5 Things Passengers Should Do After A Car Accident

Everybody who has been in a car accident can tell that it is a terrifying experience for the driver and the passengers. But since mishaps can happen anytime, it would be wise to know what to do if you find yourself in an unfortunate situation like a car accident. For your protection and for filing possible claims, you should at least know the proper post-accident steps you need to take, especially if you’re a ridesharing passenger.

Can I File A Lawsuit Against Uber After An Accident? 

Ridesharing services have increasingly become more prevalent in urban centers. It provides jobs or extra income to drivers and car owners. For city commuters, it’s an affordable mode of transport and more convenient than hailing a cab or taking the subway train. Uber is at the forefront of the ridesharing industry. So, when discussing road accident procedures, it’s crucial to know what to do and the claims you’re entitled to after filing a lawsuit against Uber. 

Just like any road accident, Uber drivers can be liable if they are responsible for the mishap. But can you ultimately sue Uber and not just their drivers? The short and sweet answer to that is yes.  

Uber could be liable if they failed to obey city or state laws, resulting in passenger injury. For example, Uber can be sued if they neglect to do proper background checks on their drivers and, consequently, a passenger suffered damages because of that.

Fault And Liability Arising From Road Accidents

Many factors you need to consider in determining who’s at fault and liable after a car accident. And just because a person is injured doesn’t mean they are not responsible for damages. Motor vehicle regulations govern who ultimately pays for damages arising from road accidents. These statutes can be complicated, and it’s best to let a competent attorney handle and navigate them. 

That said, as a passenger, you still need to know what course of action to take and how to behave after a car accident. These steps can ultimately impact your case when filing for damage claims.  Here are six things every passenger ought to do after a car accident:

1. Check For Injuries

Immediately after an accident, your first instinct or reaction should be to check if everyone inside the car is okay. You’ll want to know if anyone is injured or need medical attention. Although people love heroes, don’t force yourself to move more than you ought to if you are hurt yourself. Try to keep calm and wait until help arrives. Unless there is an added emergency or you see another car will hit you, stay in place to protect yourself from further injuries.

It’s crucial to check the state of your health after your accident. Don’t hesitate to get medical help from responders at the scene if you are hurt. Even if you feel okay and can stand on your feet, it does not mean that you are 100% free of injuries. Some people with a head injury can walk for several minutes before they faint. So, be aware of your body and be sensitive to possible symptoms. Pay attention to signs of concussions and internal injuries that emergency responders may have missed.

2. Contact The Authorities

If you can move and reach your mobile phone, call 911 immediately. If you’ve assessed the situation, you can let the 911 phone operator know essential details like your location and how many are hurt and need medical assistance. Don’t leave the scene. Instead, wait for local police and responders. 

If you are up to it, the local police may want to interview you and ask you what happened. Be honest and tell the authorities of the things you observed and nothing more. For example, as a ridesharing passenger, you may have witnessed what happened before the accident, so it may be easier for you to tell authorities what you’ve noticed. Speeding, reckless driving, animal or pedestrian crossing are some of the top causes of car accidents that a passenger might observe.  

3. Exchange Information With Persons Involved

Before you leave the accident scene, you should exchange pertinent information with the people involved in the accident. In some states, you’ll be breaking the law if you don’t provide the police and involved parties with your name and your contact information. If you don’t feel confident sharing personal details, you should contact a lawyer, so you’ll know what to do. 

4. Get A Grip Of What Happened

Before leaving the scene, it may be advisable to gather as much information as possible about what happened. Take photos of the traffic lights, accident site, vehicles involved, and other things that you think may be relevant. Gathering evidence should come as second nature to anyone who has figured in an automobile accident. 

It would also help if you keep tabs or record how the aftermath of the accident affected you. If you had to go to the hospital and undergo several laboratory tests or treatments, you might want to keep all your medical records and bills. Check if there is property loss or damage because of the mishap. Maybe you have your laptop damaged, or you lost your engagement ring. Proper documentation can help you when making your claims.

5. Hire A Competent Accident Lawyer

Most public transport or ridesharing passengers don’t know what to do after a road mishap. You probably don’t even know if you can sue the ridesharing company because of what happened.  

After the accident, it’s always prudent not to disclose to the liable party’s insurance carrier any potential damage or injuries you may have suffered. What you say, even in passing, can be used against you when you file a claim.  

You ought to seriously consider hiring an attorney to help you sort things out, determine what claims you’re entitled to, and guide you throughout the whole process of filing for damage compensation. Just choose carefully and find an attorney who specializes in personal injury.

The Bottom Line

Since car accidents are common, it may be a good idea to equip yourself with the knowledge of what to do if you ever get into one, especially if you’re a passenger. It would be best to hire a reputable lawyer to give you options when pursuing a claim arising from personal injury, especially if the accident involves a ridesharing vehicle.