Rideshare apps have changed how people get around Louisiana. Services like Uber and Lyft are rideshare services regulated as Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) in Louisiana. These companies connect drivers with passengers who need a ride, but the drivers use their personal vehicles, which are not owned by the rideshare company. These drivers are not employees of Uber or Lyft—they are independent contractors using their own cars.
Because of this setup, rideshare accidents are legally more complicated than normal car crashes. Rideshare vehicles are involved in unique legal and insurance situations compared to traditional taxis. Uber and Lyft carry their own insurance at the time of the crash.
With the millions of Uber and Lyft drivers on the road, rideshare accidents are becoming more common. Recent reports show an increase in traffic fatalities and injuries involving rideshare vehicles, highlighting the risks associated with these services. If you are injured while riding or struck by a rideshare vehicle, it is important to speak with a lawyer who understands how these cases work.
The attorneys at Cueria Law | New Orleans Injury Attorneys have handled Uber and Lyft accident claims and recovered tens of millions for injured clients. Call (504) 525-5211 for a free consultation.
What is a Rideshare Accident?
A rideshare accident happens when an Uber driver or Lyft driver is involved in a crash while using the rideshare app, meaning the accident involves a rideshare vehicle and a driver involved in providing rideshare services. This may include:
- A passenger injured inside an Uber or Lyft
- An accident involving a rideshare vehicle
- A collision involving a rideshare driver on the way to pick up a passenger
The timing of when the accident occurred can impact your legal rights and insurance coverage.
The specific stage of the rideshare trip and the status of the driver involved can affect insurance coverage and liability.
These crashes often involve multiple insurance companies and special legal rules, which makes having the right lawyer critical.
What to Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident?
The moments after a rideshare crash can be confusing. Taking the right steps can protect both your health and your legal claim. The timing of when the accident occurred is important for insurance coverage and legal rights, as it can affect deadlines for filing claims and determining liability.
- Get medical help
- Call 911 and seek medical attention, even if you feel okay. Some injuries–especially head and internal injuries–are not immediately obvious.
- Report the accident to police
- Louisiana law requires police reports when damages exceed $500. A police report provides key evidence about what happened and who was at fault.
- Report the crash to Uber or Lyft
- Use the app or company website to notify the rideshare company.
- Exchange information and take photos
- Get the names, contact information, and insurance details of all drivers. Photograph the vehicles, the scene, and any visible injuries.
- Gather witness information
- Independent witnesses can provide valuable statements. Look for nearby businesses with security cameras that may have recorded the crash.
- Keep your medical records
- Save all medical bills, records, and treatment notes. Follow your doctor’s recommendations–this helps document your damages.
Following these steps will help support any personal injury claims you may file and strengthen your ability to seek compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and other losses.
Why Rideshare Insurance Is Complicated
Rideshare drivers use their own vehicles, which means different insurance policies may apply depending on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. The driver’s insurance, including their personal auto policy, may be involved depending on the situation.
If the driver is not using the app or is off-duty, only the driver’s personal insurance or personal auto policy applies. When the driver is logged into the app but not yet matched with a passenger, limited coverage may be available. Once a ride is accepted or a passenger is in the vehicle, Uber and Lyft provide additional coverage—Uber’s insurance policy, for example, offers extra protection when the driver is actively engaged in a ride.
Ube and Lyft insurance generally works like this:
Driver not using the app
Only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies.
Driver logged in and waiting for a ride
Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage:
- $50,000 per person
- $100,000 per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
Driver picking up or transporting a passenger
Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage, plus insured and underinsured motorist protection (with some limits under Louisiana law).
Because of these changing coverage levels, determining which insurance policy applies is one of the most important parts of your case.
Proving Who Was at Fault
To recover compensation after a rideshare accident, your attorney must determine how the accident was caused and identify the at fault driver or liable party. Important evidence ideas:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Traffic or security camera footage
- Vehicle damage and accident reconstruction
- Medical records
- Evidence of distracted driving, such as phone records or app usage
Video footage is especially valuable, but it can be erased quickly which is why it is important to involve a lawyer right away.
Establishing who the responsible party is—whether it is the rideshare vehicle’s driver, another motorist, or a third party—is crucial for a successful claim.
Rideshare Accident Investigation
A successful rideshare accident claim in New Orleans begins with a thorough and strategic investigation. When you’re involved in a rideshare accident—whether as a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian—proving liability and securing fair compensation requires more than just filing a report. An experienced Orleans rideshare accident lawyer will take immediate action to collect and preserve crucial evidence, such as accident reports, medical records, and witness statements. This comprehensive approach is essential in many rideshare accident cases, where multiple parties and insurance policies may be involved.
One of the first steps your legal team will take is to analyze the rideshare company’s policies and procedures, as well as the driver’s personal auto insurance and any other relevant insurance coverage. In accidents involving Uber or Lyft, the driver’s status at the time of the crash—whether they were waiting for a ride request, en route to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting someone—can determine which insurance policy applies. If the driver was logged into the app, the rideshare company’s liability insurance may provide coverage. If not, the driver’s personal insurance could be the primary source of compensation. Navigating these multiple insurance policies is complex, but a skilled rideshare accident attorney will identify every available avenue to pursue maximum compensation for accident victims.
Beyond establishing liability, your accident lawyer will work diligently to document the full extent of your damages. This includes gathering proof of medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and any other losses resulting from the accident. Detailed documentation strengthens your personal injury claim and provides leverage when negotiating with insurance companies. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your rideshare accident lawyer is prepared to take your case to court to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Time is of the essence after a rideshare crash. The sooner you contact a rideshare accident lawyer, the better your chances of preserving evidence and building a strong case. At Cueria Law | New Orleans Injury Attorneys, our legal team offers a free consultation to discuss your situation and outline your options. Don’t let the complexity of insurance policies or the tactics of insurance companies stand in the way of your recovery. Let our experienced accident attorneys handle the legal process while you focus on healing.
Why You Should Not Talk to Insurance Companies Alone
Uber, Lyft, and their insurance carriers work hard to minimize what they pay. When multiple insurance companies are involved, they often shift blame to avoid responsibility.
If you speak with insurers before talking to a lawyer, you may accidentally harm your claim.
At Cueria Law | New Orleans Injury Attorneys, we handle all communications with the insurance companies so you can focus on healing.
Time Limits for Filing a Rideshare Claim in Louisiana
Louisiana law gives you only one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Missing this deadline means losing your right to compensation.
Do not wait.
Speak With a New Orleans Rideshare Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, a personal injury attorney, Uber accident lawyer, or Lyft accident lawyer can help you pursue financial compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
The attorneys at Cueria Law | New Orleans Injury Attorneys know how to fight rideshare insurance companies and win. Our firm has extensive experience handling Uber accident cases, and it is important to consult a specialized Uber accident lawyer or Lyft accident lawyer to ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.
Call (504) 525-5211 today for a free consultation
