Lake Charles Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers
Ridesharing has become an easy and effective way to get where you are going without the hassle of driving yourself. Uber and Lyft have altered the transportation industry in new and profound ways. However, not all those charges are for the better.
When a passenger is hurt in a car accident involving an Uber or Lyft rideshare vehicle, the waters tend to get murky. Claims involving ridesharing drivers are confusing and can get complicated, depending on the status of the driver and who was at fault for causing the accident. Ridesharing accidents are not the same as accidents that happen in your own personal vehicle. That’s why, after an accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver, you should turn to an experienced attorney for help.
The Lake Charles car accident lawyers of Veron Bice, LLC can help you sort through a Louisiana rideshare accident. We can review your situation and narrow down who is liable for your injuries and losses. We can also help you begin the claims process.
Skip the confusion. Contact an experienced attorney today. Call our office at 337-310-1600 for a free and confidential consultation.
How Uber and Lyft Accidents Differ from Other Types of Crashes
Car accidents involving Uber and Lyft drivers are not the same as car accidents involving two average individuals. To begin, Uber and Lyft both employ drivers as independent contractors. As independent contractors, drivers are not strictly employed by Uber or Lyft. Essentially, this allows the company to shift liability for an accident onto the driver, absolving themselves from responsibility.
As independent contractors, Uber and Lyft drivers are subjected to background checks. These background checks typically involve scrutinizing a driver’s criminal record and driving history. However, a driver need not have specialized driving training or training involving transporting passengers. There is no way to guarantee that your Uber or Lyft driver is 100 percent safe or experienced.
Who Could Be Liable If You Are Injured in a Ridesharing Accident?
An Uber or Lyft accident can be shocking. One moment you are casually riding in the backseat, then in the blink of an eye, you are battered and bruised. You may even be the other driver, hit and hurt by a negligent Uber or Lyft driver. Either way, the process for recovering compensation after an accident can be complicated.
There may be a variety of options for pursuing compensation after a collision. Which avenue is right for you depends on the circumstances of the crash. In general, you may be able to hold the following parties liable for your damages:
- The ridesharing company
- The Uber or Lyft driver
- Another at-fault driver or third-party involved in the crash
If the ridesharing driver is at fault for causing the crash, you may be able to file a claim with their insurance or the ridesharing company’s insurance. However, it depends on the status of the driver. If the ridesharing driver was not primarily responsible for causing the crash, you may be able to file a claim with the other driver’s insurer. You may also be able to pursue compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. In rare circumstances, you may be able to file a lawsuit against Uber or Lyft for compensation. Lawsuits can be challenging because these companies shield themselves quite effectively from litigation. Only particular circumstances allow a victim to sue a ridesharing company.
For a clearer picture of your options, talk to an experienced Louisiana ridesharing accident attorney immediately.
What Types of Insurance Coverage Do Uber and Lyft Provide?
Uber and Lyft both provide similar insurance coverage options for their drivers. However, there are limitations to this coverage depending on the status of a driver at the time of the crash. Here are how the company’s insurance policies break down:
Driver Is Offline. A driver is considered to be “offline” when they are not logged in to the Uber or Lyft application. If a driver is involved in a crash at this time, their personal auto insurance is responsible for covering the damages.
Driver Is Online and Waiting for a Ride Request. During this stage, an Uber or Lyft driver is logged in to the application and is waiting for a ride request to come through. Generally, they have not accepted a request yet and are not actively transporting other passengers. If an accident occurs at this time both Uber and Lyft offer:
- $50,000 in bodily injury per person
- $100,000 in bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 in property damage per accident
Driver Is Online and Transporting Passengers to a Destination. When a driver is in the process of picking up or transporting passengers, accident coverage increases. Both Uber and Lyft offer:
- $1,000,000 third-party liability
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage
- Contingent collision and comprehensive collision coverage
Compensation Available for Uber and Lyft Accidents
It can be confusing trying to determine which insurer should handle your Uber or Lyft accident claim. While the process can be complicated, most victims can pursue compensation for a variety of damages. Typically, a victim may be able to recover money for the following:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of income
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
In some cases, a victim may be entitled to pain and suffering and other non-economic losses. To determine the value of your accident claim, consult with a skilled ridesharing accident attorney before filing a claim.
At Veron Bice, LLC, we can lay out your legal options for recovering compensation. We can also estimate the value of your claim and help you pursue the maximum compensation possible for your injuries.
Contact a Louisiana Ridesharing Accident Attorney for Help
You put your trust in a ridesharing driver to get you to where you need to be safe and sound. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen. If you have been injured in a ridesharing accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver, contact Veron Bice, LLC. Our team will investigate the crash and help you file a claim with the proper insurers.
To schedule your free initial consultation, call our office today at 337-310-1600. We want to help you get the compensation you deserve after a ridesharing accident.
