Over the past few years, rideshares services have become popular in Louisiana and worldwide. Many people rely on these services to commute to and from work and cater to their general transportation needs. However, increased vehicles on our roads usually translate to higher accident rates. If you or your loved one was involved in a rideshare accident, a Lawtell rideshare accident lawyer from our firm can help.
Why Rideshare Accidents Are Different from Regular Car Accidents
Rideshare accidents present different circumstances from other regular passenger vehicles. Unlike passenger vehicles, Uber and Lyft drivers rely on their personal cars to transport people from one destination to another. Rideshare drivers do not have to possess a commercial driver’s license or buy commercial auto insurance — they rely on insurance from the ridesharing company they are working for.
Even so, this insurance only covers drivers when they are on the clock (online apps are available to keep tabs on this).
So, if a rideshare driver causes an accident and is not on the clock, the rideshare accident claim can be very complicated. A victim will likely have to pursue compensation from the driver’s personal auto insurance.
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.
ClientWho Is Liable for Your St. Landry Parish Rideshare Accident?
Due to the complexities of rideshare vehicles’ rules, determining liability is not always easy. Nevertheless, your claim cannot be successful without specifying the person responsible for your injuries. Usually, if you are hurt as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft vehicle, the rideshare company can compensate you through its insurance company.
These companies normally offer up to $1 million in liability insurance, but there are many limitations regarding when this coverage applies.
Liability may change depending on:
Whether or Not Your Rideshare Driver Was at Fault
Assuming your ridesharing driver is at fault for your injuries, the rideshare company could compensate you through its insurance policy. However, if your driver was not at fault, the company could still pay you but fight the claim to deny liability.
The Number of Vehicles Involved in the Accident
Determining liability in accidents involving multiple cars is different and more complex. It becomes more complicated if some of the involved drivers flee the accident scene before exchanging their details and contact numbers. Usually, after filing a rideshare accident lawsuit, the jury will sit and allocate liability depending on every driver’s involvement in causing the multiple crashes.
Suppose the Uber or Lyft vehicle you are riding in is involved in a multi-car crash accident. In that case, you will receive your compensation from all the liable parties depending on their level of involvement.
If Your Rideshare Driver Was Logged in to the System
Rideshare companies have electronic systems and apps to tell when their drivers are online and offline. Since drivers use their vehicles, they only transport clients when they want to and log out of the system to run personal errands.
A ridesharing company can only compensate passengers involved in rideshare accidents if the driver is actively on duty. If the driver was not, other methods of determining liability will come in handy.
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 Damages Can I Recover Compensation for After a Rideshare Accident?
In Lawtell, Louisiana, you have the right to seek compensation if you were injured in a rideshare accident due to someone else’s recklessness or negligence. The damages that you can recover may include:
- Present and future medical expenses
- Pain and suffering, involving both mental and physical aspects
- Loss of consortium (companionship)
- Lost wages due to not working
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientHow Our Lawtell Rideshare Accident Lawyer Can Help
Rideshare accidents are different from regular car accidents. Determining liability is not easy, even though it is critical in determining how your rideshare accident claim moves forward. Considering all the pain and suffering you have gone through after your injury, having someone who understands your needs and is ready to see you recover your compensation is ideal.
Hiring a Lawtell rideshare attorney can help in the following ways:
Collecting Evidence
The more evidence you present when making your rideshare accident claim, the higher the chances of receiving your rightful compensation. A dedicated lawyer has worked on many similar cases and can easily identify and collect evidence relevant to your claim.
Sometimes you might need evidence from key eyewitnesses who may be hard to locate or convince to testify. Your Lawtell rideshare accident lawyer has the right resources and authority to persuade these eyewitnesses, boosting your chances of success with your claim.
Determining Who Is Liable for Your Injuries
Determining liability in a rideshare accident claim can be a lengthy and frustrating process. Since it’s a necessary step, a rideshare accident attorney can use their resources to track down the responsible party.
Representing You in Negotiations
No rule requires you to hire a lawyer to represent you in your rideshare accident claim negotiations. However, apart from the fact that you may still be recovering from your injuries, adjusters from liable insurance companies always look for ways to discredit victims and offer low settlements.
After analyzing the facts of your case, a lawyer is in a better position to estimate what your claim is worth. The attorney can further represent you in negotiations with the liable party and fight for what is rightfully yours.
Representing You in Court
Most rideshare accident claims do not proceed to trial, obviously because of costs. However, if push comes to shove, your lawyer might choose to file a rideshare accident lawsuit to help you recover your compensation. The attorney will be by your side, representing you where needed.
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.
ClientWork With Our Rideshare Accident Lawyer for Help Strengthening Your Case
Lawtell rideshare accidents are continuously increasing because of the rising numbers of people preferring this mode of transportation. Unfortunately, such accidents are devastating and frustrating, and determining liability is not easy — many factors come into play. Either way, you need to fight for what is yours; the damages from rideshare accidents can be hefty for you to bear alone.
Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can assist you with your rideshare accident claim. We are committed, aggressive, and always by our client’s side. Contact us today for a free case review to get started. Also, take a quick look at the verdicts and settlements we’ve achieved for previous clients.
