Rideshare Accident Attorneys in New Orleans
Helping the Victims of Uber and Lyft Collisions
Uber and Lyft accidents can be complex. Many people who are injured in rideshare collisions can feel overwhelmed by the claims process and confused by the involvement of the rideshare driver and the company they work for.
The New Orleans rideshare accident lawyers at Minias Law are available to answer your questions and can help you recover the compensation you deserve following a collision.
What to Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident
Following a rideshare accident, getting medical attention for your injuries should be your primary focus. If you are able to, you should contact first responders immediately after your collision.
Once first responders have arrived and you’ve received medical attention, you should begin collecting evidence. Take pictures of the accident scene, get the contact information of the drivers and witnesses, and be sure to save the rideshare driver’s information on the Uber or Lyft app. As you are recovering from your injuries, continue to document your progress and save any relevant records. With this evidence, you can begin filing your claim. Contact Your New Orleans rideshare accident attorneys for quality representation.
Who is Liable for Rideshare Collisions?
If you have been injured in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver, you may believe the rideshare company will be responsible for paying for your damages. Unfortunately, this is not often the case.
Lyft and Uber drivers operate as independent contractors. This employment classification separates them from the supervision of the company they work for. Because of this, the individual drivers are often liable for rideshare collisions.
The accident may have also been the fault of another driver. In these cases, you would file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company.
As in any car accident case, third parties may be liable for your damages too. Vehicle manufacturers, road maintenance companies, and businesses that supply alcohol to drunk drivers are potentially liable third parties.
About Lyft and Uber Insurance
Uber and Lyft offer insurance coverage to their passengers in the event of an accident. Both companies provide similar benefits to drivers and passengers if their personal insurance plans do not cover the cost of a collision. Both Lyft and Uber’s insurance policies only apply once a driver is actively accepting rides.
More on How Insurance Coverage Works Under Lyft
Lyft operates in cities across the country and therefore, there are strict requirements that must be met for drivers and their vehicles. Even still accidents do happen. All Lyft drivers are required to be covered with their own car insurance in the unfortunate event of an accident. If they do not have a passenger when the accident occurs, contingent liability would kick in. Primary coverage liability, however, is the predominant source of coverage from the time that the driver accepts a ride until the time that the passenger has been dropped off.
Explanation of Insurance Coverage in an Uber Accident
Uber operates worldwide and like Lyft, has numerous requirements for their drivers and the drivers’ vehicles. In the event that an accident happens, these guidelines will protect the driver and passenger, but only to a certain extent. The insurance will cover the accident in the case that the driver has accepted the ride request and is on their way to pick up the passenger or if the passenger is in the vehicle. In the event that the accident takes place while the driver is waiting for a request, only liability coverage will kick in.
How a New Orleans Rideshare Accident Lawyer Can Help
Our legal team can help you understand the complexities of your rideshare accident case, navigate the insurance claims process, and help you recover the compensation you deserve. Throughout the progress of your claim, we’ll advise you of the best way to build your case and provide top-notch representation. We are available to you to answer any questions you have.
Received a Traffic Ticket While Driving for Uber or Lyft?
Both Uber and Lyft have strict policies on safety which evaluates a driver’s driving record whether or not they received the traffic ticket while driving for Uber or Lyft. If you are an Uber or Lyft driver and received a traffic violation, you could lose your driving privileges if you are found guilty of the violation. Don’t just pay the ticket. Call your New Orleans traffic attorney at the Minias Law Firm. You can also submit your traffic ticket here.
Contact Us to Schedule a Free Consultation
At Minias Law, our legal team offers free initial case evaluations to discuss the details of your accident. Contact us to learn how we can help in your specific circumstances.