As rideshare services like Uber and Lyft become increasingly popular, it’s no surprise that car accidents involving passengers in these vehicles are on the rise. Being involved in a rideshare accident can be confusing and stressful for passengers, especially when it comes to navigating legal and insurance matters. Unfortunately, many passengers make mistakes after a rideshare accident that could hurt their chances of receiving compensation for any injuries sustained. In this blog, we’ll discuss what NOT to do after a rideshare accident as a passenger and how to protect yourself if you do find yourself in this situation.
How You Can Protect Yourself and Your Legal Rights
1. Do not accept any blame or apologize.
If you were chatting with the driver or felt that you may have distracted them in some way, it may be natural to feel sorry after an accident, but admitting any fault or apologizing could be used against you later on. It’s best to remain silent until you’ve had a chance to speak with a lawyer.
2. Do not sign any documents without legal representation.
Signing any documents presented to you after the accident could be detrimental to your case. Before signing, ensure that you have legal representation present to review the document.
3. Do not neglect seeking medical attention.
Even if you feel fine right after the accident, it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible. Many injuries sustained in car accidents, such as whiplash or traumatic brain injuries, may not show symptoms until days or even weeks later. Additionally, experiencing emotional trauma from the accident can manifest in different ways, so it’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention.
4. Do not speak to insurance adjusters without a lawyer.
Insurance companies will quickly contact you after an accident to get information about the accident. It’s essential not to speak with them without a lawyer present as they may twist your words or use trick questions to get you to admit fault despite being the passenger.
5. Do not hesitate to seek legal representation.
Perhaps the biggest mistake a passenger could make after a rideshare accident is waiting too long to seek legal representation if you were injured. The longer you wait, the more difficult it may be to gather evidence or for a lawyer to build a strong case. As soon as possible after the accident, reach out to a rideshare accident attorney who can guide you through the process and help you receive the compensation you deserve.
Baton Rouge Uber/Lyft Accident Attorneys
A victim of a rideshare accident may face unique types of injuries, such as emotional trauma from being connected to Uber or Lyft through an app. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you handle the situation appropriately and have the best shot at receiving the compensation you deserve if you were injured in a rideshare accident.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a rideshare accident in Louisiana, our experienced team at Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys will help you understand your rights and explore your options for seeking compensation.
Contact us online or call us at (225) 999-1111 to schedule an appointment with our experienced rideshare accident attorneys in Baton Rouge today.