While any type of accident can be challenging to navigate, rideshare accidents are particularly complex since they involve layers of insurance and corporate policies. When so many parties are involved, there is a high risk of evidence disappearing quickly… which is why you must take a proactive approach to collect evidence and start building your case right away.
The strength of your evidence and documentation will have an undeniable impact on the overall outcome of your settlement. In this guide, we are breaking down what you need to know about Texas rideshare accident evidence, as well as the legal support that you need throughout this process. Follow these tips if you are wondering what to do after a rideshare accident.
Prioritize Safety and Create an Official Record
The first priority after an accident occurs is to prioritize your safety. Get out of harm’s way if possible and make sure to call 911 right away. Even if your injuries seem minor, you still need to document the accident with a police report and medical records.
Request that an official police crash report be filed. This report will include facts that play a role in how the insurer will evaluate your case.
Document the Accident Scene Thoroughly
If possible, you want to collect as much information and evidence about the accident scene as possible. Take many photos, including close-up pictures and wider images that capture the bigger picture. Document details such as:
- Visible injuries and affected body areas
- Vehicle damage
- Street location
- License plates
- Insurance information
- Damage angles
- Skid marks
- Debris
- Road conditions
- Any other relevant information.
Since these photos are timestamped, they can strengthen your Texas rideshare accident evidence.
Preserve Rideshare App Data Immediately
Information in the rideshare app can also be used to help with your case. For example, you can use screenshots as rideshare accident claim documentation. Record trip details, such as the driver’s name, vehicle, route, and timestamps.
The app data will prove the driver’s status, which plays a role in the insurance tier that applies for compensation. In order to preserve evidence after a rideshare accident, make sure to back up all of this information, with copies of the screenshots saved in multiple locations in case of technology failure.
Collect Contact Information at the Scene
Never leave the scene without getting information from the other people involved, as well as witnesses in the area. From the rideshare driver, you need their name, license, and insurance details. Ask other drivers and witnesses to share their contact information, including phone numbers, email addresses, and insurance details.
It can be helpful to have independent witnesses involved, because they will add credibility if the claim is disputed. Our legal team can reach out to any witnesses who were on the scene to collect the necessary testimonies and evidence that help to prove liability.
Understand Rideshare Insurance Coverage in Texas
There are a few things you need to know about rideshare accident insurance in Texas. For example, the available coverage depends on whether the app was turned on and if it was logged as actively transporting a passenger at the time of the accident. If it is an active trip, then up to $1 million in commercial liability coverage might apply.
The reason why Texas rideshare accident evidence matters so much is because there are often disputes with the app status. You need to be able to prove that the app was active and the trip was in progress when the accident happened.
Report the Accident to All Required Parties
Since multiple parties are involved, there are various notifications that need to happen immediately after the accident. Our legal team can assist with these notifications and protect the evidence at the same time.
These are the notifications that should be included on your rideshare accident evidence checklist:
- Confirmed police report
- The crash is reported through the rideshare app (Uber or Lyft)
- Your own insurance provider should be notified
When you are proactive and consistent about all reporting, then it helps to reduce the risk of coverage disputes.
Medical Documentation Is Key Evidence
Another important piece of Texas rideshare accident evidence is being able to provide thorough medical documentation. Even if the symptoms seem mild or they appear later, you should always seek medical care to ensure that the associated medical records are in place. Keep copies and back-ups of all medical records, bills, treatment plans, and ongoing medical care.
Stay proactive with the recommended follow-up care, because it shows the severity of your injuries and how these injuries are having a long-term impact on your life.
The quality of your medical proof and documentation will play an important part in the value of your claim and the amount of settlement that you receive.
FAQs
Do I need to call 911 if injuries aren’t obvious?
Yes, always call 911. Even if it seems like a minor accident, you need to be sure that a police report is filed.
Is the rideshare company responsible for my injuries?
Responsibility for the accident depends on the driver’s app status at the time the crash occurred. If the app was active and shows that the ride was in progress, then the rideshare company might share in responsibility for the settlement.
When to Contact a South Texas Rideshare Accident Attorney
Working with an experienced attorney is one of the best things that you can do to ensure that your rights are protected. Rideshare accidents can be quite complicated, which is why you need solid legal representation during this time.
Our team at Green Law Firm has extensive experience representing rideshare accident victims. We can assist with the necessary Texas rideshare accident evidence, including gathering information about the ride logs, corporate records, witness testimonies, and more. The earlier our law firm is involved, the easier it is to gather necessary evidence and build a strong case on your behalf.
In order to have a successful outcome with your claim, rideshare accidents require fast and organized action to gather necessary evidence. This documentation will protect your compensation rights, especially when you are working with a skilled legal team. Contact us at Green Law Firm to learn more about your legal rights: (956) 542-7000.
