Are Uber And Lyft Responsible For Accidents In Louisiana?
Yes, Uber and Lyft may provide insurance coverage if you are injured as a passenger in a rideshare accident in Louisiana. In many cases, up to $1 million in coverage may apply while you are in the vehicle or while the driver is completing an accepted ride. Speaking with a Louisiana rideshare accident lawyer from Loyd J Bourgeois Injury & Accident Lawyer (LJBLegal) can help you understand how this coverage applies to your situation.
But rideshare accident claims are not always simple. Uber and Lyft drivers are usually treated as independent contractors, not employees. This can make it harder to know which insurance policy applies and who should pay for your injuries.
How Rideshare Insurance Works In Louisiana
Louisiana passed the Transportation Network Company Motor Vehicle Responsibility Law to address insurance gaps involving ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft. The law separates rideshare activity into different periods, and the available insurance depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash.
When The Driver Is Logged Out Of The App
If the driver is not logged in to the Uber or Lyft app, the rideshare company’s insurance usually does not apply. In that situation, the driver’s personal auto insurance is typically the only available coverage.
When The Driver Has Accepted A Ride But Has Not Picked Up The Passenger
During the pre-trip acceptance period, when the driver has accepted a ride but has not yet picked up the passenger, Louisiana law requires lower insurance limits. This coverage includes:
- $25,000 for bodily injury or death to one person
- $50,000 for bodily injury or death to all persons in one accident
- $25,000 for property damage
When The Passenger Is In The Vehicle
Once the passenger is picked up, the trip acceptance period begins. During this time, Uber and Lyft must provide much higher coverage. Louisiana law requires at least $1 million in coverage for bodily injury, death, and property damage while the ride is active.
This coverage usually applies from the time the driver picks up the passenger until the ride is complete.
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FREE Confidential Case Review (985) 240-9773Does The $1 Million Policy Always Make The Claim Easy?
No. Even when a $1 million policy exists, collecting from that policy can still be difficult. Uber and Lyft may argue they are only technology companies connecting riders with independent drivers. They may also argue they are not responsible for the driver’s actions because the driver is not an employee.
That matters because insurance companies may try to deny responsibility, delay the claim, or push the injured passenger toward another insurance policy. In some cases, the driver’s personal policy may also deny coverage because many personal auto policies exclude accidents that happen while the driver is working for hire.
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FREE Confidential Case Review (985) 240-9773What If Another Driver Caused The Crash?
If another driver caused the crash, Louisiana’s fault-based system allows an injured passenger to pursue damages from any party who contributed to the accident. That may include the other driver, the rideshare driver, or another responsible party.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage may also matter. Louisiana law requires rideshare companies to carry uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage in some situations, but there can be exceptions. If UM coverage was rejected in the policy, it may not be available.
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FREE Confidential Case Review (985) 240-9773What If An Uber Driver Hits My Car?
If an Uber or Lyft driver hits your car in Louisiana, your claim will depend on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. Rideshare drivers have different insurance coverage depending on whether they were logged into the app, waiting for a ride, or actively transporting a passenger.
If the driver was not logged into the app, their personal auto insurance is usually the only coverage available. If they were logged in but had not accepted a ride yet, limited coverage may apply. If they had accepted a ride or had a passenger in the vehicle, Uber or Lyft may provide up to $1 million in liability coverage.
Even when that higher coverage applies, these claims are not always straightforward. The rideshare company, the driver, and multiple insurance companies may all be involved. Each may try to shift responsibility or limit what they pay.
After a crash with an Uber or Lyft driver, it is important to protect your claim:
- Call the police and request an accident report
- Get medical care, even if injuries seem minor
- Ask the driver if they were logged into the app at the time
- Take screenshots or photos showing ride status if possible
- Collect insurance information from all drivers involved
- Avoid giving recorded statements without legal guidance
Because rideshare accidents can involve layered insurance coverage and legal issues, speaking with a Louisiana rideshare accident lawyer can help you understand your options and avoid costly mistakes.
Real Case Example: $1 Million Policy Secured After Rideshare Crash
A young Westbank couple in their 20s was driving through Elmwood on a busy Friday afternoon when a rideshare driver made an illegal turn across Clearview Parkway and crashed into them. What should have been a normal day quickly turned into a serious situation filled with pain, medical treatment, and uncertainty.
Both clients suffered significant injuries. One required knee surgery and ongoing spinal care, including injections and procedures, with more treatment expected. The other suffered neck and back injuries that also required continued care. Even though fault was clear, the rideshare company did not resolve the claim quickly or fairly.
Our team stepped in, filed suit, and pushed the case forward through discovery and legal motions. After applying pressure, we secured the full $1 million insurance policy for our clients.
This case shows an important truth about rideshare accidents. Even when fault is clear and coverage exists, insurance companies may delay or resist paying what is owed. Having the right legal team can make a real difference in the outcome. Read the full case story here.
What This Means For Rideshare Passengers
If you are hurt while riding in an Uber or Lyft, do not assume the insurance claim will be simple just because a large policy may apply. These cases can involve several insurance companies, different coverage periods, and disputes over who is legally responsible.
After a rideshare crash, it is important to:
- Report the crash to law enforcement
- Get medical care as soon as possible
- Save your Uber or Lyft trip receipt
- Take screenshots of the ride details in the app
- Get the names and insurance information for all drivers involved
- Avoid giving a recorded statement before getting legal advice
What This Means For Rideshare Drivers
Rideshare drivers should also be careful. A driver’s personal auto policy may not cover a crash that happens while driving for Uber or Lyft. Drivers should review their insurance documents and check whether they have uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage through the rideshare platform.
Do not assume you are fully protected just because you purchased available coverage through the app. It is important to check the declarations page and understand what coverage applies before you drive.
Talk To A Louisiana Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Uber and Lyft accident claims can be confusing, especially when the companies, drivers, and insurance carriers point fingers at each other. If you were injured as a passenger, driver, pedestrian, or occupant of another vehicle, you deserve clear answers about your rights.
The Louisiana rideshare accident lawyers at Loyd J Bourgeois Injury & Accident Lawyer can help you understand which insurance policies may apply, what compensation may be available, and what steps to take next.
If you have questions about an Uber or Lyft accident in Louisiana, call 985-240-9773.
