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Legal Guidance for Accidents Involving Ride-Sharing Services in Louisiana

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft have become a convenient way for people to get around New Orleans and across Louisiana. But what happens when your ride ends in an accident? Whether you’re a passenger, another driver, or even a pedestrian hit by a ride-share vehicle, the legal and insurance landscape is more complicated than traditional car crashes.

At Breaux Law Firm, we help victims navigate the legal process and insurance maze after ride-sharing accidents. This comprehensive guide explains your legal options, how insurance coverage works, and what to do if you’re injured in a Louisiana ride-share accident.

Why Ride-Sharing Accidents Are Legally Complex

Unlike standard auto accidents, ride-share collisions involve multiple layers of insurance and liability. Ride-share drivers are considered independent contractors—not employees—which limits the companies’ direct legal responsibility. However, Uber and Lyft still provide significant liability coverage in certain situations.

Understanding when a ride-share company’s insurance kicks in is crucial. The circumstances of the accident—whether the driver was logged into the app, en route to pick up a rider, or actively transporting one—directly affect coverage and liability.

Louisiana Ride-Share Insurance Requirements

Louisiana law requires all Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) and their drivers to carry specific insurance. According to the Louisiana Revised Statutes (La. R.S. § 45:201.6), insurance coverage depends on the driver’s status:

1. Driver Not Logged Into App

If the driver is not logged in, their personal insurance policy applies. Uber and Lyft are not liable in this situation.

2. Driver Logged In But No Ride Accepted

TNCs are required to provide contingent liability coverage:

  • $50,000 per person for bodily injury
  • $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
  • $25,000 for property damage

This coverage is secondary and only applies if the driver’s personal insurance does not.

3. Driver En Route or Transporting Passenger

If the driver has accepted a ride or is transporting a passenger:

  • Uber/Lyft provide $1 million in liability coverage
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may also be available
  • Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage (if the driver has it personally)

Who Can File a Claim in a Ride-Share Accident?

Victims of ride-sharing accidents in Louisiana include:

  • Ride-share passengers injured during the trip
  • Other drivers hit by a ride-share vehicle
  • Pedestrians or bicyclists struck by a ride-share driver
  • Uber or Lyft drivers injured due to someone else’s negligence

Your legal rights and claim process depend on your role in the accident and the driver’s app status at the time.

What To Do After a Ride-Sharing Accident

If you’re involved in a ride-sharing crash in Louisiana, take the following steps to protect your health and legal rights:

1. Ensure Safety and Call 911

Your health comes first. Seek medical attention for yourself and others. Call 911 to report the accident.

2. Get a Police Report

Request a police report—even if the crash seems minor. Officers will document facts that could be critical later.

3. Document the Scene

Use your phone to take photos of:

  • Vehicle damage
  • The accident scene and road conditions
  • Visible injuries
  • License plates and driver information

Also gather:

  • Ride-share driver’s name and insurance info
  • Screenshot of your ride history (if you were a passenger)
  • Contact details from witnesses

4. Seek Medical Care Immediately

Even if you feel okay, symptoms like concussions or whiplash may appear later. Medical records will support your injury claim.

5. Contact an Experienced Ride-Share Accident Attorney

These cases are complex. Let a New Orleans personal injury lawyer handle communication with insurers and ride-share companies while you focus on recovery.

Need legal help after a ride-share accident? Call Breaux Law Firm at (504) 914-7779 for a free consultation.

Common Injuries in Ride-Share Accidents

Injuries vary depending on impact, seat position, and seatbelt use, but common cases we handle include:

  • Neck and back injuries (including whiplash)
  • Broken bones
  • Concussions and TBIs
  • Soft tissue damage
  • Internal injuries
  • PTSD or emotional trauma

Even low-speed ride-share crashes can lead to long-term complications.

Who Pays for Your Medical Bills?

Here’s where ride-share accident claims get tricky:

If You’re a Passenger:

  • Uber or Lyft’s $1 million policy typically applies.
  • You can also use your own medical payments (MedPay) coverage.

If You’re Another Driver or Pedestrian:

  • You may be able to recover through the driver’s personal insurance, Uber/Lyft’s contingent policy, or your own UM/UIM insurance.

If You’re the Ride-Share Driver:

  • You may be covered by your personal auto policy, Uber/Lyft’s insurance, or workers’ compensation (if you have a second job that provides it).

An attorney will help determine which policies are active and ensure the right insurers are held accountable.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Don’t assume the insurance company—whether it’s Uber, Lyft, or a private insurer—has your best interest at heart. They often:

  • Downplay your injuries
  • Claim you were at fault
  • Offer a lowball settlement
  • Delay communication

Never accept a settlement or give a recorded statement without speaking to an attorney.

At Breaux Law Firm, we negotiate directly with insurers and know their tactics. We’ll fight for the compensation you’re entitled to.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Depending on your injuries and losses, you may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical expenses (past, current, future)
  • Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Property damage
  • Out-of-pocket costs (transportation, home care, etc.)

We calculate total damages—including projected future care costs—to ensure your recovery is fully funded.

What Makes Ride-Share Accident Lawsuits Different?

  • Multiple insurers may be involved (personal auto and TNC policy)
  • App data can confirm driver status at time of crash
  • Contractor status limits Uber/Lyft’s direct liability—but not always
  • Louisiana law continues to evolve with growing ride-share use

Hiring a lawyer who understands both Louisiana injury law and ride-share litigation is critical.

