What to Do If It Happens: A Step-by-Step Guide on Handling Rideshare Accidents During Spring Break in El Paso, Texas

Rideshare Accidents

Spring Break is a time for fun and relaxation, and many students choose to avoid drinking and driving by relying on rideshare services like Uber and Lyft to get around safely. This is a responsible choice that helps reduce the number of drunk driving accidents on the road. However, while rideshare services offer a convenient alternative, they are not without risks—including the possibility of being involved in an accident.

So, what should you do if the rideshare vehicle you’re in gets into an accident? Beyond seeking medical attention and ensuring your safety, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights and next steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help protect yourself legally and financially in the event of a rideshare accident in El Paso.

The Growing Risk of Rideshare Accidents

Over the past decade, rideshare services have significantly increased in popularity, leading to a noticeable rise in rideshare-related accidents. According to studies, rideshare vehicles are involved in a substantial portion of traffic accidents in major cities. Research from the University of Chicago found that the introduction of rideshare services has contributed to a 2-3% increase in traffic fatalities nationwide. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that rideshare-related accidents now account for nearly one in four traffic collisions in urban areas.

These statistics highlight the growing risks for passengers, particularly during high-traffic times like Spring Break, when the number of rideshare users surges. With increased congestion, distracted driving, driver fatigue, and intoxicated drivers on the road, the chances of being involved in a rideshare accident also rise.

1. Make Sure You’re Safe

Since accidents tend to occur on busy roads, the first thing that you need to do is take measures to ensure your safety. While you may not be able to move the vehicle, or even ask the driver to do so based on the extent of the accident, you need to have the police note what happened, take account of any damages to the vehicle, and move yourself to a safe place.

Remember that secondary accidents often occur right after the primary one because other drivers on the road fail to pay attention. You don’t want to exit one accident seemingly unscathed only to end up injured in another one. If you can, move to the sidewalk, a nearby parking lot, or any other place that seems safe and out of harm’s way.

2. Call 911 and Request That an Officer Come Out

Once you’re in a safe location (still close to the accident), it’s time to call 911. Request that a police officer come out to take a report of the incident, and if necessary, an ambulance as well. Fire engines might also be required if the vehicles seem like they’re in danger of catching on fire or if you see active flames.

3. Gather Information from All Involved Parties

Before the police arrive, take a moment to gather important details from all parties involved in the accident. This includes the rideshare driver, any other drivers, and passengers. Collect names, contact information, insurance details, and rideshare account details. If another vehicle was involved, note the make, model, and license plate number. The more details you have, the easier it will be for your rideshare accident attorney to build a strong case on your behalf.

4. Write Down the Driver’s Information

The police officer who responds will take a report, which includes the driver’s information. However, it’s a good idea to get this information on your own as well. Make sure that you have the driver’s full name, their rideshare account number, and related information, including license plate number, driver’s license number, phone number, address, and more. You might also need the vehicle’s VIN number, as well as its make and model as well. The more information the better, as you can share all of this pertinent information with your rideshare accident attorney.

5. Take Photos of the Damage

Once again, this is something that the police should do, so they can include it in their report. However, it never hurts to be thorough on your end, which involves getting photos of the damage yourself. This is why it helps to have a smartphone with a camera attached.

Make sure to capture the damage from multiple angles, both about five feet away from the accident as well as close up so that you have everything captured from a variety of perspectives. The more documentation, the better, as this helps people who weren’t there visualize what happened.

6. Talk to Witnesses

You may not be in the best mood, post-accident, to talk to anyone who witnessed it, but it’s a good idea to do so. While you can leave the witness statements to the police and your rideshare accident lawyer, you’ll need (at minimum) the witnesses’ contact information, including names, addresses, and phone numbers. It’s helpful to speak to anyone who witnessed the accident and stuck around afterward to help.

7. Get Medical Care if Necessary

Even if you seem to have escaped uninjured from the accident, there’s always a chance that injuries may appear later. Things like whiplash and back pain from the accident can pop up several days afterward. Plus, the fight or flight response post-accident, also known as an adrenaline rush, can mask any injuries immediately after the car accident occurs. Once this wears off, you’ll begin to feel the pain of things like injured limbs and internal injuries.

For all of these reasons and more, it’s crucial to seek medical care post-accident, especially if you have a visible injury, like immediate bruising or a broken arm. This is especially important because your Uber, Lyft, and rideshare accident lawyer will need a copy of any medical reports you obtain.

8. Contact Your Insurance Agency

Although you should never sign or agree to any kind of settlement with your insurance company (or the other party’s insurance company) without speaking with your El Paso, Texas lawyer first, you need to inform them at least that you were in an accident. Explain that you were in a rideshare vehicle driven by another person at the time of the crash and provide them with the information that they requested. This could be anything from a copy of the police report to photographs and other things that document the accident at the scene.

9. Reach Out to the Rideshare Service

Next, contact the rideshare service that was involved in the accident. Find the customer service number for Uber, Lyft, or whichever service you used, and give them the information that they need. They will probably ask for the driver’s information, the police report number, and anything else necessary to stay informed about the incident.

10. Speak to an Attorney

If you were injured in an accident and need an El Paso Uber, Lyft, and rideshare accident attorney, then look no further than the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC. We have over 30 years of experience and can file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf, so you receive fair compensation for your injuries and any other damages that occurred. Contact us today to learn more.

Who Is Liable in a Rideshare Accident?

Determining liability in a rideshare accident can be complex because multiple parties may be involved. Depending on the circumstances of the crash, responsibility could fall on:

  • The rideshare driver – If the rideshare driver was speeding, distracted, or driving recklessly, they could be held accountable.
  • Another driver – If another motorist caused the accident by running a red light or driving under the influence, they may be liable.
  • The rideshare company – In some cases, Uber or Lyft could bear responsibility if they failed to properly vet a driver or ignored safety concerns.
  • Third-party factors – Road conditions, poor signage, or defective vehicle parts could contribute to the accident.

Unlike a standard car accident, rideshare crashes involve corporate insurance policies, personal insurance, and state laws governing rideshare services. Determining liability often requires legal expertise to ensure the correct party is held responsible.

How Rideshare Insurance Works After an Accident

Uber and Lyft provide liability insurance coverage, but whether they pay for damages depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. The insurance policies are broken down into three categories:

  1. Driver Not Logged into the App: If the driver is not using the Uber or Lyft app at the time of the crash, their personal auto insurance is responsible for covering damages.
  2. Driver Logged in but Has No Passenger: Uber and Lyft offer limited liability coverage (typically $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident).
  3. Driver Transporting a Passenger: Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage, which should cover passenger injuries and damages.

If Uber or Lyft denies responsibility, passengers may need to file a claim with the driver’s personal insurance or seek legal assistance to secure compensation. Understanding how these policies apply is crucial for protecting yourself financially after an accident.

Contact Our Rideshare Accident Lawyers Today!

If you or a loved one has been injured in a rideshare accident, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. At the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC, we have decades of experience helping accident victims secure the compensation they deserve. Our team understands the complexities of rideshare accident claims and will fight to hold the responsible parties accountable. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case. Call 915-333-3333 or fill out our online contact form to get started. Let us help you take the next steps toward justice and financial recovery.

Michael J. Gopin

Michael J. Gopin has practiced law in El Paso since 1987. Even after more than 30 years, he still remembers his first jury case. It was two weeks after receiving his license, when he represented a person whose life had been forever changed after being blinded in a work-related incident...

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