Uber and Lyft Accidents in New Orleans

• Rideshare accidents present unique challenges when it comes to liability. Unlike traditional accidents, these cases can involve multiple insurance policies and legal questions:

  • Was the Uber or Lyft driver logged into the app at the time of the accident?
  • Was the driver on their way to pick up a passenger, or were they transporting someone at the time?
  • Is the driver’s personal auto insurance responsible, or does Uber or Lyft’s $1 million liability policy apply?

  
  Because of these complexities, it’s critical to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who understands the unique legal landscape surrounding rideshare claims.

In the moments following a crash involving an Uber or Lyft, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. The rush of adrenaline and confusion can make it difficult to think clearly. Still, your actions at the scene can have a major impact on your case later. Whether you're a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver, here are some key steps to follow:

• Check yourself and your passengers for injuries
• Make sure you're out of harm’s way and away from traffic
• If your vehicle is driveable, move it to a safe location
• Call the police and request an accident report
• Remain calm and avoid escalating emotions
• Exchange contact and insurance information with the other party
• Take photos of the vehicles, roadway, and any injuries
• Avoid discussing who was at fault with others at the scene

Taking these steps can help protect your rights and provide essential documentation for your claim.

Whether or not you were at fault, an experienced auto accident attorney can protect your interests and help you navigate the legal complexities that often follow a rideshare accident.

Establishing Fault

One of the first things your attorney will do is gather evidence to prove that the accident was caused by the negligence of another party. This process may include:

• Reviewing police reports
• Interviewing witnesses
• Consulting accident reconstruction experts
• Identifying liability between the rideshare driver, the company, and other involved drivers

To establish fault, your attorney will look for four key elements of negligence:

• Duty of care: The other party had a legal obligation to operate their vehicle safely
• Breach of duty: That obligation was violated through reckless or negligent behavior
• Causation: The breach of duty directly led to the accident
• Damages: You suffered physical, emotional, or financial harm as a result

Once negligence is clearly established, your chances of receiving fair compensation greatly improve.

Maximizing Compensation

Insurance companies often aim to settle for the lowest possible amount. They may even try to use your own words against you to reduce your payout. Having an attorney speak on your behalf protects you from these tactics and ensures your claim is taken seriously.

Depending on the specifics of your case, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills and ongoing treatment
• Property damage
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Physical therapy or rehabilitation

The aftermath of a rideshare accident can be financially and emotionally draining. Having a knowledgeable legal advocate on your side makes all the difference.