Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized the way people get around. Typically less expensive than taxis, this convenient form of transportation has a lot of benefits for anyone who does not own a car.
Rideshare vehicles are no different from other automobiles when it comes to collisions, though. If a negligent rideshare driver causes your accident and injures you, they may be liable for your injuries. This may be true if you were injured in a collision with a rideshare driver or if you were a passenger in a rideshare vehicle at the time of the crash.
However, due to the various insurance policies that may be in play, a personal injury claim in an accident involving a rideshare driver can be more complicated than a traditional accident. A Lafayette ridesharing accident lawyer from the Morris Bart law firm may be able to navigate the complexities of your case and represent you on a contingency fee basis if you qualify.
Call (337) 446-4571 to discuss your case for free with a representative of the Morris Bart law firm today.
Types of Ridesharing Accidents
Given that ridesharing vehicles are just the personal cars and trucks of the drivers, it should come as no surprise that rideshare accidents are no different from any other collisions. The same factors that lead to car accidents in general also influence crashes involving rideshare operators. Some common types of accidents involving rideshare operators include:
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on collisions
- Sideswipe accidents
- Collisions with cyclists
- Collisions with pedestrians
- Side-Impact collisions
- Multi-vehicle accidents
No matter how the crash occurred, a Lafayette ridesharing accident lawyer from the Morris Bart law firm may be able to help you in your pursuit of compensation for your injuries. Whether you are a motorist or a rideshare passenger, the attorneys of the Morris Bart law firm are ready to help. Call (337) 446-4571 to schedule your initial consultation with a member of our team right away.
For a free legal consultation with a Ridesharing Accident lawyer serving Lafayette, call 800-537-8185
Insurance Coverage in Ridesharing Accidents
One of the ways rideshare accidents can be more complex than other types of collisions is due to insurance coverage issues. In a standard car accident, your options typically involve pursuing a claim against the other driver’s liability coverage or through your own comprehensive policy. When you suffer an injury in a rideshare crash, there could be a third option.
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft provide their drivers with insurance coverage under some circumstances. This coverage may be tiered, however.
Some companies provide the highest amounts of coverage when a rideshare driver has a passenger or has a ride request and is on the way to pick up a passenger. If the rideshare driver is actively using the app and is waiting for a ride request but has no passenger, the policy limits offered by the ridesharing company may be lower.
If a rideshare driver does not have their app active and is not seeking a passenger, the rideshare companies’ policy may not be in effect at all. In that instance, you may need to pursue a liability claim against the personal insurance policy of the driver like with any other collision.
A Lafayette ridesharing accident lawyer from the Morris Bart law firm can investigate your accident to determine who is liable for your injuries and what insurance company to pursue for compensation when we represent you.
Steps to Take After an Accident
There are certain steps you may want to take following a rideshare accident, whether you were a passenger in a rideshare vehicle or if you were struck by a rideshare operator:
- Seek medical treatment: if you sustained injuries, seek medical treatment immediately. Your injuries might seem minor at the moment, but the severity can grow in the coming hours or days. An examination by a doctor can also link your injuries to your accident, which may become useful evidence in your case.
- Retain all evidence: this may include police reports, insurance details from the driver, correspondence from the ridesharing company regarding the accident, photos of videos from the accident, your medical records, and more.
- Be careful when communicating about the accident: if the rideshare company’s insurance agents contact you to ask about the accident, be aware that they may be able to use your statements to reduce or deny your claim. A lawyer can handle all of these communications on your behalf when they represent you.
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Compensation After a Rideshare Accident
If you can prove the responsible party’s liability in your accident, they may owe you compensation for damages such as:
- All accident-related medical care
- Estimated future costs of medical treatment
- Lost wages or reduced earning capability
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- And more
When we represent you, the Morris Bart law firm can evaluate your damages and gather evidence of their value. In addition to receipts for medical care and vehicle repair estimates, this may include testimony from medical and economic experts about the future costs of your damages.
Get a Free Consultation with a Morris Bart Representative Today
When rideshare drivers are negligent, their passengers and nearby motorists often pay the price. You may have legal recourse against a negligent rideshare driver if they are responsible for your injuries.
A Lafayette ridesharing accident lawyer from the Morris Bart law firm can help you pursue financial compensation while you recover from an accident. Our firm can manage all communications, paperwork, and deadlines on your behalf when we represent you.
Remember that, under Louisiana Civil Code Article 3492, a one-year statute of limitations pertains to personal injury lawsuits in Louisiana. If you wait longer than one year to take legal action, it could mean that the court dismisses your lawsuit.
The Morris Bart law firm stands ready to assist you in these difficult times. Call us for a free consultation on your case with a team member by dialing (337) 446-4571 today.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
