Suffering an auto accident injury can be disorienting enough, but what happens when the incident involves a rideshare service? As Vancouver residents are starting to take more trips to nearby restaurants and entertainment venues, there’s been an uptick in rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. Before you find yourself in the unfortunate position of navigating an auto accident claim involving a rideshare service, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with some basic information about rideshare accidents in Washington state.
Call For Help at the Scene of the Accident
In Washington state, you need to contact law enforcement to report an accident that causes bodily injury or over $1,000 in property damage. While the driver typically contacts the authorities to report the incident, rideshare passengers can call the police to ensure that a law enforcement officer arrives to compile an accident report. Of course, if you sustained injuries requiring immediate medical attention, seek treatment as soon as possible. Even if you don’t believe your injury warrants medical attention, it’s a good idea to schedule a visit with a physician within the next few days to screen for internal bruising, concussions, or other harder-to-detect conditions. Additionally, any documentation you receive detailing the nature and extent of your injuries will help you build a strong auto accident claim.
Notify the Ridesharing Company
As a rideshare passenger, you should contact the company to report the accident. Both Uber and Lyft allow passengers to reach out via the app or through the company’s website. Unfortunately, failing to contact the rideshare company may weaken your auto accident claim, as other parties may argue that you did not take the incident seriously enough to report it. If you encounter any difficulties with reporting the accident, you can enlist the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney to ensure that the rideshare company is made aware of the incident.
Consult With a Trusted Vancouver Personal Injury Lawyer
Collecting compensation following a rideshare accident can be particularly challenging. Under state law, Uber and Lyft vehicles must adhere to several basic standards, and you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim against the company’s commercial insurance carrier. However, state insurance laws are often complex, so entrust your case to a compassionate and experienced attorney who can help you determine the best course of action. Let your attorney work hard to secure you the compensation you need to get your life back on track while you focus on what matters most—your recovery.
If you need help collecting compensation following an auto accident in the Portland or Vancouver area, reach out to the dedicated and compassionate personal injury attorneys at Henderson Taylor Law Firm today by calling (360) 737-1478.