Real-World Example: Lyft Passenger Injury Case in New Orleans

Breaux Law represented a client injured while riding in a Lyft during Mardi Gras. Another driver ran a red light and T-boned the vehicle.

Uber/Lyft’s $1 million policy covered medical bills and lost wages. Breaux Law also secured compensation for pain and suffering and helped the client access ongoing physical therapy.

Don’t let ride-share companies push you around. We’re here to stand up for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What if the Uber/Lyft driver was at fault?

You can file a claim against their insurance and the ride-share company’s liability coverage.

Q: How long do I have to file a claim in Louisiana?

Louisiana’s statute of limitations is one year from the date of the accident.

Q: Can I still recover compensation if I wasn’t wearing a seatbelt?

Yes, though your compensation may be reduced under Louisiana’s comparative fault rule.

Why Choose Breaux Law Firm

  • Over 30 years of experience in Louisiana personal injury law
  • Proven results in ride-share and auto accident cases
  • Local attorneys who understand Louisiana’s unique legal system
  • Free consultations and no fee unless we win

We’ve helped thousands of clients move forward after serious injuries, and we’re ready to help you.

Contact Us for a Free Case Review

If you’ve been injured in a ride-share accident in New Orleans or anywhere in Louisiana, you need an experienced legal team to protect your rights.

Call Breaux Law Firm at (504) 914-7779 or contact us online today.

At Breaux Law Firm, personal attention is our promise—we’ll fight for what you deserve.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized guidance, contact a licensed Louisiana personal injury attorney.

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Frequently Asked Questions

We don’t get paid until you do. The attorneys of Breaux Law Firm have what is called a “contingency fee arrangement” with each and every one of our clients. A contingency fee arrangement means that the attorney’s fee is taken out of the total amount of money recovered for the client, once the client’s case is settled. The attorneys at Breaux Law Firm are happy to meet with you FOR FREE to discuss your case, to answer any questions you may have, and to let you know if we think you have a good case.

The short answer is YES. If you’re the owner or the driver of the motor vehicle you were in at the time of the accident and neither you nor the vehicle you were driving has automobile insurance, then the adverse insurance company will get a credit for the first $15,000 in damages that they would have otherwise owed you, as described below. If you were a passenger in a vehicle where neither it nor its driver has insurance, you will still be able to recover, because you’re not the owner nor the operator of the uninsured vehicle. The attorneys at Breaux Law Firm stay informed on all laws involving insurance and the other legal areas we practice. We take the guesswork out of Louisiana state laws, and guide you through the process of recovering the compensation you deserve.

“There shall be no recovery for the first fifteen thousand dollars of bodily injury and no recovery for the first twenty-five thousand dollars of property damage based on any cause or right of action arising out of a motor vehicle accident, for such injury or damages occasioned by an owner or operator of a motor vehicle involved in such accident who fails to own or maintain compulsory motor vehicle liability security.
La. Stat. Ann. § 32:866

Breaux Law Firm is licensed to practice law throughout the state of Louisiana. However, Breaux Law Firm, in conjunction with other respected attorneys, has also represented clients from many other states, including Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, Illinois, California, and more.

Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., excluding holidays. Our office is located at 111 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 1820, Metairie, LA 70005. You’ll find plenty of parking available in our visitor parking lot, along with a wheelchair-accessible ramp. Of course, you can always reach us through our 24-hour phone line at (504) 914-7779.

NO, YOU DO NOT. We don’t get paid until you do. The vast majority of the time, the conscientious attorneys at Breaux Law Firm will be able to let you know if your case is likely to succeed at the FREE initial consultation. If the case doesn’t work out, you owe us nothing and we will bear our own costs.

In Louisiana, you have ONE YEAR FROM THE DATE OF THE ACCIDENT to file a lawsuit to recover damages due to an accident; this concept is known as the statute of limitations or prescriptive period. Once your accident occurs, the clock starts ticking. The attorneys at Breaux Law Firm stay informed on all laws involving injury law, as well as the other legal areas we practice. We know that legal language can be confusing and hard to understand, as you can see below, so we work hard to make the process of filing a claim as easy and positive as possible.
“Delictual actions are subject to a liberative prescription of one year. This prescription commences to run from the day injury or damage is sustained.”
La. Civ. Code Ann. art. 3492

YES, the law office of Breaux Law Firm works with all types of medical providers and will assist you in obtaining the medical care that you need for your injuries.

There are several ways to take care of your property damage after an accident. The most common way is to make a claim against the liable insurance company which covered the at-fault party at the time of the accident. After making a claim against the liable insurance company, the liable insurance company is supposed to appraise the damage to your vehicle by sending an appraiser to inspect the vehicle wherever it’s located. Within a reasonable time, the liable insurance company is supposed to make a liability determination. If the insurance company accepts liability, they will put you in a rental car and arrange for your vehicle to be repaired. You’re entitled to a rental car, paid for by the liable insurance company, until your car is fixed and ready for you to pick up. The liability insurance company must adjust the property damage within thirty (30) days of their receiving a satisfactory proof of loss. The attorneys at Breaux Law Firm stay informed on all laws involving insurance and the other legal areas we practice, translating confusing legal jargon, as you see below, into clear guidance for our clients.
“All insurers shall make a written offer to settle any property damage claim, including a third-party claim, within thirty days after receipt of satisfactory proofs of loss of that claim.”
La. Stat. Ann. § 22:1892