What happens if you get into an accident during a ridesharing commute as a passenger? While it can be a stressful situation, there are remedies to recover the damages from being injured. Even if your injuries are minor, you can collect compensation for your pain and suffering as well as the physical harm. An Opelousas rideshare accident lawyer is available to help you navigate the legal process.
What Insurance Coverage is Available for Rideshare Passengers?
Both Lyft and Uber provide their drivers with insurance protection. The coverage varies from state to state and will only be activated when the driver has the app turned on. Even then, the coverage may not be adequate to provide for all of the damages following an accident.
Insurance companies that Lyft uses are Allstate, Liberty Mutual, Mobilitas, Progressive, and State Farm. Uber uses Farmers, Progressive, Liberty Mutual, and Allstate.
Since there are many variables involved with insurance protection, it’s best to find out more details from an Opelousas rideshare accident lawyer. They can let you know what your options are and negotiate a fair settlement for you in the case of an 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.
ClientDoes Louisiana Have a Statute of Limitations in Personal Injury Cases?
Each state has what is called a statute of limitations. This is a deadline for filing your claim. Claims need to be done in a timely manner so that too much time doesn’t pass between the accident and the recovering of damages. Louisiana CC Art. 3492 states that you have two years from the time of the accident to file a claim for personal injury damages. Consult with an attorney right away, so you can be sure to get it filed in time.
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 | ClientPersonal Damages in a Ridesharing Accident
Many accidents involve injuries. Physical and mental health damages can occur that cost money for treatment. That’s why you seek personal injury damages – to get repayment for the cost of the injuries. Some of the common injuries you may incur include:
- Brain injuries, such as traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injuries or paralysis
- Neck injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Broken bones
- Concussion
- Whiplash
- Cuts, bruises, and burns
In addition to these damages, you may likely have other losses. For example, you may not be able to work because of the injuries. This will cost money out of your pocket, for which you can file a claim.
A rideshare accident can also cause pain and suffering. Even though that doesn’t cost tangible dollars, the courts still recognize that as a loss worth money. An Opelousas rideshare accident lawyer will calculate the amount of money it is worth, using a special formula.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientWhat Should You Do After a Rideshare Accident?
After being in a rideshare accident, you can take steps to protect yourself and assist your attorney with moving forward in filing a claim. Follow the steps below:
- Give your account of the accident to the authorities.
- Take notes about what happened.
- Get a medical check-up to assess your injuries.
- Seek advice from an attorney to discuss recovering damages.
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.
ClientWhat Type of Liability Laws Are in Louisiana?
Who is liable when a rideshare accident occurs in Louisiana? This can vary depending on the circumstances. However, most states will divide the blame between the two drivers involved. The comparative fault rule is the most commonly used law in most states. It states that a percentage of blame is given to each driver, and if the plaintiff has 50 percent or less of the fault in the accident, they can recover damages. However, the award amount gets reduced by the same percentage as the fault percentage of the liable party.
Some states, such as Louisiana, use the pure comparative fault rule. This rule allows the plaintiff to still recover damages even if they are 99 percent at fault. But the amount of the award would be incredibly small if they had that much of the blame. For that reason, insurers often battle it out to get the percentage of their client lower. They must present evidence to show who was more liable. In the case of a rideshare accident, you are a passenger, so the rules don’t apply to you because you weren’t driving. However, it’s beneficial to speak to a rideshare attorney for advice to ensure that they can negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
What Your Lawyer Will Do
When you contact an Opelousas rideshare accident lawyer, they will take the lead in managing the incoming and outgoing paperwork and communications. They will handle the negotiations and ensure you are satisfied with whatever settlement is worked out. If a fair agreement can’t be reached, they will take the case to trial.
There are plenty of legal processes throughout filing a claim, and it’s beneficial to have an Opelousas rideshare accident lawyer to navigate the process on your behalf. An accident lawyer can ease the stress during this difficult time, fighting hard for you while you take the time you need to rest and recuperate from your injuries.
Get Started with an Opelousas Rideshare Accident Lawyer
You can find an Opelousas rideshare accident lawyer at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers. We have been helping clients recover personal injury damages for many years. With over $600 million in wins, you can feel confident putting your case in their hands. Our attorneys have 350 years of combined experience, giving them the legal knowledge to negotiate in tough cases.
When you contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, you can obtain a free case assessment and get started with your case on a contingency plan arrangement. For more information, contact our office to schedule an appointment today.
