Lafayette Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Lafayette Rideshare Accident Attorney

While rideshare services are incredibly convenient and can help promote accessibility, accidents involving these services can prove to be more challenging than other forms of accidents. If victims are unprepared for the detailed process of filing a claim, they might miss out on important compensation they could use to recover from their injuries. Working with a Lafayette rideshare accident lawyer can help guide you through the aftermath of a rideshare accident.

A History of Advocacy

Established in 1969, the Cox Law Firm has a rich history of championing civil rights and fighting for justice. Our combined 135 years of experience from all of our dedicated attorneys is used to help people in Louisiana who have been victimized by others’ negligence. We are committed to ensuring that our clients are treated fairly and equally against large businesses and insurance companies.

Why Are Rideshare Accidents Different From Other Accidents?

Rideshare accidents differ from regular car accidents in many key ways. Generally, they are much more complicated than a standard car accident. Important differences include things like:

• Insurance Coverage: Personal auto insurance companies do not usually cover accidents during rideshare activity unless the driver purchases additional policies that directly cover this. However, rideshare companies offer different amounts of coverage depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.
• Who Is Liable: Rideshare accidents can involve multiple parties like the driver, the parent company, other drivers, passengers, or even car manufacturers or government bodies that are responsible for maintaining the roads. The rideshare companies themselves are usually not liable unless they fail to properly evaluate their drivers or if they have driver policies that encourage unsafe driving practices.
• Claims Process: While most accidents are only reported to drivers’ personal insurance companies, rideshare accidents are also reported to the rideshare company itself. This means that victims might have to work through claims with both the company’s insurance and the at-fault driver’s insurance, which can be challenging.

Rideshare services are subject to regulations that can affect their liability and coverage in an accident. This can affect the outcome of a claim. Due to the complicated nature of these types of claims, victims of rideshare accidents often benefit from an attorney to help them work through the claims process and make sure they are compensated fairly.

The Role of Insurance Companies in Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare companies have extensive insurance policies to protect themselves from financial liability in the event that a driver gets into an accident. The amount of coverage they provide depends on what stage the ride is in. The highest coverage applies when a passenger is in the vehicle, but there is still limited coverage available if the driver gets into an accident without accepting a ride or while they are en route to pick up a passenger.

While rideshare platforms usually offer insurance coverage, many personal auto insurance policies do not cover accidents if they happen for a commercial purpose, which includes ridesharing. However, some insurance companies offer policies that help cover the gap between personal and rideshare insurance.

The Legality of Filing a Claim Against a Rideshare Company

Since rideshare companies are still quite new, the question of whether a victim of a rideshare accident can file a claim against a parent company is still being worked out. These businesses usually use the independent contractor structure for their drivers, which means they are not official employees. Because of this, rideshare companies are usually not liable for the actions of their drivers. If a driver does something wrong, the blame is usually placed on the driver themselves.

However, there are certain errors that could point to negligence, like companies failing to perform adequate background checks before hiring drivers. Other issues include not firing or reprimanding a driver after several complaints. If the driver harassed or assaulted a passenger, the company could also be held liable if they did not attempt to protect passenger safety.

The outcome of a legal claim against a rideshare company can also vary based on the exact jurisdiction and details of the case. Some courts have allowed these types of claims, while others have not. While it is possible, it is often more complicated than filing a claim against an individual driver. Consult with an attorney to help determine a good course of action based on the details of your case.

Why Do I Need an Attorney?

The area of rideshare accident law is still relatively new, so working with an attorney can help you navigate a complicated crash. One of the common problems in these kinds of accidents is that everyone has their own insurance policies, each with their own lengthy paperwork outlining their coverage. An attorney can help decipher the terms used in these policies and determine which ones apply to your case.

Additionally, a lot of people do not know how to calculate damages in a rideshare accident. Many think of the expenses incurred to treat their injuries, but they do not think about things like lost wages and other damages that may have occurred as a result of a rideshare accident. Attorneys are skilled at identifying all the possible sources of compensation that apply to a victim’s case to make sure that they receive as much as possible to cover all relevant expenses.

Some victims do not even know which company or person to file a claim against. Determining liability can be difficult due to how many parties can be involved. If you are struggling with this, an attorney can conduct an investigation and utilize other professionals to establish who is at fault and gather evidence to prove it. Gathering accident reports, witness statements, and even video footage can help you build your case to receive damages.

Other issues include state regulations that can affect the amount of insurance coverage that applies to certain accidents. A rideshare accident attorney who is familiar with these regulations can help protect you throughout the process and make sure you are not taken advantage of. They can handle communications with insurance companies and negotiate settlements on your behalf. If the case results in a trial, they can represent you in court.

Insurance companies often aim to give out as little as they can in payouts to protect their bottom line. This is why it is so important to have an experienced negotiator, like an attorney, on your side who can advocate for fair compensation. Adjusters can use certain strategies to reduce or deny your claim as well. An attorney can help your claim avoid common pitfalls so that your compensation is maximized.

Getting into any vehicle accident can be stressful, and working with an attorney can help you gain peace of mind. Enlisting the support of an attorney can help you focus on your recovery instead of spending time on the phone with an insurance company or worrying about a potential settlement.

FAQs

How Do I File a Claim if I Was a Passenger in a Rideshare Vehicle and Got Into an Accident?

To file a claim if you were a passenger in a rideshare vehicle and got into an accident, contact the rideshare company where the ride was booked first. After this, let your insurance company know about the accident. Depending on the accident, you could file a claim against the rideshare driver’s insurance, the company’s insurance, or the other drivers involved if they were at fault. Consider working with an attorney to learn who is liable in a rideshare accident.

Can I Still File an Accident Claim if the Rideshare Driver Was Not at Fault?

You can still file a rideshare accident claim if the driver was not at fault. If the other drivers were involved, you could file a claim against their insurance company unless they do not have insurance or are underinsured. If this is the case, then you could try to file a claim with the rideshare company because they have insurance policies to address these situations. In other situations, such as issues with the vehicle, the manufacturer might be liable.

What To Do After a Rideshare Accident in Louisiana?

After a rideshare accident in Lafayette, Louisiana, act quickly to make sure everyone is safe and that your rights are protected. Check yourself and other passengers and drivers and call emergency services if anyone is injured. Once medical personnel and police are on their way, document the scene by taking photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and other details. Use the rideshare app that you booked a ride from to let them know that an accident occurred.

How Long Does a Lyft Accident Settlement Take to Resolve?

A Lyft accident settlement can take a long time to resolve. A rideshare company is required to respond to an accident notification within a specific amount of time, after which the insurance company will review the claim. This process can be lengthy, not including the amount of time it takes to negotiate a settlement offer. If there is conflict over who is liable or the extent of damages is disputed, the process could take longer.

Get Practical Advice for Your Case

Working through the details of a rideshare accident can be challenging for victims and their families. Stay informed by seeking professional guidance from a personal injury attorney. Schedule a consultation with the Cox Law Firm to help make an unfortunate situation more manageable.