Getting around Slidell is easier than ever with rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. For both passengers and drivers, though, safety is a top concern. Many Louisiana residents rely on ridesharing apps as an alternative to driving drunk or using public transportation. Another concern is the growing trend of car accidents, especially as ridesharing programs grow in popularity.
If you were recently in a rideshare accident, you should contact a Slidell rideshare accident lawyer to help you with filing a claim.
How a Slidell Rideshare Accident Lawyer Can Help
If you’ve ever had the unfortunate experience of being in a car accident, you know it can be scary. You have to deal with physical harm, the challenge of dealing with an insurance company, and litigation.
Ridesharing services are top-rated among urban residents, with estimated accident rates rising across the country. According to the University of Kentucky (UKY), accident rates in Denver rose by 6% after Uber was introduced.
The number of crash-related injuries and deaths has steadily climbed over the years in Slidell. This is why a Slidell rideshare accident lawyer can help you out when involved in a crash.
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.
ClientLiability in a Rideshare Accident
While ridesharing has become a popular alternative to traditional taxi services, the question of liability in accidents involving Uber or Lyft drivers is still a gray area. For passengers, figuring out who is liable in a rideshare accident can be confusing and frustrating.
Most states have not addressed accidents involving rideshare companies yet, so there are no clear laws for determining liability. This means that liability in a rideshare accident depends on several factors, including:
- The state the accident happened in
- The rideshare company involved
- The insurance policies of each party involved
- Whether the driver was logged into their app at the time of the accident
In most cases, if you were injured as a passenger in a rideshare vehicle, you will likely receive compensation from your driver’s liability insurance. Even if you’re a driver, you could collect compensation for your damages from multiple parties.
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 | ClientDamages in a Rideshare Accident Claim
The value of a rideshare accident claim depends on the specific details of your case. If you were injured in an accident caused by a ridesharing driver, you might be entitled to compensation for the following:
- Medical care and expenses
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages, benefits, and future earning capacity
The amount of damages you may receive will depend on the severity of your injuries, how your life has changed since the injury, and whether you can return to work.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientHow Rideshare Insurance Coverage Works
Rideshare insurance coverage is supplemental insurance for drivers that provides liability, uninsured or underinsured motorist, and collision and comprehensive coverage when engaged in ridesharing activities.
Rideshare insurance typically has three different levels of coverage:
- Period 1: When the rideshare app is turned off. The driver’s personal policy covers their vehicle.
- Period 2: When the driver turns on the app and waits for a passenger’s request. Rideshare companies provide liability insurance during this time, but not collision or comprehensive.
- Period 3: When the driver picks up a passenger until drop off. The driver’s personal policy covers the vehicle.
Insurance coverage in rideshare accidents varies according to the levels of driver participation in the crash.
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.
ClientActions to Take After a Rideshare Crash
Remember, if you’re driving for a rideshare service, your personal insurance doesn’t cover you when you are working. It’s important to prepare in case of an accident and know what to do afterward.
Here are some steps to take after a rideshare accident while driving or riding as a passenger:
Document the Crash Scene
Write down the location of the accident, time of day, other drivers involved, their license plate numbers, and passengers in each vehicle. Also, take witness contact information, record their statements about how the crash occurred, and take photos of the accident scene and each vehicle involved.
When taking photos of each vehicle, include close-up shots of any damage caused by the crash. If there were personal injuries, take pictures of those as well, but never touch anyone’s wounds. You can also capture skid marks on the pavement, any traffic signs or signals that may have affected the accident, debris in the roadway, and other visual evidence at the accident scene.
Call 911 to File a Police Report
In most states, drivers must call 911 when an accident occurs and causes injuries or property damage. By calling 911 immediately after the rideshare crash, you can ensure that law enforcement arrives on the scene quickly and that an accident report is filed with the police.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t feel injured at first, it’s essential to visit a doctor as soon as possible after an accident because some injuries, such as whiplash, may not be immediately apparent. Your doctor can help ensure that you’re on track for a full recovery from any injuries.
Contact the Rideshare Company and Your Lawyer
After a rideshare accident, it’s essential to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. The company will work with you to determine who was responsible for the crash and needs to pay for the resulting damages and injuries. Rideshare companies are typically quick to respond through an insurance adjuster after an accident, so you must exercise caution when speaking with them.
If you’ve been seriously injured or lost a loved one in a rideshare accident, contacting a Slidell rideshare accident lawyer for help with your claim can be the best option.
Contact Us Today for Help with Your Claim
In today’s world, it’s hard to get away from ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft. While rideshare companies can be an excellent resource for individuals trying to find a ride, there are potential dangers associated with using these services that every passenger should know.
If you find yourself in a rideshare crash needing legal guidance, don’t hesitate to consult Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers. Call us today for a free case review and increase your chances of getting fair compensation.
