Ridesharing has become a normal part of getting around Las Vegas, whether you’re heading to the airport, visiting the Strip, or avoiding the hassle of parking downtown. With so many Ubers and Lyfts on the road alongside taxis, tour buses, and heavy tourist traffic, accidents can and do happen. Knowing what to do in the moments after can make a real difference for your safety and your legal rights, and an experienced Las Vegas personal injury lawyer can guide you through the steps to protect your claim.
Stay Calm and Make Sure You’re Safe From Further Harm
Right after a crash, your first step is to get control of the situation as much as possible. If the vehicle can be moved and it’s safe to do so, move to the side of the road so you’re out of the way of any oncoming traffic. If it’s safe to take a photo of where the car ended up after the accident before you move it, that’s a good idea.
Call 911 and Report the Accident
Contacting 911 ensures first responders are on their way and initiates a formal record of what happened. Police reports are especially important for Uber and Lyft claims because the ridesharing companies and their insurers will often require them before covering damages. Nevada law also requires certain accidents to be reported, like those with injuries, deaths, or significant property damage. Give accurate, honest information to both police and any medical personnel that arrive on scene. Share the details you’re certain of, but don’t speculate on what caused the crash or if you or someone else was at fault.
Gather Information at the Scene
If you can do so safely, collect contact and insurance information before everyone leaves the scene. Get the rideshare driver’s full name, phone number, license plate, insurance policy information. If other drivers were involved, ask for the same details. Talk to anyone who may have seen the crash and get their name and contact information, as witnesses can be important later on if fault is disputed. From your app, take screenshots that capture the trip details, including the ride route, estimated time of accident, driver info, and passenger status. These timestamps help prove exactly what phase of the rideshare trip you were in during the collision.
Take Photos and Document the Scene
Use your phone to take as many clear pictures as possible. Focus on visible vehicle damage for all involved vehicles, marks on the road, and relevant traffic signs. Include shots of skid marks, lighting, intersections, traffic lights, or obscured route signs that may have contributed to the crash. If you have injuries you can see, like bruising, cuts, or swelling, photograph them immediately. Take note of major landmarks, street signs, or buildings nearby so you can explain to insurance adjusters exactly where the accident occurred.
Report the Accident to Uber or Lyft
Use the rideshare app’s built-in accident reporting tools to notify them of the crash. When reporting, stick to the basic facts of where and when the crash occurred, which driver was involved, and your role as a passenger or third party. Avoid attributing blame, arguing fault, or making detailed statements about injuries before you have the chance to speak with a lawyer.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you walk away from the crash without obvious injuries, you should get checked by a doctor that same day. Certain crash-related injuries, like concussions, internal bleeding, and soft tissue injuries, may not be immediately apparent to you. A doctor can look you over and run some tests to make sure you aren’t suffering from any hidden injuries. Medical records help link your injuries directly to the accident, something insurers often scrutinize closely.
Understand Uber/Lyft Insurance Coverage in Nevada
Rideshare insurance in Nevada depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash, and this is important to understand:
- Period 1: The driver is not logged into the app and is not available to accept a ride. Coverage is limited – usually just the driver’s insurance based on the minimum liability required by state law.
- Period 2: The driver is online and available to accept a ride request. At this point, Lyft or Uber’s third-party liability insurance can help cover injury costs up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident and property damage up to $25,000.
- Period 3: A driver has accepted a ride and is on the way to get the passenger or the passenger is in the vehicle. The $1 million liability coverage stays active and typically includes uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, which offers extra layers of coverage if another driver doesn’t have enough insurance.
This insurance structure can apply to passengers inside the vehicle, rideshare drivers hurt by others, or people injured outside the car when a rideshare driver causes a crash.
Contact a Lawyer
After an Uber or Lyft accident in Las Vegas, speaking with an experienced Las Vegas rideshare accident lawyer as soon as possible can make a big difference. An attorney can guide you through Nevada’s insurance laws, deal with the rideshare company and insurers on your behalf, and pursue compensation for your losses while you focus on recovery.
Avoid Common Mistakes That Could Hurt Your Claim
What you do or don’t do after a rideshare accident can have a big impact on your case. Certain missteps can reduce the value of your claim or give the insurance company reasons to deny it altogether. Below are some common mistakes you should be aware of and avoid at all costs:
Delaying Medical Care
Failing to get examined quickly can allow insurers to argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident. Even if you feel fine, a medical record from the same day helps protect your health and your claim.
Admitting Fault at the Scene
It’s natural to want to be polite after a crash, but simple statements like “I’m sorry” can be misinterpreted as admitting you caused the accident.
Posting on Social Media
Sharing details, photos, or comments about the accident online can be used against you by claims adjusters or opposing attorneys. It’s safer to not mention the incident (or even stay off social media altogether) until your case is resolved.
Accepting a Quick Settlement Without Legal Advice
Insurers may offer a fast payout that doesn’t come close to covering your full damages. Once you accept, you can’t ask for more later. Having a Las Vegas personal injury attorney review any offer before you sign protects you from settling for less than you need and deserve. Avoiding these mistakes and getting legal guidance quickly can help protect your rights and improve your chances of a fair recovery. An experienced Las Vegas rideshare accident attorney will know the tactics insurers use and how to fight them effectively. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation.
