identifying numbers displayed on the car.
Gather as Much Evidence as You Can
If you can document evidence safely at the scene, take steps to do so. Take photos of all vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signals, and road conditions. Record the names and contact information of any witnesses. If possible, ask the passenger to send you screenshots showing the rideshare app’s activity at the time of the crash. This evidence helps reconstruct what happened and proves the driver was working when the collision occurred.
Do Not Speak with Insurers or Company Representatives
Insurance adjusters and rideshare representatives may contact you quickly after a crash. While they may sound friendly, their job is to minimize the company’s or the policyholder’s liability and protect their bottom line. Decline to give recorded statements or sign any documents. Let them know your attorney will handle all communication about the crash and your injuries.
Contact a Seattle, Washington Uber or Lyft Accident Attorney
Rideshare accident claims can be very complex. These cases can introduce multiple layers of insurance coverage, large corporate legal teams, and ambiguous employment relationships. To protect your rights, it is important to work with a Seattle personal injury lawyer who has your best interests in mind.
An Uber or Lyft accident attorney can determine which policies apply and pursue maximum compensation from all available sources. They can also investigate the crash thoroughly, work with accident reconstruction experts if needed, and handle all negotiations with the insurance companies. After seeking medical care for your injuries, schedule a free consultation right away with a Seattle, WA rideshare accident lawyer.
