Were You Injured In A Rideshare Accident?
A recent Pew Research Center survey revealed 36% of U.S. adults say they have used a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft — up from just 15% of Americans who said they used these services just five years ago.
A study by the University of Chicago Booth School of Business reported there are over 2.5 million rideshare drivers in the U.S., often working for both rideshare platforms at once. This allows the drivers to maximize their time on the road, toggling between the apps and picking up passengers on whichever platform is busiest.
The problem with this activity is that it is the definition of distracted driving, which leads to thousands of crashes, injuries, and fatalities on our roadways. Not surprisingly, the study also points to rideshare companies being behind an increase in U.S. traffic collision deaths, accounting for a 3% increase in traffic fatalities over the past decade.
If you or someone you love has been injured or lost their life in a rideshare accident in Louisiana, our Baton Rouge attorneys want to help you pursue the proper party, or combination of parties, who is liable for your damages.
At the Russell Law Firm, LLC, we want to help as many people as possible. That is why we offer free, no-obligation consultations to all our prospective clients. You do not have to face your recovery or the insurance company alone. Contact us today to put our winning team in your corner.
What are the Most Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Baton Rouge, Louisiana?
Rideshare drivers engage in multiple negligent behaviors while picking up and transporting passengers to their destinations.
Rideshare drivers spend a considerable amount of time accepting rider requests and enlarging maps on their phones, which takes both their eyes off the road, and their hands off the wheel of the vehicle. Some even chat with passengers by receiving and sending messages about their pick-up locations while driving, which can take their eyes off the road for an average of five seconds per message.
According to the University of Chicago study, drivers spend up to 60% of their time behind the wheel looking for the passengers they are scheduled to pick up, which means they are spending more time scanning the pick-up areas for people than they are focusing on the traffic in front of them.
Once passengers are inside the vehicle, the drivers are often further distracted by conversations, music, and other chaotic behavior going on behind them.
For these reasons and more, accidents occurring at drop-off and pickup points are common, and are causing serious injuries and fatalities in Louisiana and throughout the rest of the country.
Who is Liable for My Injuries and Damages After a Rideshare Accident in Louisiana?
Rideshare accidents can be complex, as the liable party depends on whether the driver is employed by one of the rideshare companies at the time of the collision.
If the rideshare driver’s negligence resulted in a crash, but he or she is not in “driver” mode, which means they were not logged into the app, and physically working for the company at the time of the crash, their personal car insurance coverage can be pursued for the injured party’s damages.
In Louisiana, all motorists, including rideshare drivers, are required to carry a minimum amount of vehicle insurance coverage that includes:
- Liability Per Person Injured: $15,000
- Total Injury Liability Per Accident: $30,000
- Liability for Property Damage: $25,000
When drivers are logged into the app but have yet to accept a rider, rideshare provides limited liability coverage that includes:
- Liability Per Person Injured: $50,000
- Total Injury Liability Per Accident: $100,000
- Liability for Property Damage: $50,000
When a Rideshare driver has accepted a passenger, even if that passenger has not been picked up yet, the driver is officially working under the company’s insurance umbrella policy, which includes up to $1 million in coverage.
At the Russell Law Firm, LLC, our experienced rideshare accident attorneys in Baton Rouge will investigate each detail of your rideshare accident and injuries to ensure we are pursuing the maximum financial recovery for your complete damages.
That may include compensation for your:
- Complete Past Medical Expenses
- Future Rehabilitation and Therapy Costs
- Past Lost Wages
- Diminished Earning Capacity
- Emotional and Psychological Trauma
- Pain and Suffering
- Physical Disfigurement
- Loss of Quality of Life
- Property Damage
- Eligible Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Our lead rideshare attorney and law firm founder, Danny Russell, has experienced the complete disregard the insurance companies have for injury victims and their well-being firsthand, and understands that these corporate giants consistently place profits ahead of doing what is right.
Our East Baton Rouge Parish rideshare attorneys are here to change that. Contact us today to learn more about your legal rights and options to pursue the liable party for your complete injuries today.
The Russell Law Firm, LLC is in Your Corner, and We Fight to Win
If you have been injured in an accident or lost a loved one to negligence anywhere in Louisiana, contact our dedicated Baton Rouge rideshare attorneys today at (225) 307-0088 or online to get the legal support you need to produce real results for your unique case.
Our skilled Louisiana rideshare lawyers and support staff are here to help you get your life back, and we will not stop fighting for your right to recover the maximum amount for your unique case until we produce the results you deserve. Call us now to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions for Rideshare Accident in Baton Rouge
If you were a passenger in a rideshare accident in Baton Rouge, you may have legal options to seek compensation for your injuries and damages. In Louisiana, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are required to carry liability insurance coverage that may provide compensation for passengers injured in accidents caused by their drivers.
Rideshare accidents differ from typical car accidents due to the involvement of rideshare companies and their unique insurance policies. Rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors, and when they are providing services for a rideshare company, they are covered by the company’s insurance policy. This coverage generally applies when the driver is logged into the app, on the way to pick up a passenger, or transporting a passenger.
There isn’t a way to say that rideshare services are the cause of the increase in accidents. According to The University of Chicago car accidents have increased since the services launched. These companies do need to keep a lot of cars on the road and it could be a reason for the increase of accidents.
Rideshare drivers in Baton Rouge, like in other areas, are required to carry personal auto insurance. The company they work for does also have additional insurance coverage.
If you are involved in an accident with a rideshare driver, you generally have the right to gather witness statements from anyone who witnessed the accident, including the rideshare driver’s passengers. Witness statements can be valuable evidence to support your claim or case. It is advisable to collect the contact information of any witnesses at the scene of the accident, including rideshare passengers, and later reach out to them to obtain their statements or have your attorney handle this process.
Whether or not you should refrain from using a rideshare app after an accident until your case is settled is a personal decision. It may depend on various factors such as your comfort level, any physical or emotional injuries you sustained, and your ongoing legal proceedings. It is best to contact a lawyer before you use the app again after an accident.
After being in an accident you should gather evidence at the scene of the accident, seek medical attention for your injuries, notify the rideshare company and the police of the accident, and consult with Russell Law Firm, LLC LLC to see what legal options you have.
Rideshare vehicles are generally subject to the same maintenance regulations as other vehicles on the road. Rideshare companies typically have certain requirements and standards that rideshare drivers must meet regarding the condition and maintenance of their vehicles. These requirements may include regular inspections, proper maintenance, and adherence to safety standards.
Yes, it is advisable to file a police report for a rideshare accident in Baton Rouge, just as you would for any other car accident. A police report provides an official record of the accident, documents important details, and can be useful when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action.
Having an attorney can help you have a more successful case. With their legal expertise they know the laws of Louisiana, they understand the statute of limitations, how to properly file a claim, and how to handle your insurance company. This help is invaluable. Your rideshare accident lawyer will also handle the investigation and represent you in court if needed.