Rideshare services have become a staple in the lives of many of us. The tricky part comes when you become involved in an accident with a driver using these services. Getting compensation following a rideshare accident is tedious because the drivers usually have varying insurance coverage based on their status on the app.
The Delcambre rideshare accident lawyers with Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers understand these chaotic insurance policies. We can assist you with getting compensation for your lost income, pain and suffering, and any medical bills you have accrued from your rideshare accident.
Whether you were the driver, the passenger, or in another car, we can help you get back to your life. You don’t have to suffer alone struggling to make sense of confusing insurance claims. We can handle your case while you recover from your injuries stress-free.
Can You Sue a Rideshare Company Directly?
Since most rideshare companies promise your safety when riding with their drivers, it’s possible to sue the company directly. However, you need to show how the company could have done a better job of preventing the accident, which can be challenging. A common ground on which to file a lawsuit against the rideshare company is showing negligent hiring and vetting practices of their drivers.
But rideshare companies take the stance that their drivers are independent contractors, so you may sue the driver personally to receive compensation. That said, if the rideshare driver was on the app and transporting a passenger at the time of the accident, the rideshare company is liable for any injuries. If the rideshare insurer server fails to negotiate fairly, you could sue.
What if the Rideshare Driver Was Not on the App?
There are two additional driver statuses that can affect insurance coverage. If the rideshare driver was not on the app, the driver’s personal liability insurance should cover the accident. But, if the rideshare driver was on the app and waiting for a passenger, the rideshare insurance policy would only apply if the driver’s liability insurance did not cover the accident.
It is these minute distinctions that can confuse most people unfamiliar with rideshare accident cases. Our team understands the complexities and knows how to navigate the claims process.
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 Happens if the At-Fault Driver Does Not Have Insurance?
If the rideshare driver does not have insurance, it may be possible to receive compensation from your own uninsured or underinsured car policy if you carry one. There is also the possibility to receive compensation through the rideshare company. Most carry a $1 million policy to cover injuries and damages in such situations.
On the other hand, suing the driver personally is also an option. The driver is required to pay you the settlement out of pocket.
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 Is the Work of a Personal Injury Lawyer?
After an accident, you will probably need a few days to recover from the physical and emotional damage you experienced. Having a personal injury lawyer will allow you to recover as your lawyer fights to reach a viable settlement with the insurance companies.
Here are a few more things included with our personal injury lawyers’ job description:
- Visit the accident scene to look for details you and the police could have missed
- Contact insurance companies and hand them all the necessary evidence and documents
- Gather all evidence from the hospital, CCTV cameras, and the police
- Calculate a fair settlement by what you will spend in the hospital and the cost of any damaged property.
- Representing you in court in case you don’t reach a settlement plea with the insurance company
- Notifying you of court sessions and giving you detailed briefs of what happens in court if you’re not in a position to attend
- Advise you on how to handle issues about the accident
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientHow Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit?
A statute of limitations is the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit after an incident happens. In Delcambre, you have a maximum of two years to file your car accident lawsuit under CC 3492.
It’s imperative to know that the two-year limit is subjective to many factors, such as whether there was a government worker involved, the accident resulted in a fatality, or a minor was injured. Contacting a personal injury lawyer early enough will ensure the deadline does not elapse and they have the time to build a case.
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.
ClientHow Much Do You Have to Pay a Personal Injury Lawyer?
At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we understand that being involved in an accident drains you financially, emotionally, and physically. Therefore, we offer our services on a contingency basis contract.
You will not pay us a consultation fee or per hour fee. Instead, we will work for you until closing the settlement. After which, the lawyer working on your case will receive a small portion of your settlement money. Also, if you don’t receive a settlement, we will not charge you anything.
What to Do After an Accident Occurs
Take the following actions immediately after an accident occurs:
Contact the Authorities
If police are called immediately after the accident, they will create a report on the accident as they perceive it. In addition, they will take professional pictures that will act as evidence, including damages to both cars and injuries received as a result.
Take Photos
If you are physically able without further harming yourself or others, take photos of everything in your surroundings, from the wrecked car to the weather condition. You’re also welcome to capture your injuries on camera. These photos will help in building your case and may allow your doctors to treat you properly.
Gather Information
Talk to eyewitnesses, look for CCTV cameras, and note the time and exact location of the accident for evidence purposes. Any notes you can jot down can help us build a picture of the accident.
Seek Medical Attention
Any injury you acquire during the accident needs to be checked and treated by a professional before it worsens. You should see your doctor or go to the hospital for a check-up because you might have internal injuries. It’s common for accident victims to sustain injuries and not be aware of them because of the adrenaline rush that comes after an accident.
Also, medical records are imperative in a car accident settlement case as they show evidence of injuries sustained.
Contact the Insurance Companies
Contact the ride-sharing company plus your insurance company. Inform them of the accident and to start investigating it. Be sure to get names and case numbers, but be cautious of what you say. Only mention the facts as you know them. Don’t speculate or place blame.
Reach Out to Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers
Your last step should be speaking with a law firm. The rideshare accident team serving Delcambre from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can start preparing your case today. Learn more with a free one-time consultation.
Call us today, and we will help you in your time of need.
