Rideshare accidents are caused by many situations, including distracted driving, texting, and failure to yield. Who is responsible if a driver or passenger is injured in a crash? Does insurance cover them? Will their medical bills be paid for, or will the injured party need to pay out-of-pocket for their medical costs?
If you have questions after a rideshare accident, our Mandeville rideshare accident lawyer can help. A personal injury lawyer can discuss your options.
How a Rideshare Accident Lawyer Can Help
You agree to share the road with other drivers and riders when using a rideshare service. Sharing the road also means sharing responsibility for an accident that may happen. It may be severe, leading to life-altering injuries and sometimes wrongful death.
Unfortunately, safety isn’t discussed often, despite hundreds of crashes reported each year involving rideshare drivers. If you’re a victim in an automobile accident where someone else was at fault, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Consulting a Mandeville rideshare accident lawyer is beneficial in different ways. Be assured your Mandeville rideshare accident lawyer will:
- Investigate the accident and determine the cause and liable parties
- Work on your behalf for compensation for medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages
- Defend your rights in the case
- Consult with other experts to establish the extent of your property damage and injuries to determine your case’s worth
- Negotiate with the insurance company when they present a low-ball offer or refuse to pay for the damages
- Litigate if necessary
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Rideshare Drivers Are Contractors
Drivers who work for rideshare companies are not employees but independent contractors. This means they’re responsible for their taxes, expenses, and benefits. The companies don’t withhold taxes from their paychecks and limit the help they provide in different situations.
Applicants must undergo an application and vetting process with the ridesharing company to work as drivers. Still, they don’t need any special licenses beyond those required for personal vehicles (i.e., a driver’s license and insurance). This is because the company handles all professional licensing through its channels.
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Liable Parties in a Rideshare Crash
While the convenience of rideshare services makes it a popular driving option, it has also led to an increase in car accidents. In most cases, the responsible parties may include:
- Rideshare driver
- The driver of the other vehicle
- Pedestrian
- Bicyclist
- Transit company
- Motorcyclist
- Government agency
- Manufacturer of the defective car parts
Our Mandeville rideshare accident lawyer will strive to identify all the liable parties in your rideshare crash. Although having more than one responsible party in a lawsuit could complicate the process, it could also help in maximizing your final settlement.
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How to Prove Liability After a Rideshare Accident
Proving the party at fault in rideshare accidents is often a complicated process. The insurance company for the rideshare company will often deny that they are responsible for the accident or claim that the driver was not working at the time of the accident. They do not want to pay out a large insurance settlement to an injured victim.
If you’re injured in a rideshare accident and want to file a claim against the company or its driver, you may want proof to support your case. Here are sources you may obtain your evidence from to support a claim:
- Photos or video footage of the accident scene
- Witness statements (third-party motorists, passengers in the car, and pedestrians on the road)
- The accident report from the highway patrol officer
- Eyewitness testimony
- Medical diagnosis and reports documenting body injuries
- Lost wages receipts from employer
- Bills and receipts of all accident-related expenditures
If you can get this evidence, you can offer them to your rideshare attorney to help you build a watertight case against the liable parties for a better settlement.
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Compensation in a Rideshare Accident
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, you could seek compensation for your losses. Accidents involving rideshare vehicles can be complex, so it’s important to talk to a personal injury attorney about your case as soon as possible.
If you have been injured in a rideshare accident, here are some of the types of compensation you might receive:
Medical Expenses
If you were injured in a rideshare accident, any medical treatment you needed should be included in the damages you seek from insurance or the courts. Medical expenses can include doctor visits, ambulance costs, and hospital stays following an accident. You may also want to have physical therapy or other ongoing care options.
Lost Wages
When your injuries keep you from working, lost wages can be another component of your damages claim. Rideshare drivers and passengers sometimes sustain injuries that make it impossible to work while they recover.
Property Damage
The property damage component of a car accident claim includes repairs or replacements for vehicles and any other items damaged during an accident. While rideshare drivers are typically covered by insurance when logged into the app, riders need to rely on their own insurance or the driver’s policy for coverage.
Pain and Suffering
You may have experienced physical pain and mental anguish due to the accident. Pain and suffering can be compensated by money, but it isn’t easy to put an exact price on it.
Loss of Quality of Life
If the accident has left you with a permanent disability or disfigurement, you may experience a reduced quality of life moving forward. You may have difficulty performing daily activities or require assistance with them. This can factor into how much money you receive for your claim.
Let Us Help You File a Claim After Your Rideshare Accident
Getting into an accident is always daunting. You might be facing an uphill battle in dealing with your insurance company and getting the compensation you deserve. This is why you should contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers to discuss your case.
We have a proven track record of handling ridesharing accident cases and are ready to help you get started. Contact us today for a free case consultation and responsive legal help.
Get The HelpYou Need(337) 777-7777To Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION
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