Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft revolutionized transportation in Illinois, offering convenience and flexibility for passengers. However, with more rideshare vehicles on Northbrook roads, pedestrian accidents involving these drivers have also increased. If a rideshare driver hits you while you’re walking, jogging, or crossing the street, you may face serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and time away from work. Taking the appropriate steps after the accident can protect your health and legal rights.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your health and well-being should be your top priority after any pedestrian accident. Call 911 right away, or have someone else call for you. Allow the responding paramedics to examine you at the scene and transport you to the hospital if needed.
If you do not go to the emergency room directly from the accident scene, schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor or visit an urgent care clinic as soon as possible. Receiving a prompt medical evaluation establishes a link between the rideshare accident and your injuries. Without this connection, the rideshare company’s insurance carrier may argue that your injuries stem from another event and deny your claim.
Report the Accident
After addressing your immediate medical needs, report the pedestrian accident to the police. When speaking with responding officers, stick to the facts and avoid speculation or assumptions. If they ask whether you are injured, say you plan to seek a medical evaluation. Do not admit fault or apologize; these statements could hurt your claim. Once the police finish their investigation, ask how to recover your own copy of the official accident report.
Gather Information
You need the rideshare driver’s name and contact details, their insurance information, and the vehicle’s make, model, and license plate number. Also, ask whether they were on their way to pick up a passenger, actively transporting a rider, or driving for personal reasons during the accident, as this can affect insurance coverage.
If you notice any witnesses, ask for their names and contact information. Neutral third-party accounts can provide valuable evidence to support your claim. If the rideshare driver had a passenger at the time of the accident, the passenger may have helpful information about the driver’s behavior, so try to get their details before leaving the scene.
Document the Accident Scene
Take photos and videos of the accident scene if you can do so safely. Capture multiple angles of the vehicle and any damage it sustained. Photograph the surrounding area, including traffic signals, crosswalks, stop signs, or obstructions.
Write down or record your recollection of what happened as soon as possible, including the date, time, location, and weather conditions. Memories can fade quickly, so preserving these details while fresh in your mind can help your lawyer build a stronger case.
Notify the Rideshare Company
You need to report the accident to the rideshare company as soon as possible. Uber and Lyft can receive crash reports directly through their apps or websites. You’ll need the rideshare trip details from the rideshare driver or passenger. If you can’t get those details, call the rideshare’s phone number to make your report.
Provide a basic description of what happened, but do not go into exhaustive detail or admit fault. A claims adjuster will likely contact you for more information, but you should direct them to speak with your lawyer rather than provide a recorded statement.
Contact an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Taking on the insurance claim process after a serious pedestrian accident is rarely easy, but having a skilled lawyer can make a significant difference. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have robust insurance policies with high coverage limits, but accessing those benefits is often challenging.
At Stein & Shulman, LLC, we have decades of experience advocating for pedestrians injured in motor vehicle accidents, including those involving rideshare drivers. We understand the pain, stress, and uncertainty you face in the aftermath of a severe crash, and we are here to serve as your dedicated legal partners during this challenging time. Contact us to begin your free case evaluation.
