Accidents, whether you are driving a car or using rideshare services like Lyft, are unfortunate events. It can catch anyone off-guard and cause distress and anxiety. Sadly, such occurrences are not unheard of in the bustling city of St. Louis, with its vibrant communities and busy streets. However, knowing what to do immediately after an accident can greatly help manage the situation efficiently and effectively.
This quick guide will provide you with the essential information and a sequence of actions to take if you are in an accident while using Lyft in St. Louis. Following these steps will help you cope with the initial shock, ensuring the legal and insurance-related processes are smoother.
Let’s begin!
Stay Calm And Check for Injuries
Right after an accident, things might feel really confusing. But it’s super important to stay calm. Try taking a big breath to make yourself feel better before you figure out what’s going on. Check if you have sustained any injuries and inquire about the well-being of the driver, other passengers, and any third parties involved. Your safety and that of everyone at the scene should be the top priority.
If someone is injured, even slightly, calling for medical help is important. In addition to this, remember that some injuries may not be apparent immediately, so monitoring your condition and that of others is vital.
Contact the Police & Attorneys
After ensuring everyone is safe, calling the police is an important step. They will file your report that includes full details of the moment. It will help you to deal with insurance claims and safeguard your rights.
Besides, when the police come to the scene, cooperate fully and tell them what happened accurately. Avoid saying you’re at fault or anything that might sound like it. Stick to the facts and let the investigators do their job.
Between contacting the police, it’s also a wise step to consider contacting an attorney. Especially connecting with a professional st. louis lyft accident lawyer can help you explore your legal options and file a claim. In essence, they can also assist you in securing fair compensation for any damages or injuries.
Collect Important Information
After ensuring everyone’s safety and contacting the authorities, it’s time to gather essential information. Use your phone to take pictures of the accident scene, capturing different angles, vehicle damages, and license plates. Also, do not forget about road signs or signals. These photos can serve as valuable evidence.
Yet collecting the right information about witnesses is equally crucial. Politely approach any witnesses and ask for their contact details. Witness statements can be very helpful in describing the whole situation. It also helps in establishing the sequence of events and determining liability.
Beyond that, record the names, badge (pin) numbers, and contact details of the responding police officers. This will be useful for obtaining the official police report later. Also, exchanging information with the Lyft driver and other parties involved is vital. You can collect their names, phone numbers, insurance details, and vehicle information.
File the Accident to Lyft
In an accident involving a Lyft ride, the most important step to take is filing the accident with Lyft itself. It will ensure that the report is properly documented and the related parties are aware of it. But why should you do it?
Well, it is vital and beneficial because Lyft has a liability insurance policy that covers accidents that occur during rides. Also, reporting the accident allows them to review the driver’s conduct and take appropriate actions. So, make sure to be accurate and thorough in describing what happened. The rideshare company will use this information to investigate the accident and determine the next steps.
Now the question is- How do you report the accident to Lyft? It’s quite simple, just follow these steps:
- Open the Lyft app.
- Go to the ride history.
- Select the ride during which the accident occurred.
- Tap on the “Get Help” option.
- Choose “Accident” as the issue and follow the prompts to provide details.
Remember, by reporting the accident promptly, you are not just fulfilling your responsibility as a passenger. You are also helping in the process of resolving potential insurance claims or legal matters.
To Sum It All Up
Being involved in an accident with a Lyft can be a distressing experience. However, following this guide will assist in safeguarding your interests and ensuring a smoother resolution to any legal or insurance-related matters. So, stay safe, stay informed, and remember that your actions in the immediate aftermath can significantly affect how the situation extends.
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Rita Wray says
Thank you for the information.
Elizabeth says
I’ve never taken Lyft (or any rideshare), but this is good to know!
bn100 says
useful info
Tina F says
Great information. I am not sure we have Lyft around here but it is great to have the information if we need it.
Audrey Stewart says
I had no idea Lyft could be liable. So glad to know.
Dreaa Drake says
I’ve never been in a car accident but this is great advice.
Suzie B says
eeep! An accident with a ride share isnt actually something I had really given much thought to prior!
Bea LaRocca says
Thank you for sharing this information, this is another post that I will bookmark just in case my friends, family or I are ever ever in an accident while using the Lyft service
heather says
I don’t know anything about Lyft but this was really informative to read with great tips to keep in mind.