Louisiana Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers

Experienced Louisiana Rideshare Lawyers for a New Era of Transportation

Rideshare apps have transformed the way we travel short distances. The convenience of using an app to order a ride has made Uber and Lyft the technological replacement for the traditional taxi cab company. With the press of a button, drivers arrive in their personal vehicles to drive you to your destination. Today, rideshare companies operate in cities and suburbs of all sizes.

However, what allowed Uber and Lyft to spread so quickly is also what makes filing accident claims confusing. Unlike a taxi company, Uber and Lyft don’t employ drivers; instead, they classify drivers as “contractors,” which means their vehicles are never the property of Uber or Lyft (though the rideshare companies partially insure those drivers). So, if you get into an accident with an Uber driver, who shares the blame? Whose policy do you file a claim against?

At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, our experience with car accident claims equips us to take on complex cases like this, cutting through the paperwork and run-arounds to get to the truth. 

Our team is well-versed in the nuances of rideshare litigation. We stay updated on legal precedents and industry standards to ensure your rights are protected and that you receive the full, fair compensation you deserve. More importantly, we focus on what really matters: getting our clients the recoveries they need to rebuild their lives. After more than $1 billion in recoveries, you can put your confidence in our Louisiana rideshare accident attorneys.

If you have been involved in a rideshare accident in Louisiana, call us today at (225) 209-9943 for a free consultation.

Louisiana Rideshare Laws & Regulations

Louisiana's rideshare policies align with the national trend toward increased regulation to ensure safety and accountability. The state has adopted the Transportation Network Company (TNC) Bill, which lays out guidelines for operations, including background checks for drivers and minimum insurance requirements. This legislation mandates that rideshare drivers maintain personal auto insurance that meets state minimums, even when logged into the app and not carrying passengers. Additionally, when working within the app, these drivers are required to activate supplemental insurance provided by their rideshare company.

With ongoing changes to rideshare regulations and driver requirements, it's important that accident victims work with legal professionals who not only understand the existing state laws but are also vigilant about updates that could affect Uber and Lyft accident cases. At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, our proactive approach ensures that our clients are always informed about their rights and any significant legal changes that could impact their claims.

How to File a Louisiana Rideshare Accident Claim

After being in an Uber or Lyft accident, sorting through which insurance companies to seek financial compensation from may be confusing. Hiring a rideshare accident attorney in Louisiana can help you navigate the laws that are still being established in the world of ridesharing. When the different insurance policies of the ridesharing company and driver are involved, things may be confusing. All drivers are required to have personal insurance at the time of signing up to be a driver with Lyft or Uber. Additionally, both companies carry well-known $1 million policies that cover accidents while an individual is driving for Uber. However, there are unique stipulations with this insurance.

Understanding the interplay between a driver's personal insurance and the rideshare company’s policy is crucial. Our legal team aids in deciphering the often complex terms of these policies. This involves evaluating when the driver was logged into the app, determining the application of coverage, and assessing potential exclusions. Knowing these distinctions can significantly impact the success of your claim.

Uber’s site reveals the following information:

• The company’s policy covers drivers who are waiting for a ride request with the app turned on. This covers up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for personal injury. Additionally, $25,000 is covered for property damage.
• If a driver is on their way to pick up a rider with the app on, they have coverage up to $1,000,000. Uber also provides collision and comprehensive coverage with a deductible of $1,000 in this situation.
• If the app is off for any reason, even if you are on a trip, you are not covered by Uber’s insurance policy.

Lyft also has a very similar insurance policy for their drivers. Basically, if you are involved in an accident with a rideshare driver while they are driving for a company with their app activated, it may be possible to recover through the driver’s personal insurance and the company’s insurance. Instances where the driver did not have their app activated for any reason create complications that require the help of an experienced rideshare accident lawyer in Louisiana.

Having comprehensive legal coverage through our skilled attorneys can help you tackle these challenging scenarios. We help you establish the driver’s status at the time of the accident and initialize claims with proper documentation, minimizing delays and disputes. Additionally, our consultations help clarify concerns around loss valuation, medical coverage, and entitlement.

Understanding Compensation in Rideshare Accidents

Determining the amount and type of compensation following a rideshare accident can be intricate and often varies based on specific circumstances. Compensation typically covers medical expenses, including hospital bills, rehabilitation, and ongoing care costs. Furthermore, victims may also be entitled to compensation for lost wages due to time off work required for recovery, as well as potential future earnings if injuries have a long-term impact on the victim’s ability to work.

Besides economic losses, victims are often entitled to seek compensation for pain and suffering, which encompasses both physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. In more egregious cases involving gross negligence or reckless conduct, punitive damages might also be pursued to penalize the responsible party and deter similar conduct in the future. 

Louisiana Rideshare Accident FAQ

How Does Insurance Work in Rideshare Accidents?

Insurance coverage for rideshare accidents often involves multiple layers due to the different policies active at various times. Typically, the rideshare driver’s personal insurance, the app company’s liability policy, and the other driver’s insurance may all play a role. The current phase of the rideshare trip (whether a ride was in progress, a request was pending, or the app was off) also impacts which coverage applies.

Who Is Liable for an Uber or Lyft Accident in Louisiana?

Under Louisiana's fault-based insurance system, the person or party responsible for causing the accident is usually the one liable for any damages. When the at-fault driver is a commercial driver's license holder, their employer is often liable. However, this becomes more complicated in rideshare accident cases where the driver, though employed by Uber or Lyft, is classified as an independent contractor. It's important that you consult with a knowledgeable Louisiana Uber and Lyft accident lawyer. At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, our team can assess your claim to determine who is responsible for your damages. 

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Rideshare Accident in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, you have two years from the date of the accident to sue for damages if the accident occurred on or after July 1, 2024. If the accident occurred before this date, you have just one year to file a lawsuit. We recommend talking to our attorneys as soon as possible, even if you think you may have missed the filing deadline. 

Can Passengers in Rideshare Vehicles Sue for Damages After an Accident?

Yes, passengers in rideshare vehicles are eligible to seek compensation following an accident, regardless of which driver was at fault. This includes seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity, as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Since multiple insurance policies may be involved—including both the driver’s personal insurance policy and the rideshare company’s insurance coverage—navigating these claims can be complex. It's recommended that you work with a Louisiana rideshare accident lawyer to protect your rights and seek the maximum compensation you deserve.

Call a Louisiana Uber & Lyft Accident Attorney: (225) 209-9943

If you are confused about the stipulations of the insurance policies of a rideshare company, don’t delay in obtaining legal counsel. An experienced lawyer can examine your case and review your options. We can work to make the situation as simple as possible for you. We will handle all the work needed to work towards obtaining your maximum compensation and will communicate with the insurance companies on your behalf. With decades of legal experience, our car accident law firm has recovered countless settlements and verdicts for injured Louisianans and their families. 

Call the Louisiana Uber and Lyft attorneys at Clayton, Frugé & Ward today at (225) 209-9943.