Baton Rouge Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Helping Injured Victims After Uber or Lyft Accidents

In the bustling streets of Baton Rouge, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become integral to our daily lives. However, with this convenience comes the increased risk of accidents. Uber and Lyft accidents can quickly become complicated, as they often involve multiple insurance companies and a few different types of insurance coverage. The best way to ensure that you get fair compensation for all of your damages after an accident is by working with an experienced Uber accident lawyer.

We know that you may be facing medical bills, property damage repairs, lost wages, and more. Our team is here to help you recover compensation and get back to your regular life.
At Walter R. Krousel Jr. & Associates, APLC, our experienced team of lawyers specializes in representing those injured in rideshare accidents. If you’ve been involved in such an incident, call us at (225) 263-6194 for a free consultation.

What Is a Rideshare Accident?

Rideshare accidents involve vehicles used by ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft. These can range from a minor car accident to a severe crash resulting in catastrophic injuries or death. Whether you’re a passenger, driver, or third party affected by a rideshare vehicle accident, understanding your legal rights and options is crucial.

Types of Rideshare Accidents

Various scenarios constitute a rideshare auto accident – collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, or property; accidents while en route to pick up a passenger; or incidents occurring during a ride. Each type brings unique challenges in determining liability and pursuing compensation.

What Causes Rideshare Accidents?

Like typical car accidents, there are many reasons why rideshare accidents can happen. Because rideshare drivers are working, they may be more distracted than other drivers on the road.
Rideshare accidents tend to happen for the following reasons:

Distracted Driving

Most rideshare drivers check their phones for directions, new passengers, and more. Taking your eyes off the road can lead to dangerous accidents. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in general.

Fatigued Driving

Many rideshare drivers work long hours, and some will drive well into the night and early morning. Drowsy driving is almost as dangerous as drunk driving. Drivers may have poor reaction times or even fall asleep at the wheel, leading to accidents.

Aggressive Driving

Rideshare drivers often attempt to get to their destination as quickly as possible so they can make more money. Aggressive driving, which includes speeding or swerving, greatly increases the chance of an accident.

Poor Vehicle Maintenance

Rideshare drivers tend to put more mileage on their cars than typical drivers. As such, it’s important for them to get their cars maintained regularly. When drivers fail to service their cars, parts can malfunction, leading to accidents.

Poor Road Conditions

Potholes, poorly lit streets, or a lack of street signage can cause accidents. Because Lyft and Uber drivers are often driving in unfamiliar territory, bad road conditions can surprise them, leading to accidents.

Alcohol and Drug Influence in Rideshare Accidents

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a significant factor in many auto accidents, including those involving rideshare vehicles. When an intoxicated Uber driver or Lyft driver causes a crash, it complicates liability and insurance claims. Our skilled team is prepared to investigate the influence of alcohol or drugs as a contributing factor to the accident and ensure that this negligence does not go unaddressed.

Victims of rideshare car accidents involving alcohol or drugs may be entitled to substantial damages. We are committed to helping you recover compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, and any other losses incurred due to the negligence of an impaired rideshare driver.

Common Injuries in Rideshare Accidents

Victims of rideshare accidents can suffer from a range of injuries, from whiplash and bruises to more serious conditions like traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage. Our legal team is committed to helping you claim compensation for all your injuries, including medical expenses and pain and suffering.

Many rideshare accident victims suffer the following injuries:

Neck Injuries

Whiplash and other neck injuries are very common after a car accident. Damaging the ligaments in the neck can lead to weeks of healing time and expensive medical costs.

Broken Bones

The intense impact of a car accident can cause broken or fractured bones. Some broken bones heal with a cast, while others require surgery and physical therapy.

Spinal Injuries

Damage to the spinal cord can cause temporary or permanent paralysis. Spinal cord injuries can also cause long-term pain, tingling, and numbness throughout the body.

Burns

Cars can catch fire in severe auto accidents. Victims may suffer serious burns that require extensive medical treatment.

Brain Injuries

Suffering a blow to the head can cause concussions and traumatic brain injuries. Brain injuries are some of the most difficult injuries to treat and can lead to permanent symptoms.

Immediate medical attention is crucial for your health and for strengthening your personal injury claim. We guide you through the process of documenting your injuries and treatments to ensure a well-supported claim.

What to Do After a Rideshare Accident?

The moments following a rideshare accident are critical. Ensure your safety and the safety of others, call emergency services, gather information from all parties involved, and document the scene. Contacting a rideshare accident lawyer as soon as possible can also significantly affect the outcome of your claim.

Collecting evidence at the accident scene, including photos, witness statements, and the rideshare driver’s details, is crucial. Our team will help further by obtaining the rideshare driver’s logs, the vehicle’s maintenance records, and other necessary documents to build a strong case.

What Compensation is there for Rideshare Accident Victims?

