It is very disorienting and annoying as a passenger, driver, or another party involved in a ridesharing car accident. The immediate steps taken after an accident often make a significant difference in your ability to recover compensation for your injuries and damages.
Let’s delve into five critical mistakes one should avoid to preserve one’s rights and interests.
Talking too much with insurance companies
After being involved in a rideshare accident, you are likely to be contacted by insurance adjusters. While your instincts may be to be helpful and open, often saying too much, too early, can significantly hurt your claim.
The insurance adjusters will be looking for ways to minimize their company’s liability and may even use your words out of context against you. It is wise not to give any recorded statements or sign any documents without consulting with local rideshare accident lawyers.
Leaving the scene prematurely
One of the worst things a person can do is leave the scene immediately following an accident, whether that person feels fine or believes minor damage may have occurred to their car. The adrenaline coursing through your body immediately after an accident masks pain and symptoms of injury that may show up hours, or even days, later.
What would appear like a slight collision can have many other hidden ramifications that you tend to get a little later.
Failure to document the scene
The most powerful modern-world tool for documenting a scene of an accident is your smartphone. Oddly enough, most people in an accident must take more photos and videos of damage to road conditions and surroundings. One or two quick snaps are good enough. Still, detailed photo documentation can become crucial evidence when dealing with insurance companies, and further legal action must be taken.
Failure to get immediate medical attention
You should tough it out following an accident if you do not immediately see injuries. Getting immediate medical attention serves two essential purposes. First, it ensures that no injury is left undiagnosed and each gets treated before it worsens. Second, this will result in a medical record linking your injuries to the accident.
Waiting to take action for too long
Arguably, the most expensive mistake is that of delayed filings. You seem to have all the time to deal with it, but each state has strict limits on how long a claim can be filed after an accident. Moreover, significant evidence may be lost as time progresses, while the memories of many witnesses may blur; key documents may also be more challenging to obtain.
Be sure to find out about your legal options before such deadlines loom. The earlier you consult with a rideshare accident attorney, the better prepared you will be to build a strong case.
Conclusion
There are so many nuances you pursue to navigate after a rideshare accident. Thus, it is indispensable to understand your rights and responsibilities.
Remember that much of what you do or don’t do in response to any accident may make all the difference in your ability to recover damages later. If you are ever in doubt, consult a professional rideshare accident attorney who deals specifically with ridesharing accidents.
