You have spent an enjoyable evening with friends in downtown Lafayette, LA. But on your way home, your rideshare is involved in a collision with another car. Even though you weren’t one of the drivers, you can still file a claim to seek compensation.
If you have been in an accident with a rideshare, whether as a passenger, a driver, or in another vehicle, you may be able to hold the at-fault party liable for your losses. It’s time to call a Lafayette rideshare accident lawyer. Speak with a member of Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today. During your free case review, we can discuss your next steps.
Who’s Liable for Your Rideshare Accident?
The short answer is it’s complicated. If you’re injured while using a rideshare service, it’s not always easy to determine who’s responsible on your own. Companies like Uber and Lyft use algorithms to match available drivers and passengers quickly through their apps. The driver’s status on the app at the time of the accident can affect financial liability.
For example, if you order an Uber and the driver is “offline” or not currently working for the company, then their personal auto insurance would be the primary coverage in the event of an accident.
If they are “online” or working for the rideshare company at the time of the accident, but they are waiting for a passenger request, then the rideshare company’s commercial policy would apply if the personal insurance was insufficient. Finally, if they were online in the process of picking up a passenger or transporting one, then the rideshare coverage would wholly apply.
Liability in An Accident with Multiple Drivers
Things get more complicated when multiple drivers are involved, as is often the case with accidents involving rideshares. For example, if you’re in an Uber and another driver rear-ends you, that driver would be primarily liable for your damages. But if the other driver flees the scene, then the rideshare company’s policy could be accountable for damages.
It’s also important to note that not all insurance companies will cover rideshare drivers. So, if you are injured by a driver without insurance, you may have to seek compensation through Uber or Lyft’s commercial policy.
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Damages You Can Claim After an Accident
Just because you weren’t behind the wheel doesn’t mean you didn’t experience physical or emotional trauma. As the passenger in a car crash, we can help you or your loved one claim economic and non-economic damages like these:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of income during recovery
- Reduced potential income due to a long-term injury
- Expenses from your hospital stay
- Labs, x-rays, MRIs, and other tests
- Prosthetics
- In-home care
- Prescription medications
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What To Do After an Accident
You can protect yourself and your interests by taking the following steps after an accident:
- Make sure that everyone is safe and call 911 for the police and medical services
- Ask for a copy of the police accident report
- Take photos and videos of the scene, but don’t share them on social media
- Get contact details from any witnesses
- Keep a record of all relevant documents
- Call the rideshare company and your insurance company to report the accident
- Contact a personal injury attorney
It’s easy to think that, since you were only a passenger, someone else will collect all the information you need. But it’s better to be safe than sorry. Your rideshare accident lawyer can make sure you’ve covered all the bases for your claim.
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What Will Our Attorneys Do Next?
If you go ahead with your case, you will meet with our team to discuss the next stages. Our legal team will:
- Visit the scene
- Interview witnesses
- Request the police report
- Review medical records
- Find traffic cameras and get CCTV footage
- Talk with representatives from the rideshare company
- Help you schedule appointments
- Calculate the value of your compensation
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Prepare and represent your case in court
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Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Is a Recognized Leader
The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 recognizes Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers as one of the best firms in the country. Our firm has assembled a quality team of attorneys that will work tirelessly to defend your interests. We will combine hard work with our knowledge to ensure that you have the best possible representation.
The millions of dollars that we have recovered for our clients illustrate our success rate. Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers is a Louisiana firm that fights for its people and community.
You Only Have One Year to File
In Louisiana, you don’t have long to wait before you have to file your lawsuit. According to the statute of limitations, CC 3492, you generally have one year from the accident date or the date that your injuries surfaced to file.
While 365 days might seem like a long time, it can fly by when you’re recovering from injuries or dealing with the aftermath of a serious accident. But even if you push filing for “another day,” the medical bills keep coming, and the creditors keep calling. Why should you have to deal with that added stress when the accident wasn’t your fault?
You deserve time to heal in peace. Our legal team can handle all the claim details and fight for your money while you get your life back.
Can You Afford a Lawyer?
Some victims are reluctant to hire an attorney because they’re worried it will be too expensive. We know that people face a lot of frustrating costs after an accident, and they may not be earning money because of their injuries.
That’s why Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers works on a contingency basis. This means that you will pay nothing until we win or settle your case—no upfront costs, no hidden fees. We’re willing to risk it all because that’s how confident we are in our rideshare attorneys.
At the end of the day, you shouldn’t have to ask, “Can I afford to hire an attorney?” The real question is, can you afford not to?
Contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Call our office for your free consultation. During this informal conversation, we’ll assess your Lafayette rideshare accident claim and tell you whether you have a case.
After a rideshare accident, you have better things to do than stress about legal paperwork. We can take the burden off your shoulders. Representing yourself is risky. Start working with our team today.
Get The HelpYou Need(337) 777-7777To Schedule a FREE CONSULATION
24 hours a day • 7 days a week
