New Orleans Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer

Frequently Asked Questions

What If I was Injured as a Passenger in an Accident Involving an Uber or Lyft?

For many people, ridesharing services such as Lyft and Uber have radically changed the way they travel. These services have become popular means of transportation and employment for many people across the world. With their popularity also comes a certain amount of risk for passengers in a rideshare vehicle. Uber reported that there were 36,000 auto-related deaths in 2018 and 20,000 homicides in 2017. 

If you have been seriously injured in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your injuries. Contact our New Orleans Uber and Lyft accident attorneys at the Cueria Law Firm immediately to find out how they can assist you in getting the just compensation you deserve.

What Happens After an Uber or Lyft Accident?

The most complicated part of being involved in an Uber or Lyft accident is understanding the insurance coverage available to the drivers, passengers, and other motorists or pedestrians involved. Uber’s insurance includes a $1 million liability policy as well as uninsured/ underinsured motorist coverage. The availability of this coverage depends on the “period” in which the event took place. Uber/Lyft considers three “periods” when deciding the eligible coverage.

Period 1: The Uber or Lyft app is on, and the driver is waiting to receive a rider. During this period, the driver is covered by Uber/Lyft’s limited liability policy of $50,000 injury per person, $100,000 total, and $25,000 property damage. The driver must have their own personal insurance policy to provide their primary coverage. Drivers can utilize Uber/Lyft’s limited liability policy in the event that their personal insurance carrier does not offer coverage.

Period 2: The Uber or Lyft driver has been matched with a rider and is traveling to the pickup location. Uber and Lyft generally provide up to $1 million of total liability coverage, $1 million of UM/UIM, and full coverage of vehicle damages with a $1,000 deductible during this period. If you were involved in an accident during period two, it is recommended that you contact an attorney who is experienced in handling Lyft or Uber accident claims.

Period 3: A passenger is in the car and en route to the destination. The same coverage applies as period two. In the unfortunate event of a collision during this period, it is often easiest to prove that the driver was, in fact, driving in period three. This can be very useful to support a driver or passenger’s claim.

What If I am a Driver for Lyft or Uber and am in a wreck?

With the popularity of driving for a rideshare service like Lyft, there are many questions about automobile insurance and which party would be liable in the event of an accident. When does Lyft’s insurance cover the driver? What additional insurance should drivers carry to protect themselves in an rideshare accident while driving for Lyft?

A complete understanding of the insurance protection provided by Lyft is critical for new and experienced drivers alike. The coverage can be summarized as follows:

The driver is not in “driver mode.”

Not being is “driver mode,” means that the driver does not have the Lyft app turned on and is unable to accept any rides. In this case, Lyft does not provide any coverage. The driver is only protected by his or her automobile insurance.

The driver is in “driver mode” but has not been matched with a rider.

In “driver mode,” drivers are available to pick up passengers. Drivers who are in “driver mode” and have not yet been matched to a rider, are covered under Lyft’s contingent liability coverage if the driver’s automobile insurance will not provide coverage.

According to Lyft’s Insurance Policy, the contingent liability insurance policy has a $50,000 maximum for bodily injury per person, $100,000 maximum limit per accident and a $25,000 maximum limit for property damage with no deductible.

The driver has accepted a ride.

As soon as a driver accepts a ride, Lyft’s liability coverage begins. It provides a $1 million per accident limit. This coverage lasts from the time a driver picks up the rider until the time the driver ends the ride in the Lyft app.

What if Uber & Lyft try to Deny Liability?

Companies like Uber have tried to deny liability for drivers of their business as they claim the individuals are considered an independent contractor and they are responsible for any rideshare accidents. The company will essentially deny all responsibility if the driver is found to be negligent and the plaintiff will have to hold the driver liable for the rideshare accident.

For now, this is how rideshare accident cases in Louisiana are being handled. However, that might change in the future. Uber currently has a case pending where the classification of ridesharing services could change. Drivers would be considered employees instead of independent contractors which would change the way litigation would take place when accidents occur in the future.

What is Uninsured Motorist/Underinsured Motorist coverage?

Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverages help protect you if you are involved in a rideshare car accident with a driver who does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover the costs of any damages.

With the prevalence of uninsured drivers on the road, it is more important than ever to have UM/ UIM coverage on your insurance policy. Many states, including Louisiana, require all policies to include uninsured motorist coverage now. It is automatically added unless you opt-out in writing. 

Have you been involved in a rideshare accident with an Uber or Lyft vehicle? Was the other driver uninsured or underinsured? The New Orleans Uber and Lyft accident attorneys at Cueria Law Firm can help you determine the best course of action so you can recover any damages owed to you.