In recent years, more people have been taking advantage of the convenience offered by rideshare apps like Lyft and Uber. However, if an accident happens, the victims could seek the services of a Baton Rouge Lyft accident lawyer.
Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers’ team uses its legal skills and resources to help Lyft accident victims get fair compensation to help them get back on their feet.
Rideshare Laws That Could Affect Your Baton Rouge Accident Case
With the ridesharing sector experiencing exponential growth, Louisiana has been hard at work trying to take control of the situation and prevent future problems. The Louisiana Department of Insurance issued a consumer alert on the insurance practices of rideshare companies.
Unfortunately, there are still not enough laws in place aimed explicitly at ridesharing platforms. Companies like Lyft require that their drivers:
- Maintain a clean driving record
- Have full coverage on their vehicles
- Stay updated with the necessary legal documentation
However, that doesn’t mean that accidents won’t happen. As a result, our attorneys help accident victims explore their legal options and advise them on the best course of action.
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Common Injuries in Baton Rouge Lyft Accidents We See in Our Practice
People who have been involved in Lyft in accidents in Baton Rouge experience a host of traumatic injuries. Some of the common ones include:
- Internal organ damage
- Traumatic brain damage
- Head and neck injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Amputations
- Spinal cord damage
- Third-degree burns
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
If a person is injured in a Lyft accident, they could have a legal right to seek compensation. Our legal team helps victims file injury claims and lawsuits and start their financial recovery.
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Who Is At Fault in a Baton Rouge Lyft Accident?
For a Lyft accident victim to recover fair compensation in an injury claim, their lawyer would need to figure out who was responsible for the accident. Many parties could be responsible for a Lyft accident. First, let’s look at negligent drivers.
Negligent Drivers Could Have Failed to Protect You on the Road
The National Highway Safety Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that negligent driving is one of the main causes of any automobile accident. The Lyft driver (or another motorist) could have driven carelessly and caused the accident. Negligent driving includes:
- Tailgating
- Driving while texting
- Failure to use turn signals
- Disregarding traffic signs
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
However, negligent drivers are not the only cause of Lyft accidents. Other parties apart from the rideshare driver could be at fault.
Other Parties Who Could Be At Fault for Your Lyft Accident Losses
If the roadway was unsafe in a way that led to the accident, the government agency responsible for maintaining the road could be held responsible for the injuries. Similarly, if the accident resulted from defective parts in any involved vehicles, the manufacturer could be responsible.
Some of the other parties who could be found responsible for the accident include:
- Dealerships
- Technicians
- Auto parts designers
- Vehicle manufacturers and distributors
For the Lyft accident lawyer to determine who was at fault, Baton Rouge accident victims should provide their legal representatives with details about the accident. The lawyer might also launch an independent investigation to secure more information.
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How Are Baton Rouge Lyft Accident Victims Compensated?
There are many ways victims of Baton Rouge Lyft accidents can be compensated. Their attorneys carefully examine the details of their case and determine what the best legal option would be most appropriate. It is not uncommon for lawyers to use multiple financial recovery avenues to benefit their clients’ payout.
Filing Rideshare Car Accident Insurance Claims
Louisiana is a fault state for car accidents and insurance purposes. This means that when a person is injured in a car accident, they must file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance provider. When dealing with a Lyft accident, filing a claim can be complicated because Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors.
Unlike conventional cab companies, Lyft doesn’t cover its drivers twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. There are only specific times that Lyft’s insurance, including liability coverage, is in effect. These instances include:
- When the driver is on the way to pick up a passenger
- When the driver is waiting for a passenger, referred to as “driver mode”
- When the driver is actively transporting a Lyft passenger
Once the driver is not in driver mode or working actively for Lyft, the company’s insurance becomes inactive. At this time, the driver’s own auto insurance policy, including liability coverage, should be in effect. Depending on the driver’s status during the accident, one of the insurance policies should compensate the victim.
Pursuing a Lyft Accident Lawsuit in Civil Court
Another way for the victim to recover compensation is through a civil lawsuit. Several circumstances may cause the victim to file a civil lawsuit. The first is if their insurance policy does not cover the Lyft accident. If this happens, the victim can’t file a claim through the insurance company. The only way out is through the civil court system.
Even in cases where the insurance company compensates the victim, the insurance settlement might not be enough to cover all the losses. This is because insurance settlements only cover specific financial or economic losses. As a result, the victim’s attorney might file a civil lawsuit to cover the losses that the insurance company left out.
Get The HelpYou Need(337) 777-7777To Schedule a FREE CONSULATION
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Let Us Help You Fight for Fair Financial Awards After a Lyft Accident
Car accidents can have devastating physical, emotional, and financial effects. This is why Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers believes that all car accident victims deserve fair compensation to help them get back to their normal lives.
If you or someone close to you is ever involved in a Lyft accident, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. Our lawyers serving Baton Rouge will assess your personal injury case and advise you on the best legal options. Call us at (337) 777-7777.
Get The HelpYou Need(337) 777-7777To Schedule a FREE CONSULATION
24 hours a day • 7 days a week
