From LSU students and their families heading to Tiger Stadium on game days to professionals navigating Government Street during rush hour, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become integral to daily transportation in the state capital. These services offer convenience and quick transport, but also introduce unique risks and legal challenges when accidents happen.
Whether you’re a passenger, a rideshare driver, or in another vehicle, collisions involving rideshare services can be complex. If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft crash, Dudley DeBosier is here to help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Did Negligent Driving Cause Your Uber or Lyft Accident?
It’s most common that negligence is at the heart of rideshare crashes. In Baton Rouge, where a rich nightlife, traffic, and distracted drivers are common, accidents can occur in many ways.
Whether it was the rideshare driver or a driver from another vehicle who acted carelessly, any of the following behaviors could make them liable for your injuries:
- Distracted Driving: Rideshare drivers rely heavily on GPS and constantly receive app notifications, route changes, and customer messages. This can be particularly dangerous on busy corridors like Airline Highway or while navigating the complex intersections around the I-10/I-12 interchange.
- Drunk Driving: Baton Rouge has exciting nightlife. Areas like the LSU campus, Third Street, Government Street’s restaurant row, and the Downtown Development District see heavy rideshare traffic, particularly on weekends when impaired drivers pose the greatest risk.
- Speeding or Aggressive Driving: Rideshare drivers often feel pressure to complete rides quickly to increase earnings. This urgency can result in tailgating and other dangerous behaviors.
- Failure to Yield: Many rideshare crashes happen at intersections when drivers don’t yield the right of way. Baton Rouge’s busy intersections, including the Acadian Thruway and Florida Boulevard junction or the College Drive and Nicholson Drive area near LSU, are common locations for these types of accidents.
- Drowsy Driving: Long hours behind the wheel can lead to fatigue. Some Uber and Lyft drivers work late at night and drive for multiple platforms. This significantly increases their risk of falling asleep on the job.
Liability and Insurance Issues After an Uber or Lyft Accident
Determining who is financially responsible after a rideshare accident can be tricky. Louisiana follows a comparative negligence law, which means more than one party can share fault in an accident, and any compensation awarded will be reduced by the injured party’s percentage of fault.
In a rideshare crash, liability could lie with:
- The Uber or Lyft driver
- Another driver who was involved in the accident
- Both parties, depending on the circumstances
Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage for their drivers, but the amount and availability of that coverage depend on the status of the ride:
- App Off: If the driver is not logged into the app, their personal insurance policy applies.
- App On, No Passenger: A limited liability policy may apply from Uber or Lyft.
- Passenger Onboard or Ride Accepted: Uber or Lyft’s $1 million liability policy is usually in effect.
At Dudley DeBosier, our lawyers know how insurance should apply to all the abovementioned situations. We investigate every rideshare crash thoroughly by gathering the following:
- Photos of the accident scene
- Videos and dashcam footage
- Witness statements
- Police reports from the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office or Baton Rouge Police Department
- Expert opinions from accident reconstruction specialists
We also communicate with insurance companies, so you don’t have to. Our team will aggressively negotiate to secure the compensation you deserve.
Common Rideshare Accident Injuries
Like any car crash, especially one involving a distracted or speeding driver, victims of rideshare crashes can suffer serious, life-changing injuries. We’ve helped victims of Uber and Lyft accidents recover from injuries such as:
- Broken Bones and Fractures
- Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Concussions
- Internal Injuries and Organ Damage
Even what may seem like a minor injury can lead to long-term pain, disability, and financial burden. That’s why working with an experienced legal team that understands the ins and outs of cases like yours is critical.
Financial Recovery After a Rideshare Accident
If you were injured in a rideshare crash, you shouldn’t be responsible for covering the many costs associated with a car accident. You may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages, including:
- Medical Expenses: From emergency care to surgery, physical therapy, and follow-up visits
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working during recovery
- Loss of Future Earning Capacity: If you’re unable to return to your previous career or work at all
- Pain and Suffering: For the physical pain and emotional trauma caused by the accident
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle and belongings
Our team works to calculate the full scope of your injuries and the true value of your rideshare accident claim. We won’t settle for less than you deserve.
Talk to Our Baton Rouge Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers
Dudley DeBosier has extensive experience handling complex rideshare accident claims. We understand the unique challenges Uber and Lyft’s insurance policies present and will fight to hold all negligent parties accountable.
Our Baton Rouge office, conveniently located for clients throughout East Baton Rouge Parish and surrounding areas, including Ascension, Livingston, and West Baton Rouge parishes, has deep knowledge of local traffic laws and court procedures.
When you work with us, you get:
- A legal team with proven experience in rideshare crash cases
- A deep understanding of Louisiana’s personal injury and insurance laws
- Our No Fee Guarantee®, which means you won’t pay upfront costs because our fee is contingent upon the outcome of your case
Contact Dudley DeBosier Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in an Uber or Lyft crash in Baton Rouge, don’t delay getting help. Contact Dudley DeBosier today for a free consultation.
We’re here to protect your rights, guide you through the complex legal process, and fight for every bit of the compensation you deserve.