Louisiana Uber Accident Lawyers

In 2009, Uber (then called UberCab) burst on the scene in California as a modern, more convenient alternative to calling or hailing a taxi. Since then, it’s spread to cities, states, and countries around the world, and it’s spearheaded an entire ridesharing industry.

Since being introduced, ridesharing services have made 11 billion trips in the U.S., and between 2017 and 2018, Uber alone made 4 billion trips in the United States. Uber and other rideshare services have allowed millions of people to travel and commute quicker than ever before, but of course, they have their downsides as well.

Does Uber Contribute to an Increase in Car Accident Injuries?

One of those is a possible increase in crashes. Research has shown that since 2011, rideshare services account for a 3% increase in car wreck fatalities. This statistic has been disputed by Uber, and the cause isn’t completely clear—but it could be caused by some of the following factors:

• The sheer number of Uber drivers and rides—3.5 million drivers in 2022—means that some accidents are going to happen due to simple statistics.
• Many Uber drivers also drive for Lyft or work other jobs, meaning they can be prone to driver fatigue. Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving.
• Uber and other ridesharing apps increase the risk for distracted driving, since drivers rely on the app for directions, time-tracking, and picking up fares.
• Just like everyone else on the road, Uber drivers can be negligent and cause an accident. Negligent driving includes behaviors like aggressive driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, failing to respond to road conditions, and bad vehicle maintenance.

Types of Uber Accident Coverage

Uber’s policies detail two separate circumstances for coverage while logged in to the Uber app, depending on whether the driver has a passenger or not. The main difference between these two are the amounts covered by Uber.

• Accidents While Logged in and Driving a Fare or After Accepting a Ride Request. After accepting a ride request, or with a passenger in your vehicle on an Uber ride, drivers are insured up to $1 million in liability against a third party, as well as collision and comprehensive damage. This coverage is in addition to the driver’s personal insurance.
• Accidents While Logged in but Waiting for a Ride. If the driver hasn’t received a ride request yet, they’re still insured for liability. The insurance amounts are
  • at least $50,000 in injury liability per person
  • $100,000 in total liability per crash
  • $25,000 in property damage liability per crash

Accidents While Logged out of the App

Uber drivers are only covered by Uber’s insurance (detailed above) while logged in to the app or actively transporting passengers. Drivers involved in an accident on their own time must seek coverage for damage or liability through their own auto insurance policy.

This means that, if you’re in an injury with an Uber driver while they’re offline, your personal injury case will just be a traditional car wreck injury case.

What Should I Do After an Uber Accident?

If you’re the driver or passenger of an Uber during an accident, Uber’s help has a page detailing what you should do . However, regardless of whether you’re in the Uber or in the other vehicle during an Uber crash, the first few steps are basically the same:

1. Call 911. Make sure that everyone in your vehicle is checked for injuries by a first responder, and give a statement to the law enforcement officer on the scene. Their official report will serve as crucial evidence in your car wreck injury claim.
2. Report the accident to Uber so that they can cooperate with law enforcement and your lawyer on your case. If you’re in the Uber, you can find the support you need by going to the Help section of the Uber app.
3. Call an experienced rideshare accident lawyer for a free consultation as soon as possible. Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys provide free consultations for Uber accidents, and we’ll start on your case right away.

Requirements for Becoming an Uber Driver

To keep drivers, passengers, and everyone else as safe as possible on the road, Uber has the following requirements for their rideshare vehicle drivers:

• Must be 21 years of age or older
  • Drivers under 23 must have 3 years of driving experience
• Must have a valid U.S. driver’s license
• Must have a four-door vehicle

Other than these requirements, Uber doesn’t require any additional insurance coverage or training for their drivers before picking up passengers. In addition, Uber employs drivers as independent contractors, both to avoid paying drivers’ health insurance and other benefits, but also to minimize their liability in case of an accident.

Uber Crash Compensation You May be Entitled To

Uber accident cases can be quite complex: not only can the rideshare driver be held liable, but the rideshare company as well, and both party’s insurances will be in play.  This complexity is why it’s recommended to hire a personal injury attorney specializing in rideshare accidents.  An experienced Uber accident lawyer will be able to help you figure out the compensation you’re owed, based on the details of your case.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an Uber accident, you could be entitled to one or more of the following damages:

• Pain and suffering from your injuries and trauma
• Loss of consortium with a deceased loved one or family member
• Reduced quality of life due to the ongoing effects of your injuries
• Medical treatment and other expenses
• Loss profits or lost income due to the inability to work
• Property damages and other damages

Learn more about the compensation you could be entitled to by calling the experienced uber wreck lawyers at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys. We’re here to help!

Statute of Limitations For Personal Injury Claims in Louisiana

In 2024, Louisiana law extended the statute of limitations for personal injury claims occurring on or after July 1, 2024, from one year to two years. Any injuries that occurred before July 1, 2024, will still have a 1-year statute of limitation. Learn more about Louisiana’s New Statute of Limitations here.

• 1 year for injuries sustained before July 1, 2024.
• 2 years for injuries suffered after July 1, 2024.

The statute of limitations is a legal deadline that sets a time frame for filing a lawsuit. In Louisiana, this is known as the “prescriptive period,” which determines how long you have to take legal action against the responsible party after an injury occurs.

Why You Need an Experienced Uber Accident Lawyer

After you’re involved in a ridesharing accident, you’ll probably receive calls from the other driver’s personal insurance company, and possibly Uber’s insurance, offering you an amount to settle your case. However, these insurance companies are not acting in your best interest, and in fact are probably offering you close to the minimum to comply with the law.

An experienced rideshare accident lawyer will know that you usually need much more than the minimum to recover from your injuries. After a car accident, you might be in pain, dealing with the financial strain of medical bills and missed work, and possibly mourning your future or a loved one. Getting in touch with a good Louisiana Uber accident lawyer will help maximize your claim, enabling you to heal from your injuries and move on with your life.

The passionate personal injury lawyers at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys are well-experienced in negotiating with insurance companies, filing legal paperwork for your claim, and even taking your case to court if need be. We’ve been able to help our fellow Louisianians to the tune of $3 Billion in recovered funds over the years, and we can help you too.

If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, you deserve more than the minimum. Call Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys at 888.501.7888 for a free consultation as to your legal options. We’re so confident we can help you, we offer the G Guarantee: you won’t owe us a dime until we win you the compensation you deserve.