Ridesharing with companies like Uber and Lyft is increasing rapidly. You are far more likely to see a Lyft or Uber vehicle on the road than a more traditional taxicab. There are many benefits to these services—they limit the number of drivers on the road and can improve traffic and drive times. But as convenient as these services are, there’s nothing convenient about a rideshare accident. A Breaux Bridge rideshare accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and what legal options you have to obtain compensation.
Unfortunately, Uber and Lyft drivers are often inexperienced, rushing to their next ride, trying to get a nice tip, or are unfamiliar with the area. If even one of these is the case, it can be dangerous for all motorists. Whether you were a rideshare passenger, struck by an Uber driver, or hit as a pedestrian or cyclist, you likely have legal options available to you.
Holding the Rideshare Company and Its Drivers Accountable
Rideshare drivers for Uber and Lyft are not considered traditional employees. Instead, the drivers are considered independent contractors. This complicates things from a legal perspective.
An experienced Breaux Bridge rideshare accident lawyer can help you navigate through the insurance process, file a lawsuit on your behalf, and if necessary, take your case to trial.
Our team has years of experience with cases like these. Unfortunately, both insurance companies and rideshare corporations aren’t eager to pay out compensation. Insurance companies generally work harder to pay out less. Settlements that are far below what is due are signed all too often. Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies have similar motivations.
Our team of expert Breaux Bridge rideshare accident lawyers can make sure that you don’t fall victim to these predatory practices.
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.
ClientWhat To Do After a Rideshare Accident
Try to keep a level head and stay as calm as possible. Here is a list of potential steps you could take to keep yourself in a beneficial position (from a legal perspective):
Get Medical Attention
Often, accident victims have so much adrenaline pumping through their bodies that they do not realize how badly they are hurt. Do not turn down medical attention. In fact, seek it out. Medical documentation can provide evidence that you were hurt, diagnosed, and treated by a doctor.
Even if you aren’t sure that you are significantly injured, it’s always a good idea to have a medical expert take a look, just in case.
Report the Accident
After making sure that you are safe and your car is in a safe location, call the local police. Filing a police report can do a number of things. First, it can prove the time and place of the accident. Second, it can provide valuable documentation of what actually occurred.
A police report can also give an objective outside perspective on what has occurred. For rideshare accidents, it can be helpful for you to report the accident to Uber or Lyft as well. The rideshare company may be getting an entirely different side of the story from their negligent driver.
Gather Evidence
Photograph vehicles, street signs, the surrounding areas, your injuries, and more. Don’t rely on memory alone. These cases can take a long time, so pictures can help you recall the accident in the future. Along with photographs, try to get contact information for any nearby witnesses. A person who witnessed the accident firsthand can be invaluable should your case make it to trial.
Consider an Experienced Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Uber, Lyft, and insurance companies deal with situations like these all the time. You do not. Because of this, you may be uninformed, overwhelmed, and simply ready to get things over with.
But this is what those companies are counting on.
With a Breaux Bridge Rideshare accident lawyer, you don’t need to be intimidated by Uber, Lyft, or their insurance companies. Our team knows how to take them on and get you the compensation you are entitled to.
How Long Do You Have to File?
For cases like these, Louisiana allows a statute of limitation of one year. In other words, you have exactly one year to file your compensation claim. That year can go by quickly, so it is important to act fast. We can help you file so you can focus on recovery.
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 | ClientWhat to Avoid After a Rideshare Accident
The immediate aftermath of an accident can have a huge effect on the legal outcome. Following an accident, make sure to stay as calm as possible. Keep a level head and get medical attention. Accidents are a traumatic and chaotic time. Do your best to keep your emotions under control and try to avoid the following:
- Acknowledging or admitting fault. “I’m sorry” slips off the tongue very easily for some people. However, a misplaced comment like this can cost you financially in a car accident case. It is important to stick only to facts, not opinions. Saying less can be beneficial, be very careful. Remember that anything you say after the accident may be used against you by the insurance companies or in court.
- Signing any documentation. Without consulting a Breaux Bridge rideshare accident lawyer, it is not a good idea to sign anything you are unsure about. Be wary of early settlement offers from the insurance company. After all, they want to pay out as little as they possibly can.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientGet a Free Case Review Today
As careful as you are on the road, accidents happen. If you were injured in a rideshare accident because of a negligent Uber or Lyft driver, you are likely eligible for compensation. The Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers is available today to help you with a case review. You won’t be charged until you receive your compensation.
Contact our team of Breaux Bridge rideshare accident lawyers today to help you find the justice and compensation you deserve.
