New Orleans Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Rideshare Accident Attorney in New Orleans, LA

Nothing quite beats the feeling of being picked up by your own personal chauffeur, but you may be unsure what to do if your rideshare has an accident. You might also be involved in an accident in your own vehicle with a rideshare vehicle. Hammond Law Firm, LLC, your New Orleans rideshare accident lawyers, can step in to help you sort through the legal matters and obtain for you the compensation you need to recover.

Why Rideshare Accidents Are Different?

Rideshare accidents aren’t just a problem for passengers—drivers and even other motorists on the road can find themselves caught in the chaos. Whether you are behind the wheel of your own car, riding your bike, or just trying to cross the street, sharing the road with rideshare drivers is as dangerous as sharing it with any other motorists, except dealing with the aftermath can be a nightmare.

They are not your regular fender benders (even if it is, in fact, a fender bender) because when companies like Uber and Lyft are involved, things can get complicated—fast. Determining who is at fault and who to claim compensation from can be confusing, but an experienced rideshare accident attorney knows how to resolve these issues.

Whether the driver was waiting for a ride, en route to pick you up, or actively driving you, every situation comes with different insurance policies, but the personal injury lawyers in New Orleans at Hammond Law Firm, LLC is here to help you figure it all out.

What Causes Rideshare Accidents?

Rideshare drivers have a lot on their plate—navigation, passengers, and the constant buzz of their phones—so it is no surprise that accidents happen. Some of the most common reasons include:

• Too many distractions. GPS directions, chatty passengers, and app notifications can pull a driver’s attention away from the road.
• Driver fatigue. Long hours and late shifts make for tired drivers.
• The rush to pick up and drop off as many rides as possible can lead to some risky behavior.
• Unfamiliar roads. Not all drivers know the city like the back of their hand.

Knowing what caused the accident can help us build a strong case in your favor and make sure the right person is held accountable.

What You Can Get Compensation For?

A rideshare accident can involve different types of damage depending on the unique circumstances of the accident. You could be entitled to compensation for things like:

• Medical bills—From the ER visit to ongoing treatment.
• Lost wages—If you cannot work or miss work because of your injuries.
• Pain and suffering—Because injuries aren’t just physical.
• Car repairs or replacement—If your vehicle was involved in an accident with a rideshare vehicle or the accident caused other property damage.

We can determine what damages apply to your case and fight to get you every dollar you are entitled to.

Who Qualifies as a Victim in a Rideshare Accident?

According to one study, 277 rideshare drivers were studied, and one-third of them claimed to have gotten into an accident while on the job.

If you’ve ever taken an Uber or Lyft to commute across New Orleans or explore our great city, chances are that you’re aware that rideshare accidents don’t just hurt one type of person. There are many parties who could potentially be involved, depending on how the crash occurs.

Rideshare Passenger

If you were a passenger in the rideshare at the time of the accident and suffered injuries as a result of the crash, you are not responsible for what occurred. Whether the rideshare driver or another motorist was at fault for the collision, there may be more than one way to obtain compensation, depending on what the driver was doing when the crash occurred.

Driver or Passenger in Another Car

Someone who was riding in a different vehicle at the time of the crash could also be affected by a rideshare accident. If the Lyft or Uber crashes into someone else’s vehicle, both drivers and passengers may need to sort out whether the rideshare driver, another motorist, or both were at fault for the crash. These cases can quickly become complicated due to the multiple parties that have insurance coverage.

Pedestrian or Bicycle

In New Orleans, we walk more than in some cities, and there are dedicated bike lanes all over town. When walking across the street or riding your bike, you place yourself at risk of getting hit by a negligent driver.

Unfortunately, Uber and Lyft drivers sometimes look at their navigation app too often or spend too much time looking for their passenger. In these situations, it won’t be long before a pedestrian or bicyclist gets hit while crossing an intersection or biking down the road.

Rideshare Driver

You may be the rideshare driver who another negligent driver hits. Just because another driver caused the crash doesn’t mean that you don’t still have options to pursue compensation, especially if the negligent driver was uninsured or underinsured. These cases can be very fact-specific and depend on whether or not the driver had accepted a ride through the app at the time of the accident.

