At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we provide legal representation to people who suffer injuries due to negligence. If you or a loved one was injured in a collision involving a rideshare vehicle, you have options when it comes to pursuing compensation for your accident-related damages.
Personal injury cases involving rideshare companies can quickly become complicated. While these entities offer insurance to their drivers and passengers, determining whether you are covered under these policies can get confusing. However, when you work with an Andrew rideshare accident lawyer, this does not need to be the case. We can guide you through the process of recovering compensation while you manage the personal aftermath of the collision.
Getting Compensation for Damages After a Rideshare Accident in Andrew
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage if their drivers are involved in an accident, but the way these policies work is complex. Which insurance policy is in effect depends greatly on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. Generally:
- If the driver is not logged in to the app, their personal car insurance coverage applies.
- If the driver is logged in to the app and awaiting a ride request, the rideshare company provides a contingency policy to support the driver’s insurance.
- If the driver is logged in to the app and either traveling to pick up a rider or currently delivering a rider to their destination, the rideshare company provides liability coverage to pay for any injuries to riders or victims hurt in other vehicles. For both Uber and Lyft, this liability coverage limit is currently $1 million.
At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, our attorneys will identify which insurance policy applies and help you file a claim. We demand appropriate compensation for our clients, seeking coverage for their:
- Medical treatment and future care needs
- Lost wages
- Reduce earning capacity
- Property damage, if any
- Pain and suffering
Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.
ClientYou Have a Limited Time to Pursue Damages
Louisiana has a short deadline for pursuing compensation after being in a collision. Under CC Art. §3492, you usually have only one year from the accident date to file a lawsuit for damages. While some details of your situation may grant you additional time to act, for the most part, if you do not take action within this period, you could be barred from pursuing compensation.
An Andrew Uber and Lyft rideshare accident lawyer can review the details of your situation to determine what Louisiana’s statute of limitations means for your case.
We can often settle cases outside of court for our clients. Most do not require a lawsuit, and fewer still go to a jury trial. However, our trial attorneys can prepare, file, and manage a lawsuit if needed. We represent our clients from beginning to end, whether that requires us to present their case to a jury or not.
I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.
Rick Smith | ClientSteps to Take After an Accident
Although you may feel anxious after an accident involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle, your situation is not hopeless. While your lawyer advocates for your legal rights, there are some things you can do to promote your legal interests. Keep in mind that not every step is absolutely necessary. If your injuries prevent you from taking these measures, your lawyer may be able to assist you.
Following an accident with a rideshare vehicle, you should consider:
Creating a Record of What Happened
As soon as possible after the accident, create an account of what occurred. You can record yourself using your smartphone or write it down. Be sure to note every detail, even those that you may think are unimportant. Stick to the facts and do not give your opinion, guesses, or theories about what may have happened. This account can help jog your memory weeks or months down the line when you need it.
Snapping a Few Pictures
The severity of your injuries will factor into your case for compensation. If possible, take pictures of your injuries and damage to your vehicle (if applicable). Later on, your lawyer could use these photos as evidence when it comes to establishing the damages portion of your case. Try to take pictures that show the full scene of the crash and detailed photos of property damage and injuries.
If your injuries are too severe, focus on getting the care you need and do not worry about getting photographs of the crash scene or vehicle damage.
Filing a Police Report
You are required to file a police report following a collision in Louisiana. Under RS § 32:398, you must notify law enforcement of an accident if it resulted in any injuries, deaths, or property damage exceeding $500. The police report will contain important details of the collision, including the date, time, and location of the crash.
In any injury accident, local or state law enforcement should come to the accident scene and:
- Conduct a cursory investigation into what happened
- Issue citations as needed
- Call for medical or fire assistance as needed
- Gather contact and insurance information for all involved
- Determine what stage the rideshare driver was in at the time of the crash, in some situations
- Assign blame depending on the facts of the crash as the officer understands them
- Complete a written accident report
Gathering Witness Statements
If someone was with you during the collision, have them write down their account of events. They may be able to provide helpful insights and testify in court on your behalf, if necessary.
You can also get contact information from others who witnessed the crash. The police may talk to them, as well. Your attorney will also want to speak with witnesses while investigating the accident case. Having their contact information makes this much easier.
Seeking Medical Treatment
You cannot know the extent of your injuries unless you have a physician examine you. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away, including several serious and common injuries such as whiplash, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and internal bleeding. You do not want to develop a serious health complication later on because you did not receive prompt medical care.
If paramedics on the scene recommend you go to the hospital in an ambulance, you should follow their advice. Otherwise, follow up after your crash by going to the nearest emergency department, seeing your family doctor as soon as possible, or going to a walk-in clinic or urgent care facility.
Getting Legal Help
A lawyer can review the details of your case and determine your options for compensation. No matter what type of accident you were in, a lawyer may be able to guide you through the process of recovering various damages. Rideshare accident claims can be somewhat complex, but an attorney can make this process much easier.
These are just some of the things you can do to protect your right to compensation.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientHow a Lawyer Can Assist You
After getting into an accident involving a rideshare vehicle, you may be wondering what legal options you have when it comes to pursuing damages. When you work with Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we can handle your case from beginning to end.
After calculating the cost of your losses, we can enter into negotiations with the liable insurance company. If the insurer does not offer a fair settlement, we can file a lawsuit and argue your case in court.
We represent people who were injured as:
- A passenger traveling in a rideshare vehicle
- Another motorist hit by a rideshare vehicle
- Pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists hit by a rideshare vehicle
- The driver of a rideshare vehicle
Components of a Successful Personal Injury Case
Several actions are necessary for a successful case. While it can get complicated at times, a lawyer can address any questions or concerns you may have.
Some of the things your lawyer can do include:
- Requesting a copy of the police report
- Getting witness testimony
- Consulting with a medical professional regarding your injuries
- Estimating the cost of your accident-related expenses
- Establishing liability for your losses
- Determining how Lyft or Uber’s insurance applies to you
- Negotiating for a fair settlement
- Filing a lawsuit, if necessary
You do not have to go through the legal process without help. At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we can advocate for your rights and pursue the cost of your various expenses.
They treated us like no other people would. Whenever we needed something they were there for us. I put my trust in them and I don’t regret it.
ClientGet Started With a Free Case Review
Our team is ready to help you today. During your free, no-obligation case review, we will take the time to listen to the details of your situation and answer any questions you might have. We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you do not need to pay anything upfront to get our help.
To get started, call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today at (337) 777-7777.
