Partner at Charbonnet Law Firm LLC
Practice Areas: Car Accident, Personal Injury
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become a popular choice for getting around New Orleans and other parts of Louisiana. However, with more rideshare vehicles on the road, the chances of getting into an accident involving one of these cars have also gone up. Whether you’re a rideshare passenger, a driver, or someone in another vehicle, it’s essential to know what steps to take after a crash—and how to protect your legal rights.
Your first priority after an accident should be safety. Call 911 if anyone is hurt or if there is significant damage.
Any driver engaged in an accident that causes $500 or more in property damage or injuries must notify law authorities of the incident, according to Louisiana Revised Statute Section 32:398.
Once police arrive, only drivers involved in the crash should provide accident details. If you’re a passenger, wait until you’re asked to share what you saw. If you’re a driver, be careful not to admit fault—what you say could affect your ability to file a claim later.
Be sure to gather key details while still at the scene: photos of the cars, injuries, license plates, road signs, and the condition of the road. Ask for the names and contact information of everyone involved, including witnesses. You should also report the crash to the rideshare company using their app or website.
Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage when a driver is actively transporting a passenger or en route to pick one up.
Even if you feel fine, always see a doctor after a rideshare accident. Some injuries—like concussions, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage—don’t show symptoms right away. Seeing a doctor ensures your health is protected. This produces a medical record that will subsequently be used to bolster your claim.
Medical evaluation after an accident is critical—even low-speed rideshare collisions can result in delayed-onset injuries like whiplash or concussions.
Keep all medical records and receipts. If your injuries require physical therapy or specialist care, that documentation will be helpful when seeking compensation.
One of the trickiest parts of an Uber or Lyft accident is figuring out whose insurance applies. It depends on whether the rideshare driver was using the app at the time of the crash.
| Driver Status | Coverage Type | Responsible Party |
| App Off | Personal Auto Insurance | Driver’s private insurance |
| App On, No Ride Accepted | Contingent Liability (Up to $50k) | Uber or Lyft + driver insurance |
| En Route or Passenger Onboard | Third-Party Liability (Up to $1 million) | Uber or Lyft |
Rideshare drivers are not employees, which complicates liability—both Uber and Lyft may deny responsibility if the driver was off the app during the crash.
Multiple insurance companies may be involved. That’s why it’s a good idea to speak with a lawyer before contacting any insurance adjusters. Companies may try to reduce or deny your claim, especially when there’s confusion over fault.
Louisiana uses a “comparative fault” system, which means more than one person can be responsible for an accident. If you’re found partially at fault, your compensation can be reduced.
Under Louisiana’s comparative fault law (La. Civ. Code Art. 2323), your compensation can be reduced if you’re partially at fault for the crash.
Your lawyer can help gather necessary evidence like traffic cam footage, accident reports, and even surveillance from nearby businesses. These details can help prove who caused the crash and support your claim.
Victims of rideshare accidents in Louisiana may be eligible for different types of damages. The exact amount depends on the seriousness of your injuries, time off work, and how your life has been affected.
These are the out-of-pocket costs you can prove with bills or receipts.
These refer to emotional and physical suffering that doesn’t come with a price tag but still affects your life
If your loved one passed away in a rideshare crash, you may be able to bring a Louisiana Civil Code wrongful death lawsuit § 2315.2.
Rideshare accidents are rarely simple. There are multiple parties involved, overlapping insurance policies, and complicated legal rules. Working with a lawyer can help you avoid costly mistakes and focus on recovery.
Charbonnet Law Firm, LLC has been helping accident victims in New Orleans for more than 50 years. Our team understands Louisiana law and the challenges that come with Uber and Lyft accidents. We investigate the crash, handle all communication with insurers, and work to get fair compensation for our clients.
Responsibility for your medical bills depends on who caused the accident and what stage the rideshare driver was in. If they were logged into the app, Uber or Lyft’s insurance may cover your costs.
Yes. A lawyer can protect your rights and make sure you’re not taken advantage of by insurers. They also help gather evidence and deal with complex insurance issues on your behalf.
You can still file a claim against the at-fault driver. A lawyer can help identify who’s responsible and make sure you pursue the correct parties for compensation.
Yes. If you’re a passenger, you’re usually covered under Uber or Lyft’s $1 million third-party liability insurance when the ride is in progress or en route.
Louisiana law gives you one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Missing this deadline could cost you your right to recover damages.
Yes. Louisiana’s comparative fault law allows you to recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault in the crash.
Getting hurt in a rideshare accident can turn your world upside down. With multiple drivers, insurance policies, and liability issues to sort out, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But you don’t have to face it alone.
Knowing your rights, getting medical help, and documenting everything are the first steps toward building a strong claim. The team at Charbonnet Law Firm, LLC is here to help New Orleans residents navigate the complex legal process after Uber and Lyft accidents.
If you’ve been injured, contact our experienced legal team for help. We’ll work to protect your rights while you focus on healing.
With over 50 years of legal experience serving families in the New Orleans area and surrounding Louisiana communities, our firm takes pride in providing clients with personalized legal services tailored to individual needs.