Who Else Can Be Held Liable

Determining who is at fault after a crash isn’t always as simple as identifying the other driver who caused your crash. While two vehicles collide, there could be multiple reasons why the crash happened.

• Negligent motorists. Whether it’s someone driving distracted, speeding, or under the influence, you may find that the other driver shares liability for what occurred.
• Mechanic. If a mechanic didn’t properly maintain the Uber or Lyft vehicle, then the mechanic who was responsible for maintaining the vehicle could be responsible for your injuries.
• Manufacturer of auto parts. If your Uber or Lyft crashes because their brakes went out or they lost control of their steering wheel, you also have the right to make sure that part was made correctly.
• Local municipality. Whether there was inadequate road signage, a malfunctioning traffic light, or poor street lighting, your crash may have been caused by something the city is responsible for fixing.

Why You Need to Hire a Rideshare Accident Lawyer?

Rideshare companies are out to protect their profits, not you, and they have teams of lawyers working around the clock to make sure you get as little as possible. That is where a New Orleans rideshare accident attorney from Hammond Law Firm, LLC, comes in.

We can collect solid evidence, negotiate with insurance companies and adjusters, and, if necessary, take your claim to court. With our seasoned legal team in your corner, you can focus on healing while we handle all of the legal matters.

A rideshare accident can turn your world upside down, but you don’t have to face it alone. Hammond Law Firm, LLC, is here to guide you through the process, advocate for your rights, and obtain an appropriate compensation amount.

Don’t let them confuse you into giving up your right to be compensated. Hire a rideshare accident lawyer today. We understand rideshare accident laws and can help you. Our team can advocate for you.

FAQs

Can I Still File a Claim If the Rideshare Driver Wasn’t at Fault?

You can still file a claim if the rideshare driver wasn’t at fault. The rideshare company’s policy could also offer a payment, depending on the situation. In these kinds of cases, collecting evidence and identifying all potential sources of compensation is important to get full compensation. At Hammond Law Firm, LLC, we leave no stone unturned in our quest for justice.

What If I Was Injured While Waiting for My Rideshare?

If you were hit while waiting for your ride, liability really depends on the driver that was involved—the rideshare driver, or a private citizen. There are situations where the rideshare company could still play a role in covering damages, but the only way to advise you is if you have the attorneys at Hammond Law Firm, LLC review your case.

Understanding the circumstances of your injury—and the driver’s status at the time—can help determine the most favorable course of action for your claim.

Does Filing a Claim Affect My Ability to Use Rideshare Services in The Future?

No, filing a claim will not impact your ability to book future rides, as rideshare companies do not blacklist passengers who need to pursue their legal right to compensation. It’s important to stand up for yourself without worrying about losing access to the services you rely on, and the team at Hammond Law Firm, LLC, can make sure your claim is handled smoothly.

Are Rideshare Drivers Trained Differently from Regular Drivers?

No, rideshare companies do not provide special driving courses. Drivers are just everyday people with a valid license and a car that meets company standards.

Unlike taxi services, there is no formal training process, which means driver experience can differ greatly from one ride to another. If you have been in a rideshare accident in Louisiana—whether you were a passenger or the driver of another vehicle—the team at Hammond Law Firm LLC can help.

Contact Hammond Law Firm, LLC, Today

Dealing with rideshare insurance claims can be overwhelming. Understanding your rights and having the right legal help can turn a confusing process into a manageable one. At Hammond Law Firm LLC, our New Orleans car accident attorneys are here to fight for the compensation you deserve so you can focus on moving forward after a rideshare accident in New Orleans, LA.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Client Testimonials

“Exceptional service from start to finish. The attorneys were knowledgeable, responsive, and fought hard on my behalf. Their efforts led to positive outcome. Highly recommended!” – Al B.

“I would like to thank Mr. Hammond and his team. When I would have a question or a concern they would be prompt with a response. They did everything to make sure that I received the best outcome possible, and I highly recommend them.” – Denny Henderson

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Hammond Law Firm, LLC – New Orleans Office

650 Poydras St., Ste. 2617
New Orleans, LA 70130