Common Mistakes After a Rideshare Accident

Rideshare companies, like Uber and Lyft, are more popular than ever before. These vehicles are on Long Island roadways every day. While a rideshare company offers convenience, when accidents occur, there are complicated legal and insurance issues that come up. These are very different than what happens during a car accident between two traditional drivers. Unfortunately, those who were in an accident while in a rideshare vehicle may make mistakes that will stop their ability to get fair compensation.

An experienced rideshare accident attorney can help to protect your rights and preserve claims.

Common Rideshare Accident Mistakes

Failing to Call the Police

One of the most common mistakes following a rideshare accident is not calling the police. Some rideshare passengers assume that because the crash was minor or the rideshare driver was cooperative that a police report isn't necessary. Others will believe that the rideshare company will handle it all internally.

The truth, however, is this - a police report is an official record of an accident. It identifies the people who were involved, documents who could be at fault, and records information like witness information. Without a report, proving how an accident happened is much more difficult. This is even more true when there are several insurance companies involved and one or more is disputing liability.

Not Seeking Immediate Medical Attention

Another big mistake that passengers in an Uber or Lyft accident make is not getting medical attention quickly. Following an accident, adrenaline often masks pain and symptoms. This can lead to someone believing that they will not hurt. However, oftentimes, in the days, weeks, or even months ahead, they might discover that they have whiplash, soft tissue damage, or a concussion.

Delaying medical care doesn't just put a person's health at risk. It also creates a gap in documentation. Medical records are vert important documents, and not having quick medical attention could push the insurance company to claim a victims wasn't as injured as they claim to be. Medical records also help link an injury to the accident.

Assuming the Rideshare Company Automatically Covers Everything

Many passengers believe that Uber or Lyft automatically provides full insurance coverage after any accident. This assumption can be costly. While rideshare companies do carry large insurance policies, coverage depends heavily on the driver’s status at the time of the crash.

Whether the driver was logged into the app, waiting for a ride request, en route to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting a passenger determines which insurance policy applies. Coverage disputes are common, and assuming protection exists without verification can delay or derail a claim.

Failing to Document and Gather Evidence from the Accident Scene

Failing to gather evidence at the scene is another mistake that can hurt a rideshare accident claim. If physically able, injured parties should document the scene by taking photographs of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and visible injuries. Obtaining contact information for witnesses can also be critical.

Rideshare accidents often involve multiple vehicles, drivers, and insurers. Without clear documentation, establishing fault becomes more challenging, especially when stories conflict.

Not Reporting the Accident Through the Rideshare App

Rideshare companies typically require accidents to be reported through their apps. Some passengers rely solely on the driver to make this report, while others do not realize reporting is necessary at all.

Failing to report the incident can delay the claims process or raise questions about whether the accident occurred as described. Submitting a report through the app creates a digital record tied to the specific trip, which may later support an insurance claim.

Giving Recorded Statements Without Legal Counsel

Insurance adjusters for rideshare companies or other drivers may quickly request recorded statements. While these requests may sound routine, providing a statement without legal guidance can be risky. This can also be a common mistake after a wrongful death in the family and a common mistake after experiencing medical malpractice.

Adjusters are trained to ask questions that minimize liability or shift blame. Statements made early—before injuries are fully understood—can later be used to challenge credibility or reduce compensation. Once a statement is recorded, it becomes difficult to correct or clarify later.

Accepting an Early Settlement Offer

Some injured passengers receive settlement offers shortly after a rideshare accident. While quick compensation may seem appealing, these offers often fail to account for long-term medical needs, future treatment, lost income, or ongoing pain.

Accepting an early settlement usually requires signing a release that permanently waives the right to seek additional compensation. If injuries worsen or new complications arise, the injured person may be left without legal recourse.

Overlooking the Role of Multiple Insurance Companies

Rideshare accidents frequently involve multiple insurance policies, including the driver’s personal auto insurance, the rideshare company’s commercial policy, and insurance from other involved drivers. Many individuals mistakenly pursue only one policy or become overwhelmed by conflicting information.

Determining which policies apply—and in what order—requires careful analysis. Missing a potential source of coverage can significantly reduce available compensation.

Posting About the Accident on Social Media

Social media activity can seriously undermine a rideshare accident claim. Photos, comments, or posts suggesting physical activity, travel, or emotional well-being may be taken out of context and used to argue that injuries are exaggerated or nonexistent.

Even privacy settings do not guarantee protection. Insurance companies and defense attorneys routinely monitor social media accounts. Avoiding public discussion of the accident is one of the simplest ways to protect a claim.

Attempting to Handle the Claim Alone Without Legal Guidance

Perhaps the most damaging mistake is attempting to handle a rideshare accident claim without legal representation. Rideshare cases involve complex liability issues, corporate insurance policies, and aggressive defense strategies.

The best auto accident attorney in Long Island understands how to investigate rideshare accidents, identify all liable parties, preserve critical evidence, and negotiate with insurers. Without legal support, injured individuals are often at a disadvantage when facing large corporations and insurance carriers.

Underestimating the Value of the Claim

Many accident victims focus only on immediate medical expenses, such as emergency room bills or car repairs, and fail to consider the full scope of damages. Rideshare accident injuries can lead to ongoing medical treatment, missed work, reduced earning capacity, and lasting physical or emotional effects.

Failing to properly evaluate the long-term impact of an injury can result in compensation that falls far short of what is truly needed.

Not Working with an Experienced Rideshare Accident Attorney

Rideshare accidents present unique legal challenges that differ from traditional motor vehicle collisions. Simple mistakes made in the aftermath of a crash can significantly affect the outcome of a claim. Understanding these common mistakes to avoid after a rideshare accident allows injured individuals to make informed decisions and protect their rights.

Not working with a rideshare accident lawyer and filing a personal injury claim can be one of the biggest mistakes. An experienced attorney can help people navigate the legal complexities of these types of accidents and get compensation to help cover medical bills, lost wages, and more.

The legal professionals at the Law Office of Carl Maltese are here to offer legal assistance and help guide clients through the legal process of any personal injury case involving a rideshare crash.