Who’s Liable for Your Rideshare Accident?

The short answer is it’s complicated. If you’re injured while using a rideshare service, it’s not always easy to determine who’s responsible on your own. Companies like Uber and Lyft use algorithms to match available drivers and passengers quickly through their apps. The driver’s status on the app at the time of the accident can affect financial liability. For example, if you order an Uber and the driver is “offline” or not currently working for the company, then their personal auto insurance would be the primary coverage in the event of an accident.

If they are “online” or working for the rideshare company at the time of the accident, but they are waiting for a passenger request, then the rideshare company’s commercial policy would apply if the personal insurance was insufficient.

Finally, if they were online in the process of picking up a passenger or transporting one, then the rideshare coverage would wholly apply.

car post crash

Liability in An Accident with Multiple Drivers

Things get more complicated when multiple drivers are involved, as is often the case with accidents involving rideshares. For example, if you’re in an Uber and another driver rear-ends you, that driver would be primarily liable for your damages. But if the other driver flees the scene, then the rideshare company’s policy could be accountable for damages.

It’s also important to note that not all insurance companies will cover rideshare drivers. So, if you are injured by a driver without insurance, you may have to seek compensation through Uber or Lyft’s commercial policy.

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Damages You Can Claim After an Accident

Just because you weren’t behind the wheel doesn’t mean you didn’t experience physical or emotional trauma. As the passenger in a car crash, we can help you or your loved one claim economic and non-economic damages like these:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of income during recovery
  • Reduced potential income due to a long-term injury
  • Expenses from your hospital stay
  • Labs, x-rays, MRIs, and other tests
  • Prosthetics
  • In-home care
  • Prescription medications

What To Do After an Accident

You can protect yourself and your interests by taking the following steps after an accident:

  • Make sure that everyone is safe and call 911 for the police and medical services
  • Ask for a copy of the police accident report
  • Take photos and videos of the scene, but don’t share them on social media
  • Get contact details from any witnesses
  • Keep a record of all relevant documents
  • Call the rideshare company and your insurance company to report the accident
  • Contact a personal injury attorney

It’s easy to think that, since you were only a passenger, someone else will collect all the information you need. But it’s better to be safe than sorry. Your rideshare accident lawyer can make sure you’ve covered all the bases for your claim.

What Will Our Attorneys Do Next?

If you go ahead with your case, you will meet with our team to discuss the next stages. Our legal team will:

  • Visit the scene
  • Interview witnesses
  • Request the police report
  • Review medical records
  • Find traffic cameras and get CCTV footage
  • Talk with representatives from the rideshare company
  • Help you schedule appointments
  • Calculate the value of your compensation
  • Negotiate with insurance companies
  • Prepare and represent your case in court

Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Is a Recognized Leader

The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 recognizes Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers as one of the best firms in the country. Our firm has assembled a quality team of attorneys that will work tirelessly to defend your interests. We will combine hard work with our knowledge to ensure that you have the best possible representation.

The millions of dollars that we have recovered for our clients illustrate our success rate. Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers is a Louisiana firm that fights for its people and community.

Client Testimonials Hear from locals like you.

Elizabeth Lachney was super helpful in explaining a lot of things i didnt understand about my case. Very respectful and seemed so welling to help me! ...

Elizabeth Lachney was super helpful in explaining a lot of things i didnt understand about my case. Very respectful and seemed so welling to help me! She is the best, I 1000% recommend her if you have any questions!

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skylar bachman

New Iberia

I highly recommend Alexis Davis and this lawfirm. She is the true definition of professionalism, respect, understanding, patient, and many other thing...

I highly recommend Alexis Davis and this lawfirm. She is the true definition of professionalism, respect, understanding, patient, and many other things. Her detailed skills are very delightful. She goes out of her way to check on us, make sure we don't have any questions, and she is always on point. She moves very quick and always goes above and beyond for us to make sure we understand the process. I am so glad I ran into Laborde Earles and Alexis. Everyone will know about this company for sure and Alexis

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R.S.

Lafayette

Jordan is a wonderful paralegal very sweet and helpful good job very professional hold on to her she is a asset to your firm hard worker. Thank you fo...

Jordan is a wonderful paralegal very sweet and helpful good job very professional hold on to her she is a asset to your firm hard worker. Thank you for all your hard work to all the people working on our case.

S
Sandi W.

I just want to say that Kelby is a wonderful Attorney and will do what ever it takes to make sure you are taking care of. And his Team of Paralegal's,...

I just want to say that Kelby is a wonderful Attorney and will do what ever it takes to make sure you are taking care of. And his Team of Paralegal's, Amber, Toni, Debbie, Alana & Erica are absolutely amazing. You couldn't have ask for better. And to Rachael, she was so sweet the other day when I needed some information about when my advance was going to be ready. Thank you Laborde Earle's Law Firm for always being the Best.

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Lauren O'Quinn

New Orleans

Elizabeth Lachney I absolutely hands down the best. She is very professional, knowledgeable and most importantly she is very respectful. She is one re...

Elizabeth Lachney I absolutely hands down the best. She is very professional, knowledgeable and most importantly she is very respectful. She is one reason why we use Laborde Earles Law Firm. They make you feel like family!

T
Tiffany Bardwell

New Iberia

Courtney Marsh is professional and passionate about her clients! Her communication skills are top notch and she has been amazing to work with! She is ...

Courtney Marsh is professional and passionate about her clients! Her communication skills are top notch and she has been amazing to work with! She is truly a blessing!

T
Tori E.

They have good to keep me updated on the case but so far the settlement has not been reached.

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Lisa S.

Working with Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers was an incredible experience from beginning to end. Jeanne and Kaitlyn were absolutely amazing - profession...

Working with Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers was an incredible experience from beginning to end. Jeanne and Kaitlyn were absolutely amazing - professional and always on top of everything. They kept me informed throughout the entire process and made sure I understood every step along the way. My case was resolved better than expected. I can’t thank them enough.

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Melody Johnson

New Orleans

Syntera was Very professional and courteous. Answered my concerns.

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Lisa G.

Over 1,700 5-Star Reviews

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You Only Have Two Years to File

In Louisiana, you don’t have long to wait before you have to file your lawsuit. According to the statute of limitations, CC 3493.1, you generally have two years from the accident date or the date that your injuries surfaced to file. While 365 days might seem like a long time, it can fly by when you’re recovering from injuries or dealing with the aftermath of a serious accident. But even if you push filing for “another day,” the medical bills keep coming, and the creditors keep calling. Why should you have to deal with that added stress when the accident wasn’t your fault? You deserve time to heal in peace. Our legal team can handle all the claim details and fight for your money while you get your life back.

Can You Afford a Lawyer?

Some victims are reluctant to hire an attorney because they’re worried it will be too expensive. We know that people face a lot of frustrating costs after an accident, and they may not be earning money because of their injuries.

That’s why Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers works on a contingency basis. This means that you will pay nothing until we win or settle your case—no upfront costs, no hidden fees. We’re willing to risk it all because that’s how confident we are in our rideshare attorneys in Lafayette, LA. At the end of the day, you shouldn’t have to ask, “Can I afford to hire an attorney?” The real question is, can you afford not to?

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Contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers for Help Today

Call our office for your free consultation. During this informal conversation, we’ll assess your Lafayette rideshare accident claim and tell you whether you have a case.

After a rideshare accident, you have better things to do than stress about legal paperwork. We can take the burden off your shoulders. Representing yourself is risky. Start working with our team today.

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