Were you injured in a collision with a rideshare vehicle? These transportation services are a very popular and often convenient way to get around, but accidents involving rideshare drivers can be just as serious—and sometimes even more complicated—than typical car crashes.
The aftermath of a rideshare-related accident can be stressful and confusing, especially when you’re trying to figure out who’s responsible or which insurance company to contact. But you’re not alone—a Baton Rouge rideshare accident lawyer can fight for your rights.
At Cueria Law Firm, we have over 100 years of combined experience. Since 1993, we have recovered millions in compensation for people in situations just like yours. Let us represent you as your Baton Rouge car accident lawyer and pursue the compensation you deserve.
How Rideshare Services Operate in Louisiana
Both Uber and Lyft drivers in Louisiana operate as independent contractors rather than employees. This classification impacts liability and insurance coverage.
Under Louisiana state laws, rideshare companies are required to have certain insurance policies in place to cover any accidents that take place during various stages based on the driver’s engagement on the app.
Rideshare periods are typically broken into three distinct phases:
- App on but no ride has been accepted: The driver is logged into the rideshare app but he or she has not yet accepted a ride request.
- Ride accepted and en route to pick up the passenger: The driver has accepted a ride, and they are on the way to pick up the passenger.
- Passenger in vehicle: The passenger is in the vehicle, and the ride is in progress.
The applicable insurance coverage will depend on which of these three phases the driver was in at the time of the crash. Louisiana law outlines the exact insurance requirements for transportation network companies (TNCs) and their drivers.
All in all, insurance-related matters pertaining to rideshare accident cases can be very confusing, especially if you’re not familiar with the law. However, the good news is that a Baton Rouge personal injury lawyer can handle negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf.
Insurance Coverage Requirements for Rideshare Accidents
Louisiana law mandates different levels of insurance coverage based on the driver’s status. When the app is turned off, the driver’s personal auto insurance is the only policy at play. Furthermore, let’s say the app is on, but the driver has not accepted any rides yet.
In that case, TNCs must provide liability coverage in the following amounts at a minimum:
- $50,000 for bodily injury or death per person
- $100,000 per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
When a ride has been accepted or is in progress, the TNC must provide at least $1,000,000 in liability coverage. This includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and contingent comprehensive and collision coverage.
These thresholds are much higher than the minimum requirements for private passenger vehicles in Louisiana:
- $15,000 per person
- $30,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 for property damage
Determining Liability in a Rideshare Crash
Establishing liability in a rideshare accident can be complicated due to the number of parties involved. Thankfully, when you contact rideshare accident lawyers in Baton Rouge, your attorneys can handle this side of the legal process on your behalf.
Liability may rest with any of the following people or parties:
- The rideshare driver
- Another motorist on the road at the time
- The rideshare company in limited circumstances
- A third-party entity, such as a vehicle manufacturer or government agency
Louisiana follows a comparative fault system. This means that fault can be divided among multiple parties. For instance, let’s say a rideshare driver is found to be 70% at fault for the crash while another motorist is deemed 30% responsible for the collision.
In response to these calculations, damages will be apportioned accordingly. Since rideshare drivers are often classified as independent contractors, rideshare companies may deny liability for a driver’s negligence, given the fact that the driver is not technically an employee.
However, the existence of commercial insurance coverage provides some level of protection for injured parties even when the company itself is not directly liable.
What Damages Are Available in a Rideshare Accident Case?
Those who are injured in a rideshare-related car crash may be eligible for various types of compensation, though it all depends on the severity of their injuries and the losses they endured.
Here are examples of the damages you might be able to recover in your case:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
Louisiana does not cap damages in standard motor vehicle accident claims, including those involving rideshare vehicles.
However, punitive damages are usually not an option unless the at-fault driver was intoxicated at the time of the crash.
Contact Our Rideshare Accident Law Firm in Baton Rouge
If you or someone you care about was injured in a rideshare-related incident, you’re likely dealing with more than just physical pain. It’s not uncommon to also face a lot of confusion, stress, and uncertainty about what comes next.
As overwhelmed as you may feel, you’re not alone in this. With Baton Rouge rideshare accident lawyers from Cueria Law Firm by your side, you don’t have to go through this situation all by yourself. Instead, let us advocate for you and fight for a favorable outcome in your case.
When you call our rideshare accident attorneys in Baton Rouge, you can expect us to fully understand how complicated cases like yours can be, especially when multiple parties are involved.
You can count on us to help you fight for the compensation you deserve.