What you should do if an Uber or Lyft driver hits your car is generally the same as what you should do after any car accident in Lafayette. The complication with these crashes comes afterward when it’s time to file your insurance claim since multiple policies may apply.
The standard post-crash steps of contacting the police, exchanging contact and insurance information, and getting medical treatment are all the same. Afterward, you’ll want to speak with a Lafayette rideshare accident lawyer for legal advice and representation.
Here’s more information on what to do if an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare driver hits your car.
What to Do at the Scene of an Uber or Lyft Accident
You should take a few steps at the scene to preserve your rights and collect evidence that may support your future rideshare accident claim or lawsuit.
Call the Police
Even if the motor vehicle accident was minor and caused minimal damage to your vehicle, a police report will come in handy when you are ready to pursue damages from the other driver.
For serious accidents that result in bodily injury, death, or more than $500 in property damage, drivers must report the accident to the local police, sheriff, or state police.
Calling the police will also summon medical assistance for anyone injured at the scene. Even if you don’t need to go to a doctor immediately, the initial check at the scene could prevent worse injury later.
Take Photographs of the Accident Scene
While you wait for the police and paramedics, use your phone or any available camera to take photos of the scene and the damage to your car. You may not remember exactly what happened later. Photo evidence can be used to reconstruct the accident or as a form of evidence in its own right.
Exchange Information With the Uber or Lyft Driver
Get the Uber or Lyft driver’s name, address, rideshare information, and personal auto insurance policy information. Whether the driver has coverage through personal insurance or Uber or Lyft depends on whether they were offline, actively driving for Uber or Lyft, or available for service.
Furthermore, rideshare drivers must carry their own insurance before driving for these companies. You must exhaust the driver’s auto insurance before the rideshare company’s policy becomes effective.
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.
ClientInsurance Coverage for Rideshare Drivers
If an Uber or Lyft driver hits you and they are deemed at fault for the accident, the rideshare company’s insurance may cover your damages. However, this depends on the at-fault driver’s status during the collision.
Both Uber and Lyft provide insurance to rideshare drivers who are actively working. The coverage is similar for both services. However, the coverage value differs for drivers waiting for a request with the rideshare app on and drivers actively taking ride requests or driving passengers.
Coverage Depends on the App Status
If the rideshare driver was offline and not driving for Lyft or Uber when the accident happened, you must look to their own auto insurance for coverage. In this case, it is just like a standard auto accident.
If the rideshare driver has their app on and is waiting for a ride request, they usually have limited liability coverage from the rideshare company. If they have a rideshare rider on their personal policy, they may also have coverage through their personal insurance.
Once a driver has accepted a request to pick up, they have full commercial coverage from their rideshare company. The typical policy includes $1 million in third-party liability coverage, passenger coverage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. The details will depend on the state and the company.
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 | ClientWhat Are Common Challenges in Rideshare Accident Claims?
When you’re involved in an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver, you may need to deal with the driver’s personal insurance carrier, the rideshare company’s insurance, and potentially your own insurance company. Each insurer may try to shift responsibility to the others, leaving you caught in the middle of these coverage disputes.
One of the most challenging aspects is proving the driver’s status at the time of the accident. Insurance companies may dispute the driver’s app status to minimize their liability, making it crucial to gather evidence that proves the driver’s status at the time of the crash.
These challenges underscore why many accident victims choose to work with a personal injury lawyer who understands the complexities of rideshare accident claims and can protect their interests.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientDo I Need an Accident Injury Lawyer for an Uber or Lyft Accident?
Everyone has the right to represent themselves in insurance claims and civil litigation. In legal terms, this is called pro se representation. However, before representing yourself, you should understand the possible consequences.Any personal injury lawyer in Lafayette will tell you that insurance claims are not always easy, and lawsuits may be even more challenging. When you file a claim or lawsuit without a lawyer, you may anticipate:
- Spending significant time and effort investigating the case
- Researching complicated legal concepts, statutes, approaches, and terminology
- Managing all case-related communications (as you manage all other features of the case)
- Identifying and interviewing witnesses
- Dealing directly with insurance companies and attorneys for the defense who may have motives that run counter to your goals
- Negotiating for fair compensation
- Paying any case-related fees and expenses out of your pocket
Many accident victims are unwilling (or unable) to shoulder this responsibility. Victims generally have many responsibilities already and may be dealing with injury-related restrictions and treatment demands. They would rather have an attorney handle their case than represent themselves.
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.
ClientHow a Lawyer Can Help if Your Car Was Hit by an Uber or Lyft Driver
A lawyer from our team can help you in many ways after an accident with a rideshare driver. We can interview you, the Uber or Lyft driver, and other witnesses to build your case. In addition to taking statements, we may collect other evidence concerning the accident, such as video footage and police reports.
We can also collect evidence supporting the value of your claim. After an accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation for vehicle damage and medical expenses, such as:
- Emergency room visits
- X-rays
- Hospitalization
- Surgeries
- Therapy
- Prescription medications
Our team can gather vehicle repair bills, medical bills, and other receipts to demonstrate your damages. We can also file an insurance claim on your behalf, communicate with the rideshare driver’s insurance company, and negotiate a settlement. Our firm can file a lawsuit if the settlement offer does not adequately cover your expenses.
Who Can Seek Compensation After a Rideshare Accident?
You may generally seek compensation through insurance or a lawsuit if you were:
- Driving a vehicle that a rideshare driver struck
- A passenger in a vehicle that a rideshare driver struck
- Riding in a rideshare vehicle when the driver caused an accident
- A pedestrian, bicyclist, scooter rider, or motorcyclist when a rideshare driver collides with you
You may also take action if your loved one passes away in any of the above circumstances if you meet certain conditions. If you have any questions about taking legal action or filing an insurance claim, our firm can offer you a free case review.
Time Limits After a Crash With an Uber or Lyft Driver
If an Uber or Lyft driver strikes your vehicle, you generally have a limited time to seek damages through a lawsuit. In Louisiana, the deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit is two years after the accident. CC Art. 2315.1 places a two-year time limit on filing an action for wrongful death.
Once the statute of limitations has passed, you generally lose your legal right to seek financial compensation for the accident. If you need help with how to proceed, our accident lawyers are standing by to assist you.
Can You Afford a Lawyer for an Uber Accident Case?
Yes. Our attorneys work for contingency fees from any settlement or judgment we win on your behalf. You will not pay us anything when we accept your case. Our team will pay for investigations, experts, filing fees, and other case-related costs.
If we secure compensation for you, we’ll receive a portion of the judgment or settlement as our fee. If we don’t win your case, we won’t receive anything. Therefore, there is no financial risk to you. Speak with our lawyers to learn more about our fee policies.
Contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers
Being involved in a car accident with a rideshare service vehicle can result in significant damage. However, you should know that you may be entitled to financial compensation if you’ve suffered economic or non-economic damages due to the accident.
The lawyers at Laborde Earles can walk you through what to do if an Uber or Lyft driver hits your car. Contact our lawyers today to get your free legal consultation.
