Suing Uber or Lyft is not as straightforward as victims would like, and our attorneys can make the process easier by quickly confirming liability and pursuing a claim after a rideshare accident in New Orleans.
Uber and Lyft bear liability for accidents when the app is on, the driver is en route to pick up a passenger, or the driver is currently completing a ride. To file a successful claim, you must preserve evidence, know how much your case is worth, and bring a timely claim, as you may only have 2 years to sue for rideshare accident injuries in New Orleans.
Call our New Orleans car accident lawyers at (504) 688-7760 to get a free and confidential case review from the Schoenfeld Law Firm.
When Can You Sue Uber or Lyft for Injury in New Orleans?
Uber and Lyft do their best to shield themselves from liability by only covering certain types of accidents in New Orleans, and we can see whether or not your case and recovery might be affected.
Driver Negligence
Negligence matters in all Louisiana car accidents, and is what determines whether or not you can seek damages from Uber or Lyft. We can review police reports, witness statements, and photographic evidence from the crash to determine whether the driver of the rideshare car caused the accident or whether another driver on the road was negligent and forced the rideshare driver to react.
Active App or Ride
Lyft and Uber are only liable for accidents when the rideshare app is on. If the app is off, the driver’s car insurance policy applies, not Uber or Lyft’s insurance. You can only seek compensation from a rideshare company if you were injured as a passenger, a pedestrian, or a driver while the negligent driver was en route to pick up a passenger, in the process of completing a ride, or the app was on with the driver able to accept a ride.
Company Negligence
You can also sue for injuries if the company itself was negligent, not just the driver. Failing to conduct proper background checks, hiring a “ghost driver” under a false identity, and continuing to employ a driver with a history of car accidents can make rideshare companies liable for accidents.
How Do You Successfully Sue Uber or Lyft for Injury in New Orleans?
Make your compensation claim a success by preserving evidence, knowing your losses to date, and prioritizing your recovery so you don’t miss the statute of limitations.
Preserve Evidence
Plaintiffs in Uber and Lyft accident lawsuits require evidence, including medical records, eyewitness and expert testimony, photos, vehicle black box data, rideshare app data, security footage, and more. Give us any evidence you collected at the scene, like photos. We can locate more evidence as we investigate your case, such as video footage and witness statements.
Know How Much Your Case is Worth
Plaintiffs who sue for Uber and Lyft accidents face the risk of accepting a settlement that’s far too low and not even close to the $1 million in liability coverage rideshare companies carry for accidents involving active riders.
Don’t Delay Your Case
The statute of limitations for Uber, Lyft, and other car accidents in New Orleans is 2 years. Reporting the accident to law enforcement and the rideshare company as soon as possible is important to get the ball rolling on your compensation claim, and we can help you promptly document the crash and your injuries.
FAQs About Suing for Uber and Lyft Accidents in New Orleans?
How Many Years Do You Have to Sue for an Uber or Lyft Accident?
In all likelihood, you will have 2 years from the day you are injured due to negligence to file a compensation claim in Louisiana. There are several exceptions to this rule, but they don’t often apply to auto accident cases, unless the driver lives elsewhere and leaves the state.
What Damages Can You Get if You Sue for an Uber or Lyft Accident?
You can get compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering after an Uber or Lyft accident. Insurance can provide up to $1 million for accidents when a driver is en route to get a passenger or is completing an active ride.
What Evidence Do You Need for an Uber or Lyft Accident Lawsuit?
Our New Orleans Uber and Lyft accident lawyers may use the following as evidence in your rideshare accident lawsuit:
- App screenshots
- Eyewitness statements
- Accident photos
- Video footage
- Medical records
- Expert statements
Some rideshare drivers keep dashboard cameras or other recording devices in their vehicles for safety, and we may also obtain and use that footage through the lawsuit.
What if You Can’t Sue Uber or Lyft for an Accident in New Orleans?
Uber and Lyft are not liable for accidents when the app is off. Rather than pursuing compensation from the rideshare company, you would do so from the individual driver’s insurance, and our lawyers can also help you navigate this recovery process.
What Makes Suing for an Uber or Lyft Accident Worth It?
Suing for a rideshare accident is worth it if your medical bills are growing exponentially, you can’t return to work indefinitely because of your injuries, and your quality of life has gone down since the collision.
Why Do You Need a Lawyer for an Uber or Lyft Accident Lawsuit?
You need an experienced lawyer to know how much your Uber or Lyft accident claim is worth, get evidence that’s strong enough to prove your case, and be able to focus on your physical health and recovery while we prepare a case on your behalf.
Let Us Help You Sue After a Lyft or Uber Accident in New Orleans
Get help with your case from our New Orleans personal injury lawyers by calling the Schoenfeld Law Firm at (504) 688-7760.
