Ridesharing is a complex system. On the one hand, it’s efficient and can help you get to where you need to go for a low cost. But you also need to know how to handle the risks of rideshare services, such as when your Lyft driver gets into an accident.
If you were injured in a Lyft accident, a Lyft accident attorney in Lafayette, LA, from our law firm, can help you hold the liable party accountable. Our team can support you in your fight for justice. Call us today to get a free case consultation.
Common Injuries You Can Suffer in a Lyft Accident
When you put your safety in the hands of a Lyft rideshare driver, the outcome can be severe injuries and expensive medical bills if they don’t follow the rules of the road. Furthermore, these injuries can be temporary or lifelong, requiring you to receive assistance for everyday tasks.
Common Lyft accident injuries include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Burns
- Head and neck injuries
After your Lafayette rideshare accident, you should seek medical attention to ensure you know about your injuries. If you don’t get immediate treatment, you could suffer the effects later in life from undiagnosed injuries.
Then, you should call the police if they haven’t already arrived so they can fill out a police report that you can later use as evidence. Finally, you should contact a Lyft accident lawyer in Lafayette, LA, to get started on your claim.
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Holding Someone Responsible for Your Injuries
In a Lyft accident, a lawyer determines liability by examining the collision’s circumstances. But this can be challenging. For example, even though your driver might have been a Lyft representative, they were independent contractors.
A Lafayette Lyft driver’s driving status during the incident changes who’s financially responsible. For example, the company’s insurance would be responsible if a person claims damages as a Lyft passenger. On the other hand, if you were in a car that collided with a Lyft vehicle that wasn’t carrying passengers, Lyft would probably not be liable.
If you were a pedestrian hit by a Lyft vehicle on its way to pick up passengers after the driver received a ride request, Lyft’s insurance could take effect. Likewise, the driver’s auto insurance policy would come into effect if their policy had more coverage.
However, it can be tough to determine who to file the claim against without the help of a Lyft accident legal team in Lafayette, LA.
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What Damages You Might Be Able To Claim After a Lyft Accident
When you’re awarded damages, that’s money you can use to pay for losses you sustained in an accident. For example, economic damages can be measured with a clear dollar amount in a rideshare case. Sometimes called special damages, they are meant to replace the money you’ve spent (or will spend) because of the accident.
Special damages can include medical bills, property repairs, lost income, and loss of earning capacity. On the other hand, non-economic damages are subjective. Emotional distress, unjust hardship, and loss of life enjoyment are just a few of the non-economic damages you can recover.
Frankly, these are impossible to put a price on. No amount of money can change what you’ve experienced. But we recognize that compensation for these things can validate your hardship and empower you to rebuild your life.
You could also recover punitive damages if your Lyft accident lawyer in Lafayette, LA, can prove that the liable party intentionally harmed you. While certain types of personal injury cases have a cap on compensatory damages, rideshare accidents are not one of them.
We’ll Fight for the Damages You Can Recover if You’re Partially At-Fault
According to Louisiana Law CC 2323, you can claim damages even if you were mostly at fault. The jury will determine the percentage you were at fault for your injuries. If you were partially responsible, your compensation could decrease by the percentage of your fault.
You shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s mistake. A Lafayette legal team can help you recover compensation for your damages. We can handle severe and minor accident cases involving Lyft and other rideshare companies.
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You Have 365 Days, Which Is Shorter Than You Think
Lyft accident victims in Louisiana generally have up to one year to file a claim or lawsuit under CC Art. 3492, starting from the accident date. Regardless of the severity of your injuries or the degree of negligence, the court will usually dismiss a rideshare accident claim if you file it beyond the state’s statutory deadlines.
We understand that the days, weeks, and even months after your accident fill your plate with other important things. You’re recovering from injuries, dealing with increased medical expenses, and trying to understand what happened.
But just because you don’t have time to file doesn’t mean your case can’t get moving. You can talk with one of our Lyft accident attorneys at Laborde Earles to start the legal process while you focus on healing.
Get The HelpYou Need(337) 777-7777To Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION
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How a Lyft Accident Lawyer Can Help With Your Case
Hiring a personal injury lawyer for a rideshare accident case can benefit you, as they can establish negligence and liability. However, the complexity of rideshare cases means proving responsibility requires substantial knowledge of personal injury law and the industry’s nuances.
Our team has over 250 years of combined legal experience, so we know how to defend your rights and compensation. It’s no secret that insurance companies can intimidate claimants, trying to keep their payouts low. Our rideshare accident lawyers serving Lafayette focus on building a strong case, and we don’t back down.
When the insurance company questions the severity of your injuries, tries to put all the fault on you, or denies damages you rightly qualify for, our lawyers are ready to step in. If we can’t reach a fair settlement with the insurance claims adjuster, we’ll be ready to take your case to court and defend it.
Should I Settle or Go to Court?
You can settle or have a court trial in a personal injury case. Going to trial and winning the case could mean you get a larger financial reward than a settlement offer. On the other hand, a court trial can be unpredictable when the judge throws away evidence or overturns a decision, costing you time and resources.
Keeping the matter out of court is usually the fastest and least expensive way to resolve a rideshare accident case. Also, going to court means the matter automatically becomes public. In contrast, a settlement allows each party to maintain their privacy.
While these are all necessary, you are the most important puzzle piece. You deserve enough money to cover your financial and emotional losses. It’s as simple as that. Your lawyer can advise you about what steps to take in your case.
Contact Us To Speak to a Lyft Crash Attorney in Lafayette, LA
While lawyers have a reputation for being expensive, it’s a different story with our personal injury attorneys. For example, at Laborde Earles, our Lyft accident lawyers in Lafayette, LA, operate on a contingency fee basis.
This means no upfront costs for you. We only get paid a percentage of the final compensation award or settlement. Your lawyer won’t get paid if we can’t get a settlement or compensation.
The experienced lawyers at our firm are happy to listen to your story at no cost to you. So call us or fill out the contact form on our website today to schedule your free consultation.
Get The HelpYou Need(337) 777-7777To Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION
24 hours a day • 7 days a week
