If you are in an accident with a rideshare driver, you may need a little guidance. Not only do you have to deal with all of the usual problems that go along with a car accident, but you also have to figure out who is liable and how to file your claim. It’s a lot to deal with when you are injured.
Our Lake Charles rideshare accident lawyers can help you decipher the complicated relationship between rideshare companies and their drivers. We can identify the responsible party and help you fight to get the compensation you deserve after your accident.
At Galloway Jefcoat Injury Attorneys, our team of Lake Charles car accident lawyers has a track record of turning wrong into right since 1996. Contact us today for a free consultation and find out how we can help with your case.
Do You Need an Attorney?
It’s always a good idea to consult with a lawyer whenever you are injured in an accident, and that’s especially true for cases involving rideshare operators. You may be dealing with an insurance company representing a large company like Uber or Lyft.
In some cases, insurance companies aren’t eager to cover your damages. They may even try tactics such as intentionally lowballing your settlement offer or using your words against you to suggest you aren’t as injured as you say you are.
Our Lake Charles personal injury lawyers are your advocates who will stand up for your rights and work to get the compensation you deserve. We’ll handle paperwork, deal with the insurance companies, and help prevent you from making common errors with your claim.
"I have used Galloway Jefcoat a few times and have always been very satisfied. Furthermore, all of the people who work there are very professional, nice, and courteous."
Who Is Liable in a Rideshare Accident?
One of the most important jobs your attorney will perform is investigating your accident to determine what happened and who was responsible. We may refer to police reports, witness testimony, or dashcam and video footage if available.
Understanding who was liable in your accident can help us begin to form a strategy for your claim, and that’s important in a crash with a rideshare operator. Even though you know your accident happened because of the driver, they may or may not be liable for your damages.
Rideshare drivers for companies like Uber and Lyft are not employees of the companies. They are contractors who use their own vehicles and choose their own schedules. Rideshare companies have limited control over the actions, and liability can be complicated.
When the Rideshare Company Is Liable
While each company has its own specific terms, both Uber and Lyft use apps to track their drivers. When a driver is signed into their app, they are considered on duty. When a driver is on duty, the rideshare company may be liable for any accident they cause when they are:
- Transporting a passenger
- On the way to meet with a passenger
- Waiting for an assignment
Both Uber and Lyft have extensive liability coverage for their drivers, which can extend to a million dollars depending on the circumstances. Your Lake Charles rideshare accident lawyer can advise you if your claim is with the rideshare company.
When the Driver Is Liable
If the driver is not signed into the app, they are not on duty, and you must file your personal injury claim with their insurance company. Both Uber and Lyft require their drivers to carry the minimum liability coverage in their state.
In addition to the other driver, our investigation may uncover additional liable parties, such as a third driver who played a role in the crash. We’ll thoroughly research the events of your accident to find all potential sources of compensation.
"Galloway Jefcoat are amazing professionals who are very client focused. They will guide you thru all the details to help get your litigation solved. I was involved in a crash that ultimate required a knee replacement"
What Are Damages in a Rideshare Accident Case?
Compensation in a rideshare accident case can range from thousands of dollars to millions of dollars. Every case is unique, and the settlement or award you may receive depends on the damages you’ve suffered.
Your rideshare accident lawyer in Lake Charles will assess your hardships and arrive at a maximum compensation number we can use to file your claim and negotiate for a fair settlement that covers your damages and makes a difference in your life.
The extent of your injuries is a major factor in determining compensation. Catastrophic, long-term, and life-altering injuries often lead to much larger settlements. Your economic and non-economic damages will also play a role.
Economic Damages
Your economic damages consist of the expenses you’ve incurred because of the accident and your injuries. That could be things like:
- The cost of your medical care
- Anticipated future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
Keeping records of your costs can help your attorney include all of your economic losses in your compensation.
Non-Economic Damages
While it is often difficult to prove non-economic damages, in some circumstances, you may be able to include damages for the emotional and mental toll the accident has taken on you and your family.
This can include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
Your attorney can help you understand if non-economic damages will play a role in your settlement or award.
"As a client of Galloway Jefcoat for over two years I want to take a minute to say how much I appreciate the team handling my case."
Contact a Lake Charles Rideshare Accident Attorney
Life after a car accident can get complicated in a hurry. You’re injured, your bills are piling up, and you may not be able to work or care for the people who depend on you. If your accident happened because of the actions of a rideshare driver, it complicates things even further.
Our Lake Charles rideshare accident attorneys are here to help you figure out who is liable for your accident and get the compensation you deserve. We’ll investigate your case, assess your damages, help you file your claim, and negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf.
At Galloway Jefcoat, we have the experience and knowledge to help you get the justice you deserve. Call today for a free consultation and tell us your story.
"Galloway Jefcoat helped me at a time when I felt lost and taken advantage of by my employer."