Uber has revolutionized public transit, especially since all you need to do is download its app and then hail a ride. Some people even prefer using the ride-sharing service instead of driving themselves. But Uber drivers are still human, so car accidents are always a possibility.
If you’ve been injured in an Uber accident in New Orleans, a New Orleans Uber accident lawyer with Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can help you hold the liable parties accountable. We can help you seek compensation for damages from the accident, such as your medical bills, lost income, and property damage. You can learn more by talking with a team member during a free consultation.
Determining Who Is Liable After a New Orleans Uber Accident
Many Uber passengers are overwhelmed by all the chaos that unfolds when their Uber driver has been in an accident. Determining what auto insurance was in effect at the time of the crash could be a blur by the time everything happens. It’s possible some passengers may not even know. However, figuring out which coverage was in effect during the ride when the accident happened is a critical part of the case.
All Uber drivers must carry personal auto insurance coverage for their cars because they are independent contractors for Uber, not employees. This coverage must be the minimum amount of liability for the state the driver is driving in. Additionally, Uber covers both you and the driver with a sum of $1 million if the accident happens when your trip is in progress or when you are being dropped off at your destination.
The party liable for your injuries depends on who was at fault and at what stage of the ride you were in. If another driver caused the accident during your ride, then you would pursue damages from that driver’s insurer.
For a free legal consultation with a uber accident lawyer serving New Orleans, call (504) 766-3527
What Compensation Could I Get After an Uber Accident in New Orleans?
Every accident is different, and so is the compensation package. The amount you get will depend heavily on your lawyer and the damages you incurred. So far, our firm, Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, has helped accident victims recover more than $200 million in cash settlements and verdicts. We will work to get you the compensation you are due.
Either way, there are a lot of variables that can determine what sort of compensation you’ll get:
- The extent of your injuries
- Recovery time
- Legal fees
- Emotional trauma
- Medical expenses
- Lost income, lost earning capacity
- Refund for valuables damaged/lost in the accident
- Compensation for pain and suffering, permanent disability
- Wrongful death damages if the family can file a wrongful death lawsuit
New Orleans Uber Accident Lawyer Near Me (504) 766-3527
How Our New Orleans Uber Accident Lawyer Can Help
A car accident lawyer handles all the technical aspects of your case. An accident lawyer will consider every tiny detail required in accurately portraying your version of the accident. This is why a police report is essential, as it will give the lawyer all the necessary information you need for your case.
Besides that, our New Orleans Uber accident lawyer will:
- Assess your damages and calculate your possible settlement amount
- Compile essential evidence, such as photos of the crash, medical records, witness reports, and other essential evidence
- Prove that the person at fault was negligent
- Handle negotiations with the liable party’s insurance company
- File your lawsuit before the statute of limitations ends and notify you of any court hearings
- Give you a list of all your legal options in each scenario
- Represent you in court
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How Much Will It Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
The legal fees you’ll pay depend on the law firm you hire to represent you. As for Laborde Earle Injury Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you will not need to pay an upfront fee before being assigned a lawyer. We receive payment only if we recover compensation for you.
This arrangement allows you to focus on healing as we fight your battles for you. We can lay out your legal options during your free consultation today.
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What to Do After an Uber Accident?
If possible, instruct the Uber driver to move the car to a safe location to prevent further accidents. If this isn’t possible, try to keep yourself and the other parties involved away from traffic. Afterward, take the actions below:
Call an Ambulance
It is imperative to call an ambulance even if no one feels hurt, as the post-accident adrenaline rush may inhibit pain receptors from doing their job. For this reason, you may not feel any pain immediately after the accident, even if you’ve been injured. Lastly, a medical report is essential when filing your personal injury claim.
Call Authorities
If you are not severely injured, you should wait for the police to arrive at the accident scene before leaving to seek medical assistance. Typically, police will take statements from all parties involved and any willing eyewitness. The information collected will go into the police report and help build your case.
Exchange Information with the Other Parties
Given that the chances of seeing parties involved in the accident are slim after you all leave the accident scene, it’s highly advisable to exchange contact information with the other driver and eyewitnesses. Also, remember to exchange insurance details with the other driver.
Document the Scene of the Accident
You can document the scene by:
- Taking pictures or videos of your damaged car, road, and weather conditions
- Recording eyewitnesses’ statements and obtaining CCTV (closed-circuit television) footage from nearby establishments.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
Like any other company, Uber has lawyers working for it to ensure you get a minuscule settlement or no settlement at all when you file a claim. For this reason, you may find it helpful to have an attorney in your corner who will help you fight for your rightful compensation.
Settlement
In most cases, both the Uber and personal insurance lawyers will want to offer you a settlement claim as soon as possible. Before accepting any settlement from insurance companies, you may want to have our New Orleans Uber accident lawyer examine it and let them handle negotiations on your behalf. If your lawyer fails to agree on a favorable amount with the insurance company, you can take the case to trial.
How Long After the New Orleans Uber Accident Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?
If you are considering taking legal action after your Uber accident in New Orleans, you have one year from the accident date to do so, per CC Art. 3492. We urge you to act promptly to protect your right to sue the liable party. If you want to file a wrongful death lawsuit, you also have one year to do so from the deceased’s death date, per CC Art. 2315.2.
The statute of limitations varies if a minor was involved or a government entity is liable for your injuries. Our New Orleans Uber accident lawyer will file your lawsuit with the court on time to protect your right to sue.
Call Us Today for Legal Help After a New Orleans Uber Accident
The team at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers is ready to help you seek compensation from the liable party in your New Orleans-area Uber accident. We will protect your rights and ensure you know about all the legal options you have to hold the liable party accountable.
Call us now to speak to our team member about your free consultation today. We will answer your questions and help you map out a plan for taking action for your financial recovery.
Call or text (504) 766-3527 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
