Common Mistakes After a Rideshare Accident

Rideshare accidents are more common than ever. Companies like Uber and Lyft offer a convenient way for people to get around the Des Moines metro area, especially when they need a ride home from the bar, a ride to the airport, or during busy workdays. However, accidents in rideshare vehicles happen more than you might realize, and they can quickly get confusing.

Following a crash, rideshare accident mistakes are common, and one wrong move can affect the entire claim. Avoiding the common mistakes after a rideshare accident can help to protect your rights and ensure fair compensation.

The best thing to do if you are injured in a rideshare accident is to contact Tom Fowler Law. This law firm has helped many people throughout Des Moines get the compensation they deserve and has helped them through the legal process.

Keep reading to learn more about the most common rideshare accident mistakes and why it's best to work with a personal injury lawyer in this type of case. They can also help with questions such as how much is my slip and fall case worth?

1. Failing to Call the Police

One of the biggest mistakes that people make following a rideshare accident is not calling the police. If the accident happened and it's minor or no one needs immediate medical attention, some rideshare drivers will not want to call, but it's important to have an official police report.

A police report will offer a neutral account of what happened, and it's a major mistake not to have one if you need to recover compensation.

Without having this, the police report in place, the rideshare company will often try to dispute the details or deny liability. So, call the police, wait for them to arrive, and get a copy of the accident report.

2. Not Seeking Medical Attention

Another critical mistake people make is assuming they are find and don't need medical help. This could also be a serious error. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries/internal trauma, might not show up immediately. However, these can worsen overtime, and you will want to have as much evidence as possible, including medical documentation, so you can get compensation for medical expenses.

Not having documentation of medical treatment can give the insurance companies of these rideshare platforms plenty of time to argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident. They will do their best to limit insurance claims and pay as little as possible.

Tom Fowler Law advises accident victims to keep all medical records, bills, and doctor’s notes, as these documents form a major part of the evidence in a rideshare accident claim. They can also share insight on common mistakes after a wrongful death in the family.

3. Admitting Fault or Apologizing

It's also very common for people to apologize after an accident or unintentionally admit fault. Admitting fault can be as simple as saying, "I'm sorry, I blah, blah, blah." This can be used against you even if you were simply trying to be nice or polite.

Even when talking to police, it's important to only stick to the facts. Any type of recorded statement with an apology can negatively affect a case and limit legal options.

4. Failing to Gather Evidence at the Scene

Evidence from the accident scene can quickly disappear. One of the most common mistakes is not collecting photos, videos, or witness statements.

If a victim is able, they should do the following:

• Photograph vehicle damage and license plates, especially if multiple parties are involved.

• Take pictures of injuries, road conditions, skid marks, road signs, and traffic signals

• Get insurance details from everyone driving

• Screenshot the rideshare trip information and ride details from the rideshare app

• Get contact info from witnesses and other drivers

These details can help establish fault and support the claim if questions arise later. Even small pieces of evidence can make a big difference in proving what happened.

5. Not Reporting the Accident to the Rideshare Company

Following a rideshare crash, some people will only contact the driver's insurance company, but never notify the rideshare company. This is a mistake, because the rideshare system is set up to deal with these situations, too.

Tom Fowler Law is the type of legal counsel that helps clients properly report rideshare accidents and communicate with the insurance adjusters on their behalf to prevent unnecessary complications. Tom Fowler Law also offers free case evaluations, so there is no risk to reaching out.

6. Accepting a Quick Settlement Offer

Another thing to watch out for is a quick settlement offer. Many companies will give early offers to victims in a rideshare accident so they don't have to pay a lot. This is never in your best interest, though. Once you sign an offer, you cannot get further compensation in the future.

Many companies offer quick settlements, but you should never accept without speaking to a lawyer and allowing them to help you through the claims process. This ensures a fair outcome. Some vehicle accident law firms in Des Moines may be able to help.

7. Waiting Too Long to File a Claim

There is a statute of limitations in Iowa for personal injury cases, including rideshare accidents. Typically, it's within two years from the date of the crash. If you wait too long to get legal guidance, it can result in losing the right to seek compensation. This is one of the most common mistakes people make, but it's very avoidable. Many attorneys, like Tom Fowler Law, offer free consultations.

Protecting a Rideshare Accident Claim in Des Moines

Avoiding these common mistakes can make a significant difference in the outcome of a rideshare accident case. Every decision — from the first 911 call to the final insurance negotiation — can impact how much compensation is ultimately recovered for things like medical bills, lost wages, and more.

Tom Fowler Law helps Des Moines residents navigate the aftermath of Uber and Lyft accidents with professionalism and compassion. The firm understands how stressful these situations can be and takes over the legal details so clients can focus on healing.

Contact Tom Fowler Law When You Need an Experienced Attorney

After a rideshare accident, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Between medical appointments, insurance calls, and financial worries, victims may make choices that weaken their claim without realizing it.

The legal team at Tom Fowler Law is dedicated to protecting the rights of those injured in rideshare accidents throughout Des Moines and central Iowa. From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurers, the firm’s attorneys fight to ensure clients receive full and fair compensation for their injuries.

Schedule a free consultation with Tom Fowler Law today to discuss the case details and learn how to avoid costly mistakes after a rideshare accident.