- April 24, 2020
Rideshare options like Lyft and Uber make life easier for many people in Louisiana. Both residents and visitors use these services to get around. They’re convenient if you don’t have a car or if you want a hassle-free way to get home after a night out. Add the fact that rideshare is usually cheaper than a traditional taxi and it’s easy to see why these services have become so popular over the past five years.
Despite the many advantages of Lyft and Uber, rideshare drivers are just as likely to get involved in accidents as other drivers. They may speed, run red lights, drive while intoxicated or simply let distractions get the better of them. This means you can easily get into an accident involving a rideshare driver. Fortunately, New Orleans requires Uber and Lyft drivers to be covered by insurance as long as their app is active.
If you suffered injuries and property damage in a crash, you may be able to claim compensation under this policy. However, as with any other insurance claim, it can be difficult to get what you deserve. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, lost earning capacity and other losses.
However, you will need to present strong evidence. Uber and Lyft accidents are quite similar to other vehicular accidents. You will need to call the police and go to the doctor. However, there are some differences since a big company like Uber is involved. It is best that you work with a vehicle accident attorney to build a solid case and recover damages.
Steps to Take After Your Louisiana Rideshare Crash
What you do after your crash is very important. It can determine whether you are able to claim compensation or not. Some of the things you need to do include:
- Seeking medical attention. This is the first thing you should take care of. If you’re going to seek compensation for injuries, you need proof that you’re injured. You also need to prove that your injuries resulted from the accident. Legal considerations aside, you have to make your health a priority. If you were badly injured, an ambulance will respond to the scene. Many accident victims opt not to seek prompt medical attention since they feel fine. However, adrenaline can mask injuries so its best to go to a doctor and get an examination.
- Call the police. If you are physically able, call the police to report the accident. By doing this, you can ensure there is a neutral third party who can give an assessment of the circumstances of the crash. Law enforcement officers will do their own investigations as well as take statements from witnesses and bystanders. The crash report will also include any citations the other driver received. All this information can be used to strengthen your claim.
- Document everything you can. If your injuries don’t prevent you from talking or moving around, you should collect information immediately after the crash. Get the names and contact details of everyone else involved in the accident. Write down the license plate numbers of the vehicles or take a photo. You should also get names and contact details for anyone who saw what happened. Photographs or videos of the accident scene, property damage, and road conditions can all be helpful. You’ll hand all this information over to your attorney and they will decide how to handle it. This may seem like a lot to do but some of the information won’t be available when you leave the scene.
- Speak to an attorney. You should talk to an attorney about your accident as soon as you can. The sooner you contact them, the more time they will have to collect evidence and get a clear picture of the accident. You will also be better able to recall exactly what happened. Even if you don’t think you’ll need a lawyer, you should still consult one. Most offer a free consultation which you may find invaluable. Attorneys know how difficult it can be to get compensation following a rideshare accident.
Contact Bart Bernard Injury Lawyers Today!
Rideshare accidents can be complicated. However, having a competent Baton Rouge car accident lawyer on your side can make a big difference. If you got into an Uber or Lyft driver in Louisiana, reach out to our team today and get sound legal advice. You may be able to get compensation for a variety of losses. Your first consultation is free so contact us today to make an appointment.
