You arrange a ride with Uber, Lyft, or another transportation network company (TNC). Your car arrives and you’re on your way. While you’re studying a report for the client you’re traveling to see you suddenly hear the squeal of breaks and look up in time to see your car about to collide with another vehicle. What happens next?
First Things First
In one way being in an accident in a TNC vehicle is no different from any other car crash in that the first actions taken must be to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Checking for injuries in all vehicles involved and calling 911 to get help to the scene is of primary importance. Similarly, if the position of the cars provides a hazard on the road and they can be safely moved to the side of the street this should occur
Who Pays for What?
In another way, however, being in an accident while riding in a TNC car is very different and complex. It may surprise you to know that TNCs are considered tech companies rather than transportation companies. This means that, unlike a taxi driver, for example, a TNC is not responsible for the maintenance of the vehicles or the actions of its drivers. If you sustain an injury or property damage as a result of an accident involving a TNC vehicle, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- All TNC drivers must carry the minimum amount of insurance required by law by their state.
- In some cases, the parent company will also have some additional coverage.
This means that if the driver of your TNC vehicle is found at fault any injuries or damages you sustain should be paid by these sources of insurance. If the other driver is at fault, your claim will be against that person.
Don’t rely on your TNC driver to collect all the necessary information on the scene. Make sure you get insurance and contact info from any other drivers involved in the crash. In addition, get contact info of any witnesses to the accident as well as photos of the accident scene. It’s also a good idea to get checked out by a doctor or hospital. Remember, not all injuries are immediately apparent. A medical record can be a key piece of evidence that your Uber, Lyft accident attorney can use in moving forward with a case.
At THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys, we have the resources and skills needed to help Uber and Lyft accident victims in the greater Las Vegas area. If you were seriously injured in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your injuries.
