When you’re injured in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle, consider working with a Fort Polk Uber accident lawyer from our team at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers. We can evaluate the accident, file claims with the responsible parties, seek compensation on your behalf, and provide you with updates and legal advice when needed.
Holding Negligent Drivers Accountable
Our Fort Polk car accident lawyers conduct thorough investigations of every accident. During our investigation, we are looking for any behavior that might indicate negligence on behalf of another driver. Our attorneys must collect evidence of negligence to win a personal injury claim.
It’s sadly common for Uber drivers to act negligently when behind the wheel. In these cases, our Fort Polk accident lawyers can collect evidence to build your case. While negligence may involve a traffic violation such as speeding or running a red light, it may also entail improper driving practices such as driving too close to other vehicles or changing lanes without checking blind spots. Possible causes of accidents include:
- Aggressive driving
- Distracted driving (texting while driving is one example)
- Drunk driving
- Drowsy driving
Uber Accidents Caused by Speeding
Drivers for ridesharing companies are held to strict standards for logging work hours. However, they may speed to try to get as many fares in as possible during a work day to make more money.
When Drowsy Driving Leads to Uber Accidents
Uber drivers are only allowed to work for 12 straight hours at a time. Once they reach that limit, they must take a break for at least six hours before driving again. While Uber hopes its drivers will take that time to sleep, some Uber drivers have other jobs or responsibilities that may lead them to stay awake for long periods of time.
If an Uber driver was drowsy or fell asleep at the wheel and caused an accident, you may be eligible for compensation, whether you were a passenger in the vehicle or in another vehicle that the Uber driver hit.
If the Uber Driver is Impaired
According to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, over 40 percent of motor vehicle crashes in Louisiana in 2020 involved alcohol-impaired drivers.
Drunk driving is a serious violation in Louisiana, and Uber drivers are no exception. If a rideshare driver operates a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the odds of an accident are high.
Distracted Uber Drivers Causing Accidents
Distraction is another common cause of car accidents. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), more than 3,000 people died in crashes related to driver distraction in 2020.
Many different things may distract Uber drivers, such as texting on their cell phone, checking directions on their GPS, chatting with passengers in the car, or something happening outside the vehicle. When drivers are distracted, accidents often result.
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.
ClientEstablishing Liability in Uber Accidents
Depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident, Uber may be held liable for any injuries or damages caused by a negligent driver. If the driver is actively transporting a passenger or traveling to pick up a new passenger, Uber’s insurance policy covers up to $1 million in damages per accident.
If the Uber driver is logged on to the Uber app, but they have not received a ride request yet, their personal insurance policy may cover any accidents they cause. If not, Uber will cover damages up to the following limits:
- $50,000 in bodily injury per person
- $100,000 in bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 in property damage per accident
If an Uber driver is not currently using the app, Uber’s insurance policies will not cover the accident. Instead, the driver’s personal car insurance policy will apply.
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 | ClientDamages You May Recover After an Uber Accident
Whether you were a passenger in an Uber vehicle, a driver in another vehicle hit by an Uber, or an Uber driver hit by a third party, you may be able to recover compensation for your economic and non-economic damages after a car accident. These damages may include:
- Current and future medical bills
- Costs to repair or replace your vehicle
- Use of a rental car while your car is being repaired
- Lost wages, if your injuries prevent you from going to work while you recover
- Lost earning capacity, if your injuries prevent you from going back to work in the same capacity or at all
- Physical, emotional, and mental pain and suffering
Wrongful Death Damages
If you lost a loved one in an Uber accident, you may be able to recover wrongful death damages. These damages may include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of household income
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of consortium
- Medical expenses your loved one incurred before they died
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientGet Help from an Uber Accident Lawyer
A Fort Polk car accident lawyer can help you determine if you have a personal injury claim worth pursuing. They can conduct an on-site investigation at the accident scene. If more than one person was hurt or killed in an accident, it is critical to investigate each party involved, including Uber drivers, passengers, and third parties. Your lawyer will work to establish liability for one or more at-fault parties.
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 Can a Lawyer Help You?
One key service your lawyer will help you with is gathering evidence, such as:
- The accident police report
- Photos or videos of the accident, if available
- Witness testimony
- Medical records
- Records of the Uber driver’s previous traffic violations
Your attorney may also interview several specialists to help establish liability in your case, including:
- Investigators
- Economists
- Accountants
- Doctors and nurses
- Accident reconstructionists
Contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation
You do not have to suffer in silence if you are involved in an Uber accident. Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers has attorneys who can help you with an insurance claim or lawsuit. Contact us today to get a free evaluation of your case.
