Rideshare services offer a fast and convenient way to travel around the city. However, they are not any safer or exempt from car accidents. Like any other vehicle, rideshare services are prone to car accidents, often involving drivers, passengers, and third parties.
If you were recently in a rideshare accident, you might have a right to claim compensation. It may be best to talk to a Leesville rideshare accident lawyer to know your legal rights and how to claim damages. Lawyers understand how to deal with rideshare companies and their insurers and increase your chances of fair compensation.
Rideshare Companies Liability and Insurance Coverage
Uber, Lyft, or any other rideshare company offers up to $1 million in liability insurance for car accidents. This insurance policy includes the rideshare driver, passenger, or any other victim in the event of an accident. However, the coverage or liability is subject to different circumstances and periods:
Coverage When the Rideshare App Is On
Rideshare drivers are independent contractors. The companies only consider drivers on duty and are included in the coverage when the app is on. If an accident occurs during period one, when the app is on, the driver or any other crash victim will be under the company’s insurance coverage and could claim damages.
During this period, the liability coverage includes $25,000 per accident for property damage, $50,000 per person for bodily injury, and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury. If you’re a victim of a crash and sustain injuries during this period, you can claim or sue the company for damages.
Coverage When Picking Up a Rider
Period two covers accidents that occur after the driver accepts a ride request and is on the way to pick up a rider. If an accident occurs during this period, the company can compensate up to $1,000,000 for third-party auto liability, collision damage up to the car’s actual cash value, including a $2,500 deductible, uninsured or underinsured bodily injury first-party coverage, and contingent comprehensive.
Coverage After Picking Up a Rider
This is the third period under the coverage. Should an accident occur during this period, the passenger, pedestrian, driver, or other victims can claim and recover damages like in period two.
Though rideshare companies have valid insurance coverage for accident victims, there’s no guarantee that you’ll get compensation. To protect your rights, your Leesville rideshare accident lawyer will gather enough evidence to support your claim and negotiate the best settlement. Also, the company can only be liable if the driver was on duty at the time of the accident.
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.
ClientWhen Is the Driver At-Fault?
Unlike other commercial transport companies, rideshare drivers are independent contractors and use their vehicles to transport passengers. The drivers are also fully responsible for their vehicles, including servicing and maintaining them. This means that they retain full responsibility for the cars. Rideshare drivers only work for the company when the app is on and are waiting for a ride request, picking up a rider, or taking the rider to their destination.
Suppose an accident happens when the app is off, but the driver still carries a passenger. In that case, the company is not liable for damages. Victims can only claim damages from the driver’s auto insurance policy. However, this insurance policy may not be enough to cover your injuries, especially if the accident was severe.
To get compensation, you may consider suing the driver for out-of-pocket compensation or bear the cost of your medication or any other expenses on your own.
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 to Do After a Rideshare Accident
If you’re in an accident involving any rideshare service, you need to know what to do to ensure your safety and protect your claim.
Regardless of the severity of the accident, you should:
- Call 911
- Get the driver’s information
- Get witnesses’ contact information
- Take photos of the scene
- Take pictures of your injuries
- Seek medical attention
- Notify the rideshare company
- Contact a rideshare attorney
Knowing what to do immediately after the crash is vital. Your lawyer will use the pictures, witness statements, and police report to build a strong case and ensure you get fair compensation.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientWhy Should You Hire a Rideshare Accident Lawyer?
Since millions of Americans use rideshare services to travel, they’re prone to accidents while on the road. If you or your loved one have been in a rideshare accident, you must get legal help immediately. Rideshare accidents involve a different claiming process than other commercial vehicle accidents. The rideshare company may not be liable for your injuries depending on the circumstances.
To ensure you file a claim with the right party and increase your chances of fair compensation, hire a Leesville rideshare accident lawyer who understands the claims process. Your lawyer will investigate the case, gather evidence to help determine liability, and negotiate a fair settlement with the at-fault party. Your lawyer may file a lawsuit against the liable party in some cases. Lawyers have enough resources to work with the right experts to investigate the matter.
Remember, states have deadlines for when a victim should file a claim. Your lawyer will protect your legal rights and file the claim according to state laws. When you contact a lawyer as soon as possible after the crash, you will ensure you file the claim as per the statute of limitations (CC Art. 3492). Filing a claim after the deadline will make your case invalid, meaning you will not collect any benefits from the at-fault party.
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.
ClientContact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers for Legal Help
If you or a loved one was recently in a rideshare accident in Leesville, don’t waste more time. Contact our Leesville rideshare accident lawyer to understand your rights and legal options, and ensure you file a claim as per the law. Dealing with injuries and pursuing your claim while negotiating with an adjuster can be overwhelming.
At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we are ready to review your case, gather evidence to determine liability, prove damages, and negotiate fair compensation. Call us today for a free consultation.
