Rideshare services have changed the way many people travel, but accidents involving these vehicles can raise questions that do not arise in a typical car crash. The driver may be working through a transportation network company, the vehicle may be covered by multiple insurance policies, and the driver’s status at the time of the collision can affect which coverage applies.
Taking the right steps after a crash can help preserve important information and make it easier to understand what options may be available.
Get Medical Attention After the Crash
Your health should be the first priority following any motor vehicle collision. Some injuries are immediately obvious, while others may not become noticeable until hours or days later.
Document Your Injuries
If you receive medical treatment, keep records of:
- Emergency room visits
- Doctor appointments
- Diagnostic testing
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy
- Medical bills
- Work restrictions
- Follow-up recommendations
Following medical recommendations can also create a consistent record of how the accident affected you.
Report the Accident
Depending on the circumstances and severity of the collision, contacting law enforcement may be appropriate. A police report can provide an independent record of important details, including the location, vehicles involved, and statements made at the scene.
Obtain Important Information
Try to collect identifying information for everyone involved, including:
- Names
- Phone numbers
- Driver’s license information
- Vehicle information
- Insurance details
- License plate numbers
- Rideshare company information
If you were a passenger, identify the rideshare driver and the company operating the trip.
Determine the Driver’s Rideshare Status
One of the most important differences between a rideshare collision and an ordinary car accident is the driver’s status when the crash occurred.
The insurance situation can change depending on whether the driver was:
- Driving for personal purposes
- Logged into the rideshare application and waiting for a passenger
- Driving to pick up a passenger
- Transporting a passenger
California’s Department of Insurance describes these as distinct periods for transportation network company coverage, and the applicable insurance can vary depending on the driver’s status.
Why the App Status Matters
A rideshare driver’s personal auto policy may contain exclusions or limitations related to commercial driving. At the same time, transportation network companies are subject to specific insurance requirements in California.
For example, California requires transportation network companies to maintain substantial liability coverage during certain stages of a rideshare trip. The precise coverage available in an individual accident still depends on the circumstances and applicable policies.
Preserve Evidence From the Scene
Evidence can become difficult to obtain once vehicles are repaired, surveillance footage is overwritten, or witnesses become harder to locate.
Take Photographs and Videos
- Damage to all involved vehicles
- The surrounding roadway
- Traffic signals and signs
- Skid marks or debris
- Visible injuries
- Weather or road conditions
- Nearby businesses or cameras
Photographs can help preserve details that may otherwise disappear after the accident scene is cleared.
Identify Witnesses
Independent witnesses may have information that is not available from the drivers or passengers involved in the collision.
If someone witnessed the accident, obtain their contact information if possible. Avoid asking witnesses to speculate about who was legally responsible; simply preserve their information so their observations can be evaluated later.
Be Careful When Speaking With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies may contact accident victims relatively soon after a collision. It is important to provide accurate information, but you should also be cautious about making statements that could be misunderstood or taken out of context.
Do Not Guess About Your Injuries
Immediately after an accident, you may not know the full extent of your injuries or how long recovery will take.
Instead of making assumptions about whether you are completely recovered, explain what you know and follow up with medical professionals as appropriate.
Review Settlement Offers Carefully
An early settlement offer may not necessarily reflect the full impact of an injury. Medical treatment, lost income, rehabilitation, and other consequences may continue after an initial offer is made.
Before accepting a settlement, understand what claims and rights you would be giving up.
Understand the Different Types of Insurance Coverage
Insurance claims after a rideshare accident can involve more than one policy.
California requires minimum liability coverage for ordinary auto insurance, while transportation network companies are subject to additional requirements. The California Department of Insurance also notes that rideshare policies may not automatically include every type of coverage, such as comprehensive, collision, or uninsured/underinsured motorist protection for the driver.
Liability Coverage
Liability insurance generally addresses injuries or property damage caused by an insured party to others.
Determining which liability policy applies may depend on the driver’s status, who caused the accident, and the specific insurance policies involved.
Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers
A collision can become more complicated when the at-fault driver has little or no insurance. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage may provide an additional source of protection depending on the policy and circumstances.
Keep Track of Financial Losses
An injury can create expenses that go beyond the initial medical bill.
Depending on the circumstances, losses may include:
- Emergency treatment
- Hospital expenses
- Prescription costs
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Transportation expenses
- Property damage
- Future medical care
Maintain copies of receipts, invoices, pay records, and other documents connected to the accident.
Consider Future Costs
Some injuries require ongoing treatment or rehabilitation. If a person cannot return to the same type of employment, the financial consequences may also extend into the future.
Understanding the potential duration of an injury is therefore important before evaluating the full value of a claim.
Do Not Post About the Accident Online
Social media posts can sometimes be taken out of context. Comments about the accident, photographs of activities, or statements about your physical condition could potentially be used during an insurance dispute or legal proceeding.
Keep Your Accounts Private
Changing privacy settings does not guarantee that information will remain confidential. It is generally safer to avoid discussing the details of a pending claim publicly.
When Legal Guidance May Be Helpful
If you need to get help after a rideshare accident, speaking with an attorney can help clarify the insurance and liability issues involved.
Legal guidance may be particularly useful when:
- You suffered significant injuries
- The rideshare company disputes responsibility
- Multiple vehicles were involved
- The insurance company denies the claim
- You are unable to work
- A settlement offer does not cover your losses
- The driver was uninsured or underinsured
- There is disagreement about how the accident occurred
A lawyer can review the circumstances, identify potentially applicable insurance coverage, gather evidence, and communicate with insurers when appropriate.
Keep a Detailed Accident File
Create a dedicated file containing everything related to the collision. Include the police report, medical records, photographs, insurance correspondence, repair estimates, receipts, and notes about missed work or other consequences.
A chronological record can make it easier to explain how the accident occurred and how your injuries affected your daily life.
Take Action Before Evidence Disappears
Rideshare accident claims can involve information from drivers, passengers, transportation companies, insurers, medical providers, and potentially other parties. The driver’s status within the rideshare application may also be important when determining which insurance coverage applies.
Getting medical attention, documenting the accident, preserving evidence, keeping financial records, and seeking appropriate legal guidance can help protect your interests while the circumstances of the collision are investigated.
