Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft have changed the way people get around town. The service is convenient and affordable, but it’s also not without risks.
There are many dangers associated with ridesharing that can result in serious injuries or even death. It can be difficult to determine liability because the driver may not be accountable to the rideshare company as they are considered independent contractors.
If you were injured in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to compensation. But it’s not as easy as you think. You will need an experienced attorney to navigate the numerous legal obstacles.
The good news is a Coteau Holmes rideshare accident lawyer at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers will work hard to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your losses.
Our goal is to help victims of rideshare accidents obtain justice through legal action. We want to make sure that no one else suffers because of another person’s negligence.
How to Determine Driver Negligence
Certain rules apply when determining if someone was negligent in causing an accident.
The first thing to consider is whether the driver had permission to drive. Did they have a license to operate a motor vehicle in the state where the incident occurred? If so, then they should have been operating their vehicle safely.
The second factor to look into is whether the driver was distracted by something during the time they were driving. This includes talking on the phone, looking down at social media apps, or texting while behind the wheel. Distracted drivers often fail to notice traffic signs or signals, which could lead them to crash into another vehicle or pedestrian.
The third consideration involves whether the driver was speeding or otherwise violating the speed limit. Speeding is illegal and dangerous, especially when it comes to ridesharing vehicles. Drivers who exceed the speed limit may cause an accident due to excessive speeds.
For a free legal consultation with a rideshare accident lawyer serving Coteau Holmes, call (337) 777-7777
Common Causes for Rideshare Accidents
There are several factors that can contribute to rideshare accidents. One of the most common causes of accidents is poor road conditions. Poor roads can include potholes, slippery surfaces, debris, and uneven pavement. These hazards can cause a vehicle to lose control and crash.
Another common reason for crashes is driver error. A driver might not pay attention to traffic signs or signals or fail to follow directions. They might also fail to yield to pedestrians or other motorists.
In addition, there are times when the driver has no choice but to take evasive actions. This could happen if a car suddenly veers out of its lane, or if police officers are pursuing a car.
A passenger might cause an accident by throwing objects from the vehicle in some instances. This could occur if the passenger throws a drink or food item out of the window. It could also happen if the passenger tries to open the door without checking for other passengers.
Other common causes of rideshare accidents include:
- Alcohol or drug impairment
- Drunk driving
- Failure to wear seatbelts
- Improper maintenance of the vehicle
- Unsafe parking
Call a Coteau Holmes rideshare lawyer today if you were injured in a rideshare accident. We will help determine what compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Coteau Holmes Rideshare Accident Lawyer Near Me (337) 777-7777
How Liability Is Determined in a Ridesharing Accident
The driver’s status determines liability at the time of the accident, which can be one of three conditions:
- The driver logged off their app and is off duty: In this case, their personal insurance should cover the damages
- The driver is logged on their app and while they are on their way to pick up a passenger: In this case, the rideshare company’s insurance may take over to protect the driver from accidents caused by other motorists
- The driver is taking their passenger to their destination: In this case, the rideshare company’s insurance should cover damages for the passenger and/or the driver, depending on who is at fault for the accident
If the rideshare driver is found negligent, then they are liable for the damages. Negligent acts can include:
- Driving too fast
- Failing to obey traffic laws
- Failing to keep a proper lookout
- Not maintaining a safe distance between cars
The passenger’s negligence is assessed based on their own conduct. If the passenger failed to buckle up, then they would be at fault for any injuries sustained during the ride. However, if the passenger did everything right, then they would not be liable for any injuries.
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Compensations You Can Claim
The amount of compensation awarded depends on many different factors. These include:
- The extent of your injuries
- How much money you have lost because of your injuries
- Your medical bills
- Any pain and suffering you experienced
When determining how much compensation you deserve, it is important to remember that the law does not always favor victims. Most states do not allow victims to recover more than the victim’s total losses.
This means that even though you may have suffered serious injuries, you cannot expect to receive full compensation unless you prove that the driver was at least partially at fault.
Keep in mind that there are two types of cases: those involving personal injury claims and property damage claims. A personal injury claim involves injuries such as broken bones, whiplash, and soft tissue injuries. Property damage claims can involve car repairs and lost wages. You can claim compensation for both types of damages and injuries. It’s also important to remember that you must file a claim within a year of your injury according to the Louisiana statute of limitations (CC Art. 3492).
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Contact a Coteau Holmes Rideshare Attorney Today
A Coteau Holmes rideshare attorney can help you understand your rights and options after a rideshare accident. At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we know how to investigate these types of claims and what evidence needs to be collected to prove liability. We will help you with getting your compensation after an accident.
Call us today to schedule a free consultation.
Call or text (337) 777-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
