If you get hurt as a passenger in a rideshare vehicle or are involved in an accident with a rideshare provider, you may be wondering how to hold the at-fault party accountable. It is wise to consult with an attorney who has a broad range of experience in these particular cases and could explain all options for legal recourse that may be open to you.
Uber/Lyft/rideshare accidents in Baton Rouge happen far too frequently. When these crashes occur because another person was negligent, that person should be responsible for covering the damage. An experienced accident attorney could investigate liability for the wreck that injured you and help you navigate the complexities of a rideshare injury case.
Establishing Legal Fault in Rideshare Accidents
Being able to prove someone else’s liability is key in any auto accident cause, but collisions involving Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare providers in Baton Rouge can end up making this task considerably more complicated. In a traditional auto accident where a negligent driver hits another motorist, the at-fault driver’s insurance company would usually be on the legal hook to pay for the cost of the other motorist’s injuries and damages. However, in a wreck involving a rideshare driver, one or multiple insurance carriers could be involved, depending on the facts of the incident.
Potential sources of compensation could include the rideshare driver’s personal auto insurance if they were responsible for the accident, as well as the rideshare company’s insurance in some cases. If another driver’s actions caused or contributed to the wreck, the insurance company of that third party could come into play.
It is important to understand that Uber, Lyft, or any other rideshare entity is not automatically liable for a crash, even if one of their drivers is responsible. This is because rideshare drivers are independent contractors rather than full-fledged employees. Generally speaking, Uber and Lyft’s insurance policies only apply if the rideshare driver was en route to pick up a passenger or carrying a passenger at the time of the collision.
If a rideshare driver causes an accident but is not carrying passengers and has not accepted any rides, the rideshare company generally would not be liable. An attorney could conduct a detailed evaluation of the circumstances of the accident and the chain of events precipitating the crash to identify all sources of liability for someone’s injuries.
Collecting Compensation After an Uber/Lyft/Rideshare Crash
As with any other roadway collision, Uber and Lyft accidents in Baton Rouge are often traced back to someone’s negligent driving. A rideshare driver who is operating their vehicle while distracted, drunk, speeding, or engaging in other dangerous driving behaviors could cause a crash that injures other motorists as well as passengers in their vehicle. Likewise, a careless driver could strike a rideshare car that is carrying passengers and seriously injure those inside.
Louisiana provides just one year from the date of the accident for injured individuals to file a claim to recover compensation, so it is best to speak with an attorney promptly. Available compensation could include the value of an injured individual’s pain and suffering, as well as lost wages, medical bills, and other losses from the crash.
Reach Out to a Baton Rouge Uber/Lyft/Rideshare Accident Attorney
When Uber/Lyft/rideshare accidents in Baton Rouge occur, it is essential to determine whether one or more parties can be held legally liable for your injuries. Given the legal nuances of these types of cases, it is best to work with a lawyer from the very beginning of your case.
Even if it appears that the rideshare provider may be liable for some or all of your damages, these companies will often try to deflect liability. An attorney could aggressively pursue all forms of compensation you may entitled to from any and all negligent parties. To discuss your recent accident with a seasoned injury attorney, reach out to Tomeny | Best and schedule your free consultation.
