Shreveport
Uber Accident Lawyer

Rideshare services like Uber have become a popular and convenient way to get around Shreveport. With just a few taps on your smartphone, you can have a ride at your doorstep in minutes. But what happens when that ride ends in an accident? What do you do when you’re injured in a crash caused by an Uber driver’s negligence?

The unfortunate reality is that Uber accidents are on the rise in Shreveport and throughout Louisiana. And when these accidents happen, the legal situation can be confusing. That’s where having an experienced Shreveport Uber accident lawyer can make all the difference.

At the Law Office of Heather C. Ford, we know how to cut through the red tape, deal with the insurance companies, and fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an Uber accident in Shreveport, don’t try to handle the legal system alone. Contact the Law Office of Heather C. Ford today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

The Rise of Rideshare Accidents in Shreveport

In recent years, Uber and other rideshare services have become increasingly popular in Shreveport and throughout Louisiana. With the tap of a smartphone app, users can quickly and conveniently request a ride to their destination. However, this convenience comes with a potential cost: the risk of being involved in an accident.

Uber accidents can happen for many of the same reasons as any other car accident, such as:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding or reckless driving
• Fatigued driving
• Impaired driving
• Failure to obey traffic laws

However, there are also some unique factors that can contribute to Uber accidents, such as:

• Pressure to complete rides quickly and maximize earnings
• Unfamiliarity with local roads and traffic patterns
• Distractions from the Uber app and GPS navigation
• Inadequate vehicle maintenance
• Insufficient driver screening and training

When an accident happens involving an Uber vehicle, the legal situation can be complex. Multiple parties may be involved, including the Uber driver, the Uber company, other drivers, and the rideshare passengers. Determining liability and accessing insurance coverage can be challenging.

That’s where having a knowledgeable Shreveport Uber accident lawyer can make all the difference. At the Law Office of Heather C. Ford, we understand the nuances of rideshare accident claims and know how to navigate the legal system to get our clients the compensation they deserve.

Determining Liability in an Uber Accident

One of the most complex aspects of an Uber accident claim is determining who is liable for the damages.

Depending on the circumstances, liable parties may include:

• The Uber Driver: If the driver’s negligence caused the accident, they may be held personally liable. However, many drivers have insufficient personal auto insurance to fully cover serious injuries.
• Uber: The rideshare company may be held liable if they were negligent in their hiring, training, or supervision of the driver. Uber may also be liable if the accident occurred while the driver was actively transporting a passenger or en route to pick up a passenger.
• Other Drivers: If another driver’s negligence contributed to the accident, they may share liability.
• Vehicle or Parts Manufacturers: If a defect in the Uber vehicle or one of its components caused the accident, the manufacturer may be held strictly liable.

Proving liability often requires in-depth investigation and strong evidence. Our Shreveport Uber accident attorneys work tirelessly to gather and preserve evidence such as:

• Police reports and accident scene evidence
• Witness statements
• Video footage from dashcams or surveillance cameras
• Electronic data from the Uber app and the vehicle’s onboard computer
• Expert analysis from accident reconstructionists

We know how to build strong cases that demonstrate the full extent of the defendants’ liability.

Uber’s Insurance Coverage for Accidents

Another complicating factor in Uber accident claims is the issue of insurance coverage. Uber provides liability insurance for its drivers, but the coverage varies depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident:

• Off the App: If the driver was not logged into the Uber app, their personal auto insurance applies.
• Logged In and Waiting for a Ride Request: Uber provides limited liability coverage if the driver’s personal insurance doesn’t apply.
• En Route to Pick Up a Passenger or During a Trip: Uber provides $1 million in third-party liability coverage.

However, accessing this coverage can be challenging. Insurers may attempt to deny claims or shift blame to reduce their payout. Our attorneys know how to deal with insurance companies and fight for the full compensation our clients are owed.

Damages Available in a Shreveport Uber Accident Claim

If you were injured in an accident involving an Uber vehicle, either as a passenger, driver, or pedestrian, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses, including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Disability or disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life

If a loved one was killed in an Uber accident, you may also be able to recover wrongful death damages, such as:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of the deceased’s income and benefits
• Loss of the deceased’s love, affection, and companionship
• Mental anguish

The specific damages available in your case will depend on the unique facts and circumstances involved. Our Shreveport Uber accident lawyers will thoroughly assess your losses and fight for the maximum compensation possible.

What to Do After an Uber Accident in Shreveport

If you’re involved in an accident while riding in an Uber, or if you’re hit by an Uber driver, the steps you take in the aftermath can significantly impact your health and your legal claim. Here’s what to do:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Your health should be your top priority. Get checked out by a doctor, even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
2. Call the Police: Reporting the accident to law enforcement is crucial. The responding officers will create an accident report that can be valuable evidence in your claim.
3. Gather Information: If you’re able, collect information at the scene, such as the names and contact information of all drivers involved, the Uber driver’s name and Uber ID number, and the names and contact info of any witnesses.
4. Document the Scene: Use your smartphone to take photos of the accident scene, damage to the vehicles, and any visible injuries.
5. Report the Accident to Uber: Notify Uber of the accident through the app or through their safety hotline.
6. Contact a Shreveport Uber Accident Lawyer: Before you give any statements to insurance companies, speak with an experienced attorney who can protect your rights and advise you on the next steps.

Remember, the insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize their payout. You need a strong legal advocate in your corner fighting for your interests.

Get Help from an Experienced Shreveport Uber Accident Attorney

If you’ve been in a Uber accident in Shreveport, don’t try to navigate the complex legal system alone. Contact the Law Office of Heather C. Ford today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Our Shreveport Uber accident lawyers will listen to you, answer your questions, and advise you on your legal options. If we take your case, we’ll start building your claim right away, gathering evidence and fighting for the full and fair compensation you deserve.

With our contingency fee arrangement, you don’t have to worry about upfront costs. We only get paid if we recover money for you. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by reaching out.

Don’t let an Uber accident upend your life. Call the Law Office of Heather C. Ford today and let us fight for you.