The concept of ridesharing has become a popular way to get in and around Baton Rouge. While these services are convenient, they also come with risks that can be dangerous for passengers.
One of the main risks is rideshare accidents. If you’ve been involved in an accident in Louisiana involving a rideshare vehicle, a Baton Rouge rideshare accident lawyer could tell you your rights as a passenger.
What to Do After a Ridesharing Accident
When you’re involved in a ridesharing accident, here are a few things that you should do.
Contact the Police
Immediately after an accident, call the police by dialing 9-1-1 to report what happened. Make sure to tell the dispatcher where the accident occurred. Also, give the dispatcher the name and number of the driver and the company’s name.
Take Photos and Gather Details
Take pictures of the accident scene and any injuries you’ve sustained. This may include insurance information, number plate, driver’s license, model of the car, and other information you think might be helpful at trial.
File a Police Report
Once you’re done talking to the police, they should fill out a report. In addition to documenting the details of the accident, the report will help prove fault at trial. You’ll be able to contact the police for a copy of this.
Get Medical Attention
If you need immediate medical care, go to the nearest hospital emergency room. Even if you feel fine, you should get checked on by a healthcare provider—this way any potential injuries are on file.
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 Could Sue the Driver After a Rideshare Accident
In Louisiana, rideshare companies are considered common carriers. As such, they’re subject to certain regulations regarding liability under LA Rev Stat § 45:201.6. They could be liable for injuries suffered by passengers if they knew (or should have known) that the driver was likely to harm others.
If you believe the driver was acting recklessly or negligently at the time of the crash, you could pursue a personal injury claim. To do so, you’ll need to prove the driver acted unreasonably and that his or her actions led to your injuries.
If you’ve been hurt because of a rideshare accident, we could help. Our Baton Rouge lawyers will review the details of your case and explain your legal rights and options.
Understanding How Ridesharing Companies Operate
Rideshare companies operate differently from traditional taxi services. They rely on independent contractors to provide transportation. This means drivers are responsible for all aspects of their work, including insurance and licensing requirements. Drivers must pass background checks before being hired and undergo training to learn how to safely transport passengers.
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 | ClientCovering the Cost of Damages After a Baton Rouge Rideshare Accident
The cost of recovering from an injury depends on several factors, including:
- How much money you spend on doctors’ visits and medications
- How much time off you take from work
- How long it takes to heal
- Whether you were hospitalized
- The extent of your injuries
- Your ability to return to work
- The total amount of money you spend on living expenses
Rideshare accidents can result in serious injuries. If you suffer a broken bone, you could lose weeks of work. You might also experience chronic pain. These things can affect your quality of life.
Is the Rideshare Company Liable?
Both Uber and Lyft have $100,000 insurance policies that apply to accidents that occur while drivers are transporting passengers. These policies cover injuries sustained by passengers regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
They don’t protect riders from accidents that happen outside of this state.
What Are Some Common Types of Rideshare Accidents?
There are three main types of rideshare accidents:
- A collision with another vehicle
- An impact with a fixed object (e.g., a building)
- A fall due to unsafe conditions
All vehicles are responsible for their own safety. This means drivers must obey traffic laws and exercise reasonable care. For example, if one driver fails to yield the right-of-way to another car, the negligent driver could be held accountable for any resulting injuries.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientWhat Will a Personal Injury Lawyer Do After a Rideshare Accident?
Your lawyer will help you explain your options and gather all the evidence and information you have about your accident. They will then investigate on their own to uncover other details. They could also retain expert witnesses or accident reconstructionists to support your testimony.
You will not be alone in your journey towards securing justice. We will answer your questions and keep you in the loop. Your representative serving Baton Rouge will handle all communications with the insurers and other lawyers engaged in the rideshare accident case.
Your rideshare accident lawyer could negotiate for a fair insurance settlement or file a lawsuit for a judgment award. We will also cover all costs related to your rideshare accident case until we obtain damages for you. If you choose to represent yourself, you put your case at risk. You might not know all the ins and outs of the law like our team does.
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.
ClientContact a Rideshare Accident Law Firm Today!
When you’re injured in a rideshare accident, call us immediately. Our attorneys know how to get results. We’ll evaluate your situation and help you decide whether you should file a claim lawsuit against the other party.
We could take action to recover compensation for your losses. We work on a contingency-fee-basis and offer free consultations so you can learn more about your legal options. Call us today at (337) 777-7777.