What Happens After an Out-of-State Uber or Lyft Accident?
If you’re involved in a rideshare accident while using Uber or Lyft away from your home state, the aftermath can present challenges and may make you concerned about what to do.
Understanding the steps involved and how different jurisdictions operate is crucial so you can adequately address the situation. Contacting a Uber or Lyft accident lawyer in Jersey City can help you fully assess your legal options for handling the situation.
Understanding How Rideshare Insurance Works
Car insurance plays a pivotal role for car accidents involving Uber and Lyft vehicles. Understanding how it works can give you a better idea of what steps you need to take after an out-of-state accident.
- Period 0: This phase occurs when the rideshare app is off, and the driver is not available to accept ride requests. Here, only the driver’s personal auto insurance policy is in effect, and there is no coverage from the rideshare company.
- Period 1: This initiates once the driver turns on the rideshare app and is waiting to accept a ride request. In this period, the driver’s personal insurance still plays a primary role, but coverage provided by the rideshare company may also kick in. This coverage is more minimal and may not cover damages to your vehicle.
- Period 2: Once a ride request is accepted and the driver is on their way to pick up the passenger, a higher level of rideshare insurance applies. This coverage includes liability, and often collision and comprehensive coverage, provided through the rideshare company. It significantly increases the limits compared to Period 1.
- Period 3: This final period covers the duration from the moment passengers enter the vehicle until they are dropped off at their destination. During this time, the rideshare company continues to provide a high level of insurance coverage, ensuring protection for the driver, passengers, and third parties involved in any incidents.
Understanding the different periods of rideshare insurance coverage is crucial for both drivers and passengers to ensure adequate compensation is obtained after an accident.
Consider Statute of Limitations in State Where The Accident Occurred
When dealing with an out-of-state rideshare accident, it’s critical to consider the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in that particular state – not your home jurisdiction. Each state sets its own time limits which dictate how long you have to file a lawsuit after an accident occurred. Missing this deadline could forfeit your right to pursue compensation regardless of the merits of your case.
Steps to Take After an Out-of-State Rideshare Accident
If you are involved in an accident while using a rideshare service out of state, it’s important to protect your health and rights immediately following the incident. Here are the steps you should take:
Make Sure You’re Safe
First, ensure that everyone involved is safe from any further risks of harm. Make sure you’re out of the way of any oncoming traffic.
Notify Authorities
Contact local police so they can get medical treatment for injured parties if necessary and file a police report about the incident.
Documentation
Gather as much evidence at the scene as possible if it’s safe to do so, including photos and videos.
Collect Contact Information from Witnesses
If there are people who saw what happened, ask for their contact details; their testimony can be important in establishing what happened.
Seek Medical Attention
Visit a doctor or local hospital, even if injuries don’t seem serious. Some issues can only be detected through a medical evaluation and having documentation linking any potential injuries to the accident is essential if you decide to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
Contact an Experienced Local Lawyer
Immediately reach out to a Lyft or Uber accident lawyer in Jersey City with experience in handling rideshare accidents specifically within the state where your accident occurred. They can guide you in reporting the incident both to Uber or Lyft as well at your own insurance company.
Taking these steps after an accident can help ensure you’re doing everything possible to preserve your health, safety, and legal rights. For help after a rideshare accident, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.