If you are trying to sue Uber/Lyft for an accident in New Jersey, your ability to recover compensation depends heavily on your evidence. But what kind of evidence do you actually need? What kind of evidence can you gather to show that Uber/Lyft was at fault for your injuries? This is one of the most common questions for injured victims after crashes caused by Uber/Lyft. The good news is that if you are asking yourself this question, you are on the right track. Being aware of the importance of good evidence is the first step as you approach your lawsuit in the most confident manner possible.
Evidence is even more important when you consider Uber/Lyft’s tendency to use all kinds of strategies to dodge liability. Often, it is only the existence of irrefutable evidence that stops this major tech company from washing its hands of all responsibility. The same logic applies to Lyft or any other rideshare company. Here is a rundown of the evidence you might need to hold Uber/Lyft accountable:
Police Reports
Technically speaking, police reports are inadmissible as evidence in personal injury trials. Nevertheless, they may prove useful as you pursue the compensation you need and deserve. Even though you cannot present them to the court during a personal injury trial, you may be able to refer to these documents during negotiations with Uber/Lyft outside of court. It is a well-known fact that most civil lawsuits never actually reach the trial stage, as most claims are settled without going to court. During the informal discovery stage of these negotiations, you may be able to point to police reports to back up your arguments.
For example, police may arrive at the scene of a rideshare accident and immediately deduce that an Uber/Lyft driver ran a red light while traveling over the speed limit. This might have caused them to impact your vehicle, resulting in serious injuries. Upon further inspection, the police might determine that the Uber/Lyft driver was intoxicated at the time of the crash. In addition, they might take a look at the devices in the vehicle, discovering that the driver was watching a movie on their iPad while texting their girlfriend at the time of the crash. All of this information can be carefully jotted down in the police report.
But why can’t you use a police report in court? Technically, it is classified as hearsay. You can call upon police officers to testify on your behalf, however. This allows you to get the information “straight from the horse’s mouth,” so to speak – and they can recount everything they observed and experienced after arriving at the crash scene.
Vehicle Computers
These days, most vehicles have built-in computers – also known as “black boxes” – that record important data at all times. Accessing these computers can help investigators discover what was going on in the moments before the crash. When did the Uber/Lyft driver decide to slam on the brakes? Was it before or after they impacted your vehicle? Were they driving at the speed limit – or were they speeding? Did they have certain features enabled in the vehicle, such as “Autopilot” or self-driving technology? All of this information can help you show that the Uber/Lyft driver’s negligence led to your injuries.
Medical Evidence
You can also draw upon your own medical records to highlight the extent of your injuries. In order to successfully receive compensation for your crash, you must prove that it caused legitimate injuries. First of all, it is important to actually see a doctor or visit a hospital after your crash. If you simply decide to soldier on without seeing a doctor, you may suffer serious consequences. Not only will this cause health issues, but it may also prevent you from receiving compensation. If you do not get treatment, Uber/Lyft may argue that your injuries really were not that serious. Remember, you can get compensated for any medical treatment you receive through a settlement – so there’s really no reason not to see a doctor. Even if you believe that your injuries were light, it is worth getting treatment just to be on the safe side.
There are many different types of medical evidence that may be useful. One notable example includes medical images. These may take the form of X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, and many others. Medical images can clearly communicate serious medical issues, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), broken bones, internal organ damage, and much more.
You can also show the court doctors’ notes, prescriptions for medication, and anything else you think might highlight the severity of your injuries. Ask for copies of your medical receipts, as these documents can help show the court how costly your medical treatment has been.
Where Can I Find a Rideshare Accident Attorney?
If you have been searching for a qualified, experienced rideshare accident attorney in New Jersey, look no further than Smith & Williams Law Firm, LLC. We have experience with accidents involving rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft, and we can guide you toward the compensation and justice you deserve. The best news is that we can help you gather the evidence you need to hold these tech companies accountable. The sooner you book your consultation, the sooner we can start building a solid case against Uber or Lyft. Reach out today and book your consultation to get started with an effective action plan.
