- Rideshare services like Uber are seemingly everywhere. They have largely replaced taxis in some areas, and in some ways, this has affected traffic, putting more vehicles and drivers on the road. Taking an Uber seems like the peak of convenience. However, when you are involved in an Uber in Port Barre, LA, in some way, it is anything but convenient.
Whether you were a passenger in the Uber, in another vehicle, or otherwise struck by an Uber vehicle, you may have some recourse. In many of these situations, the Uber accident victim could seek compensation. A Port Barre Uber accident lawyer with Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can review your accident for free today and offer guidance on how you should proceed from here.
How Does Uber’s Insurance Policy Work?
Uber drivers are covered by their personal car insurance, and in some cases, protected by Uber’s insurance policy as well. The insurance coverage in effect at the time of the accident depends on the driver’s status and if they are “on the clock” and signed in to Uber’s app. There are four potential statuses for an Uber driver, including:
- The driver is off the clock, and the app is not in use.
- The app is on, but the driver has not accepted a ride request.
- The app is on, and the driver has accepted a request, so the driver is on their way to pick up their passenger.
- The Uber driver has picked up their passenger and is transporting them to their destination before dropping them off.
Each of these statuses will result in a different degree of coverage. If an Uber driver is off the clock and not using the Uber app, their personal car insurance is in effect. In this case, an accident will be handled like a traditional car accident. The Uber driver is not considered to be working for Uber at the time of the accident. Just because a car has an Uber decal on it does not mean the driver is always covered by the company’s insurance policy.
Uber’s Liability Coverage and Policy Limits
If the driver is using the Uber app but has not accepted a ride, things get more complicated. If this has happened in your situation, our Port Barre Uber accident lawyer can help you sort it out. In these situations, Uber provides for their drivers’ contingency insurance.
Uber’s liability insurance covers up to $50,000 for bodily injury per person and up to $100,000 bodily injury coverage per accident. Uber’s policy also allows up to $25,000 in property damage per accident. When the driver is using the app but has not accepted a ride, their personal car insurance may come into play as well.
If an Uber driver is working, has the app on, and has accepted a ride (or picked up a passenger), this is when Uber’s full insurance policy comes into play. In these scenarios, Uber covers their driver for up to $1 million in liability insurance per accident. As you can see, it makes a significant difference what the Uber driver’s status was at the time of the accident. Our personal injury lawyer can help you prove the status of the negligent driver at the time of your accident in Port Barre.
For a free legal consultation with a uber accident lawyer serving Port Barre, call (337) 777-7777
Recoverable Damages After an Uber Accident in Port Barre, LA
If you hire us to seek damages from the liable party on your behalf, we will start by investigating your accident, reviewing evidence that supports your case, and assessing all your accident-related damages. These damages can include:
- Medical expenses: This category includes the costs of emergency care and rehabilitation therapy you receive and may need in the future.
- Lost wages, benefits, tips, bonuses: If you missed time at work because of the accident and your income was affected, we’ll seek to have those losses reimbursed.
- Reduced earning capacity: If your injuries make you change jobs or mean you must stop working, we will pursue compensation for this as well.
- Pain and suffering: This category of damages includes chronic pain, disabling injuries, disfigurement, emotional and mental trauma, or reduced quality of life.
- Wrongful death damages: If you lost a loved one in an Uber accident in Port Barre, we can determine if your loved one’s surviving family members are eligible to collect damages of this kind.
We Will Manage Your Entire Port Barre, LA, Uber Accident Case
We want you to focus on getting better after your accident while we work on your case. We will handle all communications with insurers and other involved parties. Additionally, we will file your case on time if we must sue for your recovery in court. We aim to negotiate with insurers for a fair settlement that meets your needs, but we realize that going to trial is always a possibility.
We urge you to reach out to us as soon as you can if you plan to file a lawsuit. Louisiana allows only one year from the accident date to do so, per CC Art. 3492. The one-year deadline is the same, which starts on the deceased’s death date, per CC Art. 2315.2.
Port Barre Uber Accident Lawyer Near Me (337) 777-7777
Things to Avoid After Your Uber Accident
Car accidents are scary occurrences. The onset of panic and nerves are typically at a time like this. However, in order to leave yourself in a legally beneficial position, try to follow these points of advice.
- Do not tough out your injuries. With car accidents, it is common for victims to not understand how severe their injuries are. All too often, victims think they are fine at the time of the crash and decline medical care. Then, a day or two later, the same victim might wake up in a lot of pain. Our bodies take time to process injuries. Make sure to get medical attention, and do not try to tough it out.
- Do not sign agreements or settlements without consulting with our Port Barre Uber lawyer. Both the insurance companies and Uber itself are looking to pay you as little as possible. Do not be satisfied with a lowball settlement offer. Our Uber accident lawyer can review all settlement offers and advise you before you sign on the dotted line.
- Do not accept blame or admit fault. Regardless of the situation, there is no legal benefit to accepting blame for an accident. If you are not sure exactly what happened, the best thing you can do is make sure everyone is safe and reach out to a Port Barre Uber lawyer’s office for guidance.
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Get Your Free Case Review Today for a Port Barre Uber Accident
The Port Barre Uber accident lawyers at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers are ready to evaluate your accident and help you consider your next steps. We know how Louisiana laws apply to these cases, which are often challenging when it comes to determining liability. We do not charge any fees up front for our services. We work on contingency and do not recover any payment unless we win compensation for you.
We have recovered more than $200 million in cash settlements and verdicts for our clients. We want to do the same for you. When you hire us, you can focus on your health and let us deal with the complex legal matters of an Uber accident. Get your free consultation today.
Call or text (337) 777-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
