What is a workers’ compensation claim?

Workers’ compensation is government-mandated injury insurance for employees, overseen by the state. It enables injured workers to recover medical care and other benefits without bringing lawsuits against their employers. Employers may pay for workers’ compensation insurance for their employees, or they may be self-insured and handle workers’ compensation claims directly.

What is a personal injury case?

Through an injury claim or civil litigation, an injured person may pursue compensation with evidence that someone or some organization has caused an accident that injured them through negligence.

What is a third-party liability claim?

A third-party liability claim against a negligent person or organization that is not an injured person’s employer is separate from a workers’ compensation claim. An injured worker may find relief after an on-the-job accident or occupational illness through both types of legal actions.

When someone commits wrongdoing or fails to take reasonable precautions to protect the well-being of others, these actions or omissions are called negligence.

A person, business or government agency that is held to be obligated or responsible for compensating someone for injuries and losses is said to be liable.

What are ‘damages’ in a personal injury or premises liability case?

The legal remedy for negligence – usually money that someone may need to pay to cover a plaintiff’s injuries or losses – is often called “damages.” In addition, punitive damages may serve as punishment for negligence.

What is premises liability?

A property owner or manager is considered responsible for the well-being of people who work in, live in or visit their buildings or land. Through a premises liability claim or lawsuit, a store owner or parking lot manager may be liable to compensate customers for on-site injuries.

What is a maritime injury?

Typically, a maritime injury in the United States is one that hurts a worker or passenger on a vessel in U.S. navigable waters. Shore-based accidents may also pertain to the maritime industry.

How are maritime injuries covered?

A maritime accident may be compensable through federal Jones Act claims and other state and federal laws governing vessels on navigable waters, such as rivers and ocean waters.

What is a soft-tissue injury?

A sprained ankle, a herniated disk and neck strains caused by torn muscles or tendons are all examples of soft-tissue injuries.

What is a catastrophic injury?

A life-altering spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury (TBI) or amputation that may require disability accommodations and personal care for the rest of the injured person’s lifetime is considered to be catastrophic.

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Steps to preserving important evidence after a rideshare accident

On Behalf of The Truitt Law Firm, LLC | Oct 12, 2020 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

What you do after an accident in a rideshare vehicle matters, particularly if you believe you have a valid reason to move forward with a personal injury claim at some point in the future. If you were in a Lyft, Uber or other type of rideshare vehicle when you were in an accident, you may not be sure what to do next. Who is to blame for what happened?

The cause of an accident is not always immediately apparent. It can be difficult to know if the actions of the rideshare driver or someone else are the reason why your accident happened. However, evidence you preserve and collect can help determine what course of action is most appropriate for you. If you have a case, evidence from the crash is important in proving the extent of damages you suffered.

What should you do?

In car accident cases, it is often one person’s word against another person’s word. Evidence and documentation is crucial to determining what happened and who is to blame. Some of the things that may be helpful to you include:

Keep your clothes from the accident, especially if torn, bloody or damaged from the crash.
Take pictures of the accident scene if you are able, and take pictures of your injuries once you are able to do so.
Take pictures of the damage to your property, and keep any damaged equipment or personal items harmed in the collision.
Keep medical records from any medical treatment you received because of your accident-related injuries.
Keep any documents that relate to your accident, including copies of your insurance claim.

Photos are particularly useful pieces of evidence after an accident in a rideshare vehicle. Anything you can take a picture of or keep that may help prove your case is important.

Working with an attorney

It is in your interests to work with an experienced legal ally after your accident. A Louisiana attorney can help you understand the specific options available, and if that includes a civil claim, he or she can explain how you can fight for the full and fair amount of compensation you deserve.

Cases involving rideshare vehicles are legally complex and confusing, but you do not have to handle the aftermath alone. After an accident, it is helpful to start with an assessment of your case immediately as prompt action is important for the preservation of evidence.