Posted in Wisconsin Workers Compensation Related News
It can be hard enough to remember what to do after getting in an accident with another private vehicle. Getting hit by a Lyft driver adds even more steps that you should complete at the scene, but it is absolutely necessary to follow them to ensure you get fairly compensated for your damages — especially when the accident wasn’t your fault. Lyft has hefty insurance for passengers and other drivers, but it only applies when the Lyft driver was on-duty. Since their insurance is worth so much, they will probably fight you over who was responsible for the accident. Here are five ways to make your road to compensation easier.
1. Call the Police
Check to see if anyone is injured and always call the police to report your accident. Sometimes drivers who get into accidents won’t want to involve the police, but this can seriously impact your chances of getting rightful compensation. A police report can come in handy for a multitude of reasons, including helping to prove who is at fault.
2. Take Photos
A picture is worth a thousand words, and sometimes it can help verify your story. Take plenty of photos of the crash scene. You can submit them as evidence with your claim or use them as proof of negligence if the insurance company tries to fight you over liability.
3. Gather Witness Statements
Try to talk to everyone who saw the accident. Multiple statements are one of the best ways to show how the accident happened. Make sure to get witnesses’ contact information in case you need to connect with them in the future for your claim.
4. Ask the Driver Where They Were Going
This is unique to ride-sharing and taxi companies, but it’s one of the most important aspects of your claim because it determines whether you can file with Lyft’s insurance. If the driver was on their way to pick up a passenger for Lyft, then they were working and making money for Lyft when the accident happened. This places some of the liability on Lyft.
5. Contact a Lawyer
Finally, call a lawyer, to confirm that you’ve taken the necessary steps to securing a good claim. A lawyer can help you talk to insurance claims adjusters, assess damages, collect important medical documents, and fight for your rights if the insurance company pushes back on your claim. You should never walk away with less than you are due after an accident.
