Uber and Lyft Accidents in Knoxville: What to Do if You’re Involved
With the increasing prevalence of ridesharing services such as Uber in Knoxville, it’s easier than ever to get around town. However, like any other form of transport, accidents can occur while riding in a rideshare service.
What to Do if You’re Involved in a Rideshare Accident
Any accident is scary, regardless of whether you were a passenger or the driver. The first thing to do is remain calm and assess the situation. Then make sure you follow these steps:
Check for Injuries
In the event of a car accident, it is crucial to assess any potential injuries first. If necessary, contact emergency services right away or have someone else do so on your behalf.
Move Your Vehicle
If you can still drive your car, it is highly recommended that you move it off the road to a safe spot. Opt for an area such as the side of the street or an emergency lane for extra precaution. This will not only grant additional protection from future issues but also make it simpler for law enforcement officers and first responders to arrive at the scene promptly. By taking this precautionary measure, you are helping reduce risks while safeguarding everyone involved in an accident!
Gather Evidence
Make sure to snap pictures or videos of all damaged vehicles and the environment around them, as well as collect contact details from any eyewitnesses. It is always a good idea to document everything related with an accident involving your rideshare vehicle in order keep yourself protected.
Report the Accident
Once you are certain that everyone has been secured and is receiving the necessary medical care, it’s essential to report the incident to local authorities as well as your rideshare company. To ensure this process runs smoothly, be sure to provide all pertinent information in a precise manner that accurately documents what happened during the accident.
What to Do if You’re a Passenger in a Rideshare Accident
If you are a rideshare passenger involved in an accident that was not your fault, obtain legal assistance from an established personal injury lawyer who can help advocate for the compensation you deserve.
The attorney will objectively assess your situation, protect your rights in court, and facilitate negotiations with insurers to reach a settlement agreement.
It’s just as important for passengers to collect as much evidence as possible, including photos and witness accounts of the accident. Your attorney needs this to help build your case.
No matter what the circumstances, rideshare accidents can be frightening and potentially devastating. If you follow the steps outlined here, you can better protect your rights.
Understand Insurance Coverage
When it comes to a rideshare accident, insurance coverage can be highly unpredictable. That’s just the way things are in these instances. With the right set of circumstances, multiple policies may become applicable at once.
Fortunately, there are ridesharing services like Uber that have insurance to pay for the damage to the car and medical expenses for people who get hurt in a crash. The insurance also covers other economic losses that may occur during such events. However, if the Uber driver was not at fault most rideshare companies do not provide coverage so check your policy!
If the accident is your fault and you have not accepted a ride request yet, you are covered by third-party liability insurance up to $1 million. But if you have already accepted a trip request before an at-fault incident occurs, then your third-party insurance will still be able to protect you against losses.
What Causes Rideshare Accidents in Knoxville?
In Knoxville, there are a variety of possible sources of rideshare collisions, including driver fatigue and extreme weather conditions.
However, in some cases, the blame may fall on either the driver or even the underlying company itself when certain rules aren’t followed—such as if they’re not abiding by traffic laws or become distracted while driving.
Seek Legal Advice if Needed
Though car accidents are a regrettable yet common reality in the Knoxville area, you can be ready with the correct legal representation if you suffer intense injuries, choose to sue or face resistance from another driver’s insurance firm. Obtaining an attorney may be your best course of action.
Don’t risk being unprotected when riding a rideshare; follow the guidelines outlined in this article and ensure that you have all the legal protection necessary.
Make sure to examine your ridesharing company’s insurance details so that you can rest assured knowing you are protected against any accidents or incidents during your trip.
If necessary, don’t hesitate to reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you fight for your rights and take the right steps.