The last thing you might expect when you get into an Uber or Lyft is the ride to end in a car accident. If you get injured or your property is damaged in a rideshare accident in New Mexico, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your losses. Take the following actions to seek a fair monetary recovery for your collision.
Know Your Rights
First, know that you are often eligible for financial benefits after an Uber or Lyft accident, whether you were riding in the rideshare vehicle as a passenger or you were outside of the car (as a third-party driver, bicyclist or pedestrian). If the Uber or Lyft driver caused the crash through an act of negligence, such as texting while driving, you are eligible for insurance benefits. You could also be entitled to compensation if a third party caused your accident.
A successful claim for an Uber or Lyft accident in New Mexico could pay you for the following losses:
- Past and future medical bills
- Property or vehicle damage repairs
- Lost wages and future capacity to earn
- Disability-related expenses
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and inconvenience
- Punitive damages
- Wrongful death damages, if applicable
Knowing how much your claim is worth and what your legal options are after an Uber or Lyft accident can help you pursue a just amount. Do not rush into a fast settlement with an insurance corporation or the rideshare company after this type of accident. Instead, discuss the true value of your case with a car accident attorney in Albuquerque before settling.
Report the Accident
You should always report an Uber or Lyft accident. Report it first to the police, then to the rideshare company. Call 911 from the scene of the accident and explain what happened in your own words. Do not admit fault for the Uber or Lyft accident, however. When the police arrive at the scene of the accident, write down your police report number.
Once you’ve spoken to the police, report the accident to the rideshare company. Both Uber and Lyft have crash-reporting options through the app, website and customer service lines. Failing to report the accident can make it harder to receive financial compensation, but it will not bar you from financial recovery.
Go to a Hospital for Your Injuries
Something else that could make it more difficult to qualify for insurance coverage is failing to obtain professional medical care immediately after your crash. Uber and Lyft’s legal teams may try to deny coverage based on the fact that you delayed seeking medical care. They may try to blame you for the extent of your injuries, for example. Avoid this issue by going to a hospital right away. Ask for copies of your medical records and x-rays.
File a Claim
When you’re ready to seek compensation for your losses, start by notifying Uber or Lyft. You will be contacted by the rideshare company’s insurance carrier shortly after reporting the crash. When speaking to the insurance carrier, don’t admit fault for the accident or give more information than what is requested.
Uber and Lyft are notorious for denying liability for rideshare accidents. Protecting yourself during conversations with an insurance company can improve your chances of recovering a fair amount. You may also be eligible for financial compensation through someone else’s insurance company, such as the individual rideshare driver, your own insurance provider or a third party (e.g., a vehicle manufacturer or the government).
Before you accept a settlement, bring your case to a rideshare accident lawyer near you for a review. A free consultation with an attorney who specializes in these cases can help you better understand your rights before going up against a powerful corporation such as Uber or Lyft.