Ridesharing services — also referred to as transportation network companies (TNCs) — offer a convenient way to get around in Alaska for both residents and tourists. But while Uber and Lyft have become reliable and popular forms of transportation, collisions still happen. TNC drivers can operate their vehicles negligently or encounter other drivers on the road who are reckless or careless. If you were involved in a rideshare accident, it’s important to know what to do next to protect your rights and preserve any legal claim you might file for your injuries.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

One of the first things you should do after a car accident involving a TNC vehicle is seek medical attention. Even if you don’t think you’ve been badly hurt, some injuries do not appear until weeks or even months later. By getting the medical attention you need, you are not only ruling out internal injuries that may not be readily apparent, but you are also creating evidence in your case. Medical documentation is key to demonstrating a link between the accident and your injuries — and establishing a strong claim. In addition to your medical records from the emergency room, it’s also vital to have ongoing treatment documentation.

Contact the Police

If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident, you should contact the police and report the accident. Some rideshare apps even have an emergency button that allows you to call 911 quickly. The police will arrive at the scene and create an accident report. Although these reports cannot be used in court because they are considered hearsay, they can still be used as leverage for negotiations with the insurance company.

Document the Accident

To document a rideshare accident, it’s essential to gather information from all the parties involved, including the driver and passengers in the other vehicle and the rideshare driver. If possible, you should also:

• Take photos or video of the scene of the accident, including the vehicles involved
• Get the contact information for any eyewitnesses
• Take photos of the surrounding area, including the road conditions
• Document any physical injuries you sustained with photos
• Write down important details regarding the accident, including the date, time, and how it occurred
• Screenshot the details of the ride from your rideshare app

Document the accident as soon as possible while the details are fresh in your mind. Write down any license plate numbers for the vehicles involved, a description of the weather conditions, any road defects that may have contributed to the accident, how the accident occurred, and any other details that are relevant to the crash. This information can be helpful to have on hand when you consult with an attorney.

Report the Accident to the Rideshare Company

You should report a rideshare accident to the company as soon as possible — not only is this critical to document the accident and your injuries, but also to access the company’s insurance coverage. Notably, TNC drivers owe a duty of care to their passengers and are obligated to drive them safely to their destination. Rideshare companies carry comprehensive insurance policies for their drivers that cover accidents while the driver is working. Both Uber and Lyft maintain insurance that covers at least one million for property damage and injury claims for passengers who have been in an accident where the rideshare driver is at fault.

Don’t Accept a Settlement Right Away

After you have filed a claim, the rideshare company may offer you an insurance settlement. However, you should never accept a first settlement offer without speaking with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney. Usually, the initial offer will be a lowball amount — and by accepting it, you would not be able to collect on any additional damages incurred later. Early on in a case, the full extent of your injuries may not yet be known and it’s vital to wait until they are fully developed so they can be valued appropriately.

Consult with Counsel

Liability for rideshare accidents can be complex and lawsuits involving these types of claims are often difficult to navigate. It’s best to have an experienced personal injury attorney by your side who can help you through the process. A personal injury attorney can also negotiate your insurance claim and work to ensure the negligent rideshare driver is held accountable for the harm they caused you to suffer.

Contact an Experienced Alaska Personal Injury Attorney

If you suffered injuries in a rideshare accident caused by a TNC driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover your economic and non-economic damages. A skillful personal injury attorney can evaluate your case and help ensure you receive the maximum monetary recovery you deserve.

Proudly serving accident victims in Anchorage, Soldotna, Kenai, Palmer, Wasilla, and other areas of Alaska, The Trial Guy, Eric Derleth, is dedicated to representing clients for a broad scope of personal injury matters, including those involving rideshare accidents. Call 907-262-9164 to schedule a free consultation at our Anchorage or Soldotna office, or contact us online. Our phone lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.