Drivers must stop at the accident scene and render aid to anyone injured in the crash. Drivers who leave the scene of an accident may face hit-and-run charges. Equally important, staying at the scene enables passengers, drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists to exchange information with the rideshare driver and the police.

After a crash, drivers must exchange names and addresses with each other and any non-driver accident victims, including rideshare passengers. They must also display their driver’s license and vehicle registration to the police and those involved in the crash. Rideshare drivers are also required to carry proof of their rideshare insurance policies, and you will need this information for your injury claim.

Regardless of your role in the crash, gather all of this information and keep it in a safe place. For example, you might write notes or take pictures of the IDs, registrations, and insurance cards of all the drivers involved in the accident.

If your injuries permit, you can also gather information about the crash. Photos and videos of the crash scene can help an accident reconstruction expert determine exactly what happened. Make sure you capture images of the damage to the vehicles, roads, and structures.

Finally, you should gather the names and addresses of any witnesses. Eyewitnesses can often add information that you might not learn through forensic evidence. For example, a witness might have seen the rideshare driver texting right before the crash. As a rideshare passenger, you might not have paid attention to what was happening since you weren’t driving.

Drivers in crashes that cause death, injury, or at least $500 in property damage must contact the police immediately to report the accident. If the drivers cannot report it due to their injuries, passengers must do so.

In response to your call, the local police department, sheriff’s office, or state police unit will dispatch officers to assist and investigate the collision. When the police arrive, cooperate with their investigation by telling the truth, even if it doesn’t help your case. For example, if you were a rideshare passenger and saw nothing before the crash because you were using your phone, tell them.

The officers will produce an accident report. This report will summarize their observations and what they believe happened. It will also list any citations issued. Finally, the accident report will include the names, vehicles, and insurance carriers of the drivers involved in case you did not collect that information at the scene.

Seek medical attention appropriate for your injuries. If you sustained an incapacitating injury, like a broken leg or a head wound, that prevents you from traveling to the hospital without help, ask for an ambulance. Conversely, if your injuries allow you to travel, try to visit an emergency room, doctor’s office, or rapid care clinic as soon as possible.

When you see a doctor, they will:

• Diagnose any apparent injuries
• Identify any hidden injuries, like a concussion
• Develop a plan for treatment and therapy

All of this information will go into your medical record. These records will prove essential in any injury claim because they prove the injuries you suffered and the past and future medical costs you may incur.

If you were injured in your rideshare crash, you will likely face many economic and non-economic losses. You may have medical bills for your injuries. You could also miss significant time from work due to disabilities or limitations. As a result, you can’t earn a living to pay for treatment, therapy, or living expenses.

The law does not expect you to suffer in these situations. If your injuries resulted from someone else’s negligence, you can pursue an accident claim. Most lawyers offer a free consultation to new clients. As a result, you can learn about your legal rights and options without any cost or obligation to hire them.

Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq understands the struggles you face and is dedicated to helping accident victims put their lives back together. Contact our Clifton rideshare accident lawyers to learn how we can help you.