A rideshare accident lawyer can review your case if you have recently been in an accident during an Uber or Lyft ride. In many cases, people aren’t sure how to proceed after an accident in a rideshare vehicle. Unfortunately, due to typical terms of use for ridesharing companies, you can’t sue Uber or Lyft for compensation. Instead, these matters are settled through binding arbitration. Arbitration is an option for resolving disputes with an arbitrator, which is often a retired law professional.
After allowing each side to present their arguments, the arbitrator decides on the case. These proceedings can be complicated, so we recommend consulting with a Crowley Uber and Lyft rideshare accident lawyer from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers.
What to Do If Your Rideshare Is in an Accident
An accident can be a scary, tense situation. For the most part, your reaction to an Uber or Lyft accident should be similar to your reaction to any other car accident. You may experience anxiety or even anger if you are a passenger in an accident. But try your best to keep a cool head and follow this basic procedure.
Check Yourself and Others for Injuries
Even if it was a minor accident and caused little damage, it’s important to check yourself for injuries first. Then, make sure that the other parties to the accident are safe and stable. Finally, if it’s possible, remove vehicles from the roadway to prevent another accident.
Call the Police and Photograph the Scene
If everyone is safe and unharmed, check for other damages. It’s also important to call the police, photograph the scene and damage (if safe), and exchange insurance information with the driver.
Even if the accident appears minor, it’s still a good idea to call the police. In Louisiana, if an accident causes an injury, death, or more than $500 in property damage, it must be reported to the local police according to RS 32:398. A police report can also be valuable for verifying the facts of your claim in the future.
When photographing the scene, make sure to get photographs from different angles. And find out whether Uber or Lyft covers the driver through their insurance. You can check this by asking whether or not the driver was online (currently using the rideshare app on their phone).
After completing the steps above, contact an Uber or Lyft accident lawyer. They can begin reviewing your case and determine your right to compensation.
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How Can a Rideshare Accident Attorney Help You?
A rideshare accident attorney can handle your claim, appeal, or pursue other actions while you focus on treatment and recovery. A rideshare attorney usually provides many services, including collecting evidence, documenting injuries, appealing claims, and negotiating a settlement. In addition, your chosen Uber and Lyft accident lawyer is available to answer questions, handle case communications, and file legal paperwork. They can also consult with you on the most appropriate course of action.
Communication
The length and complexity of a rideshare accident lawsuit depend on many factors. These could include how many parties are liable, how severe the accident was, and the level of cooperation from the liable party’s insurance company.
Collect Evidence
Your attorney can help look for evidence by reviewing police reports, medical records, surveillance videos, and witness statements.
As your lawyer works to build your case from the evidence they gather, they’ll talk with you about your options for the insurance claim or lawsuit.
Rideshare accidents can be caused by several things – speeding, tailgating, distracted or impaired driving, or failing to watch for pedestrians. As evidence is collected, the cause of the accident will become clearer.
Your rideshare accident lawyer wants you to be compensated fairly. You could be entitled to financial compensation for emergency room visits, x-rays, surgeries, therapies, or any other medical expense you incurred because of the accident.
Many cases are resolved through a settlement before they get to trial. And it’s not uncommon for large insurance companies to make lowball settlement offers. These companies are relying on your lack of legal expertise and your urgent need for money to cover the expenses from the accident.
But you deserve reasonable compensation. If the insurance company does not make an acceptable settlement offer, your lawyer will be prepared to take the case to trial instead.
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Types of Compensation You Could Be Entitled After an Uber or Lyft Accident
There are two types of compensation you could be entitled to because of your rideshare crash. Economic damages include any financial burdens, and non-economic damages include bodily injuries.
Economic Compensation
Economic damages are easily calculable. Some common examples might be loss of income, medical costs, and lost earning capacity.
- Loss of income damages occurs if you missed work due to an accident or related injuries.
- Medical costs can include x-rays, surgeries, medications, etc.
- Lost earning capacity is when an accident leaves you unable to earn as much money as you could before the injuries.
Non-Economic Compensation
Non-economic damages are often harder to calculate. These damages could include disfigurement, disability, and pain and suffering.
- Disfigurement damages may apply if you have scarring caused by the accident.
- Disability claims indicate that your physical or intellectual abilities have been affected.
- You could be entitled to pain and suffering compensation if your injuries have caused physical or emotional stress.
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Your Time Is Limited to Take Legal Action for an Accident in a Ridesharing Vehicle
If you are a victim of a rideshare accident, you have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit. Generally, the deadline is a year from the time of the accident in Louisiana, according to CC Art. 3492. After that year has passed, you could lose your legal right to seek compensation for the accident. If you’re not sure the best way to proceed, an attorney can explain the legal options available to you.
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Speak to an Attorney About Your Uber or Lyft Rideshare Accident Case Today
Being involved in a rideshare accident is stressful. If you or someone you love was injured in the accident, an Uber and Lyft rideshare accident attorney in Crowley can help you fight for financial compensation.
Discuss the legal options available to you by calling Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers at (337) 777-7777 today.
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