As a victim of an Uber or Lyft accident, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Our lawyers work meticulously to calculate and negotiate the maximum compensation you deserve.

Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, especially when claims are denied or undervalued. Our experienced lawyers are skilled negotiators who know how to navigate these hurdles and advocate for fair settlements on your behalf.

Insurance Coverage in Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare companies typically provide liability coverage for their drivers, which may come into effect depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. Understanding the nuances of rideshare insurance policies, including primary and secondary coverage, is vital to maximizing your claim’s potential.

In general, there are two types of insurance coverage available after a rideshare accident:

Accidents While Logged Into the App

Rideshare drivers who are currently working, meaning they are logged into the rideshare app, are generally covered by their rideshare company’s insurance. This coverage includes drivers who have passengers in the vehicle, drivers who are on their way to pick up passengers, and drivers who are logged into the app but don’t currently have any passengers.

Uber and Lyft have similar insurance policies to cover damages from accidents that happen to their contractors. These plans typically include up to $1 million of uninsured motor vehicle bodily injury coverage and $1 million in third-party liability insurance coverage.

Rideshare companies may have different insurance policies to cover drivers who are logged into the app but don’t have passengers in the car. Our Uber accident attorney will examine your case to determine what kind of coverage your accident falls under.

Accidents While Logged Out of the App

Rideshare companies only cover accidents that happen when drivers are logged into the app and actively working. If you are involved in an accident with a driver who has not logged into their Uber or Lyft app, then the driver’s personal auto insurance policy will cover your damages.

Understanding Liability in Rideshare Accidents

Determining liability in rideshare accidents can be complex. It involves navigating the legal relationship between the rideshare company, the driver as an independent contractor, and other involved parties. Our lawyers are adept at dissecting these relationships to identify responsible parties and strategize your claim accordingly.

Uber and Lyft accidents are complex because of the multiple liable parties that could be involved. Our Lyft accident lawyer can help you determine who is at fault for your accident, which could include:

The rideshare driver
The other driver involved in the accident
The vehicle manufacturer
The vehicle mechanic
The rideshare company

Liability can also be shared between drivers involved in the accident if both are found to be at fault.

What is the Legal Process for Rideshare Accident Claims?

Filing a lawsuit or insurance claim for a rideshare accident involves several steps and stringent timelines. Our legal team will guide you through every stage, from filing the claim to representing you in court if necessary.

In most cases, our team will attempt to recover compensation through negotiations with insurance adjusters. If an insurance company won’t pay you what you are owed, we can file a lawsuit on your behalf.

Rideshare accidents often involve complex factors like driver status, insurance policy limits, and third-party liability. Our personal injury lawyers are well-versed in dissecting these cases, identifying negligence, and fighting for the rights of the injured. Trust us to be relentless in our pursuit of justice for you as a valued client.

What Does a Rideshare Accident Lawyer Do?

Being injured in any kind of accident is overwhelming. Uber and Lyft accidents can be challenging to navigate on your own, as the liable party and insurance company may not be immediately obvious. When you work with our team, we’ll help you seek compensation so you can pay for your damages while focusing on your mental and physical health.
Our experienced Uber accident lawyer will take the following steps:

Investigate Your Accident

All rideshare accidents are unique, and your case may have different circumstances that impact your claim. When you work with us, we’ll spend time looking into the facts of your case to give you advice on the next steps forward.

Gather Evidence

Evidence like your medical records and property damage repair receipts can be used to prove all the damages you accrued because of the accident. Photos and videos of the accident scene and screenshots of your rideshare app can also be used to assign liability.

Calculate Your Damages

In a personal injury claim, you can recover compensation for all the damages you suffered as a result of the accident. Your medical bills, property damage repair, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress can all be requested by our team.

Negotiate With the Insurance Company

Once we identify who is liable for your injuries, we can enter into negotiations with their insurance company. Unfortunately, most insurance adjusters will offer a small settlement that doesn’t meet your needs. We’ll use our experienced negotiation tactics to get you the money you deserve.

Take Your Case to Court

If the insurance company refuses to pay you what you are owed, we can file a lawsuit on your behalf. In your personal injury lawsuit, we’ll present all the evidence to support your claim and to get you the compensation you deserve.

Why Partner with Walter R. Krousel Jr. & Associates, APLC for Your Rideshare Accident Claim?

Partnering with our law firm means getting a dedicated team of legal professionals who are committed to your cause. We offer in-depth legal advice, robust representation, and a compassionate understanding of your situation. If you’ve suffered in a rideshare accident, let our experienced team guide you toward a resolution that acknowledges the full extent of your suffering and losses.

If you’re ready to take the next step and discuss your rideshare accident, contact Walter R. Krousel Jr. & Associates, APLC, at (225) 263-6194. We offer a free consultation to understand your case and provide clear guidance on how to proceed. Don’t navigate this complex journey alone; allow our skilled lawyers to be your advocates in seeking the compensation and justice you deserve.