When you are involved in an accident with a rideshare driver, or when you are a passenger in a rideshare, you likely want to know how you can cover the numerous financial losses and costs the accident has left you with. Injured individuals may want to know what the average Uber and Lyft accident settlement in Louisiana is, but this can be complicated to determine. Every claim is unique, and several things can influence the value of your settlement.
There are several factors that go into calculating fair damages and factors that affect how much of those damages you can recover in a settlement or verdict. These factors include:
Damages Sustained in an Uber or Lyft Accident
How seriously you are injured in a rideshare accident is one of the main factors that contribute toward the damages you can recover. You can recover the entirety of your compensatory damages, which includes economic and non-economic losses. More serious injuries typically translate to higher medical costs and the time you are unable to work while you heal. This makes your compensatory damages higher.
The damages you could recover in a claim include:
- Medical expenses. More serious injuries require intensive and costly medical care and may also have long-term complications.
- Lost wages. Your injuries can prevent you from working for some time and may even prevent you from completing gainful employment for the rest of your life.
- Long-term rehabilitation and care. Disabling or particularly serious injuries can require physical therapy, replacement services, at-home care, and other long-term expenses.
- Property damage. Your vehicle or other personal property may have been damaged in the accident and need to be fixed or replaced.
- Non-economic damages. These are intangible losses like physical pain, emotional trauma, and the loss of enjoyment of life.
The value of your settlement is significantly dependent on the calculation of these damages.
- Insurance Coverage Available Rideshare accidents are unique because they tend to involve rideshare company’s insurers, as well as the drivers involved. However, the level of insurance coverage will depend on the details of the accident. Rideshare insurance offers different levels of coverage depending on whether the rideshare driver is transporting a passenger or waiting to receive a ride request. If the rideshare driver was not working, their personal insurance would apply if they were liable.Each of these situations will involve different limits on coverage.
- Fault in the Accident If the rideshare driver was working, the rideshare company’s insurance will generally apply. Fault is still important to determine. If a third-party driver was at fault for the accident, rideshare passengers could recover damages from their car insurance and from the rideshare company’s insurance. Multiple parties could be partially liable, enabling individuals who are hurt to recover partial compensation from each party that was to blame.
- Legal Support Recovering full compensation is more likely to happen when you have the support of an experienced rideshare accident lawyer. An attorney has experience with the unique aspects of rideshare commercial insurance coverage and can help you, whether you are a rideshare driver, passenger, or a third party involved in the crash.A lawyer is able to accurately calculate your damages. Many people underestimate their claim’s worth and accept a lowball settlement that doesn’t cover all their losses. Your attorney can prevent this and negotiate for a fair settlement with the insurer on your behalf. They also have the resources to conduct an investigation of the accident, determine fault, and gather supportive evidence. This information can help secure a better outcome for the case.If a fair settlement can’t be secured, your lawyer can also represent you in court to potentially recover a trial verdict.
- Exemplary Damages If the case proceeds to court, this may also affect the value of your settlement. If you qualify for exemplary damages (called punitive damages in other states), you could recover damages beyond your compensatory damages if the at-fault party was reckless and under the influence.
FAQs
How Much Can You Sue Uber for an Accident?
The amount you can sue Uber for an accident will depend on your injuries, but there are several other factors that determine whether you can recover the full value of your damages. These include:
- If you are another driver who is found partially at fault
- Whether the Uber driver was working at the time of the accident or if their personal coverage applies
- If you have legal support
- The amount of evidence supporting your claim
What Is the Average Settlement for a Lyft Accident in Louisiana?
There is no average settlement for a Lyft accident in Louisiana because each accident is unique. The value of a settlement is dependent on the specific damages you suffered. The claims may be filed with different insurers, depending on the factors of the accident, which can also influence the recoverable damages. Damages may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Lost earning capacity
- Property damage
- Disability
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
How Long Does an Uber or Lyft Accident Settlement Take?
The amount of time an Uber or Lyft accident settlement takes depends on the type of case and whether you are working with skilled legal support. These companies and their insurers will often try to drag out the process to get injured individuals to agree to a lower settlement than they deserve. Other factors can influence the timeline of a settlement, including the supportive evidence in your claim and how long it takes for your injuries to heal.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an Uber or Lyft Accident?
It is incredibly beneficial to work with an attorney for an Uber or Lyft accident, and you are more likely to obtain the most financial recovery possible. These commercial insurers are even more aggressive and predatory than other types of insurance carriers and will try to undermine your claim to avoid paying you fully and fairly. When you work with an attorney, they know how to address these tactics and aggressively fight for the compensation that you deserve.
Get Help With Your Rideshare Accident Case Today
If you were involved in a rideshare accident, it is important your attorney has the necessary experience to handle your case. At Murphy Law Firm, we have worked for decades in personal injury law, and we understand complex rideshare cases. Contact our firm today and learn how we can help you protect your financial interests.
About The Author
Peyton Murphy
Peyton Murphy, is the founder of Murphy Law Firm, LLC, based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, specializing in personal injury law. Peyton obtained his law degree from the prestigious Tulane School of Law in 1991 and has been licensed to practice law in Louisiana since 1993. With over 28 years of experience, Peyton is dedicated to representing injured victims and actively contributing to his community.
Education: Obtained his law degree from Tulane School of Law in 1991.
Professional Associations: Member of the Louisiana State Bar and active in the Baton Rouge Bar Association and the Louisiana Association for Justice.
Experience: Founder of Murphy Law Firm, LLC, with extensive experience in personal injury law and licensed in multiple federal courts and the U.S. Supreme Court.
View all posts by Peyton Murphy →