Ridesharing with companies like Lyft can be helpful, but are they always the safest option? A University of Pennsylvania report revealed over 2 billion rideshares have been provided since 2010. With that many rideshare vehicles on the road, car accidents are bound to happen. If you are a victim of a rideshare car accident, consider speaking with a Metairie Lyft accident lawyer.
Settling a Lyft Accident Claim Can Be a Challenge
When you’re a passenger in a Lyft during a vehicle collision, seeking compensation for your injuries can be more complex than you’d think. While your driver technically works for Lyft, they’re not an employee. They are an independent contractor for the company. The responsible insurance company can change depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.
In Louisiana, you have two years from your accident to file. But where do you start? The smartest first step is to consult with a personal injury lawyer before you file your claim.
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.
ClientWhat Will a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?
Depending on how severe your case is, a personal injury lawyer does many things to build a case for your claim for financial compensation.
Your Consultation
Before we do anything else, your lawyer should conduct an initial interview with you. Together, you’ll go over the facts, talk about your injuries, and calculate a potential claim amount, which includes detailed information on physical injuries. During the consultation, you will be educated on what’s involved in the claim negotiation process and the claim litigation process.
Filing a Claim
If you’re ready for your lawyer to move forward on your behalf, then we will begin a detailed process. Our lawyer will file a claim to settle with the other party.
Settling involves negotiation with a lawyer. You’ll want a Metairie lawyer who understands the Lyft brand to be standing by your side. It can be tempting to agree to the first offer, especially if it’s a sizeable amount. But your lawyer can help you fight for everything that’s legally yours to claim.
Preparing for Court
If a settlement falls through, the lawyer may recommend that you file a claim. It can show the defendant you mean business. This may result in a settlement finally being agreed upon by bother parties to avoid the time and expense of going to court.
Personal injury cases due to car accidents will end up in court if the dollar amount the victim is asking for is sizable. If negotiations stall out while trying to settle a personal injury case due to being victimized by a Lyft rideshare car accident, the last resort is to go to court. More complex cases involving more money often end up in court. Even this can help encourage insurance companies to settle.
Claims vs. Lawsuits
A car accident claim is when the at-fault driver’s insurance company compensates you for any personal injuries or damages to your property. Insurance companies are in business to make money, so they will always try to get away with paying as little as possible. Insurance companies have their own staff of lawyers who work against your claim to keep the cost down.
A lawsuit is settled in court after evidence is presented on both sides. Then a jury will make their decision. Overall, most personal injury cases due to a car accident are settled out of court.
What a Louisiana Personal Injury Lawyer Will Do
These are just a few of the steps your personal injury lawyer will take to win you a financial compensation package:
- Research the at-fault driver
- Interview medical care providers and any witnesses from the scene
- Collect documents and records supporting your case. These include bills, the police accident report, and medical and employment records
- Gather any physical evidence. i.e., photographs of the crash scene are gathered and studied
- Analyze the defendant’s insurance policies to determine the full amount of coverage the insurance company is legally obligated to pay based on your injuries
- Talk with your doctor about possible long-term effects from your injuries
- Communicate with the insurance company and file paperwork
Our attorney will explain proceedings to you and keep you up to date with settlement offers. Our goal is to protect your interests now and, in the future, in case you require long-term care.
You may also be able to get compensation through Lyft insurance. Liability for these claims depends on the driver’s status:
- If the Lyft app was off, then your personal insurance will cover the accident
- If the app was on and the Lyft driver was waiting for a ride request, then Lyft insurance covers the accident if personal insurance does not
- If the accident happened while the Lyft driver was driving or was picking up passengers, then Lyft insurance will cover the accident
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 | ClientYou Could Be Eligible for Compensation After a Lyft Accident
When you’ve suffered physical injuries and psychological trauma resulting from being a passenger in a Lyft rideshare car when a collision occurred, your life can change significantly.
You probably have several medical bills. You may even be experiencing psychological trauma or PTSD. Maybe you’re unable to work. A lawyer can help you get money to cover your injuries. A Metairie Lyft Accident Lawyer will make sure you are protected by helping you get a compensation package that will take care of your needs.
Don’t Settle for Less Than What You Deserve
A good personal injury lawyer is equipped to fight for justice on your behalf. We can act as your advocate. We will bring to the forefront of negotiations either with the insurance company or in a court of law the stress and physical pain you may be suffering as a result of being the victim of a Lyft car accident.
Our team at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers is ready to help you find justice for your accident. No settlement amount can take away what’s happened to you. But you shouldn’t have to pay for someone’s mistakes.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientWork With Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers
Before speaking to any insurance company or signing any papers, call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers for a free, no-obligation consultation. Every day our lawyers work unwaveringly to achieve the best results for our clients. Let one of our Metairie Lyft accident lawyers assist you in getting compensation after your accident.
