What to Do If You’re Injured in a Lyft or Uber Accident in New Orleans?

Since New Orleans is a tourist destination, many people rely on rental cars and rideshare services to get around the city. While this is helpful in limiting the amount of alcohol related accidents in the area, it does not mean rideshare drivers are immune to accidents. Knowing what to do if you’re injured in a Lyft or Uber accident in New Orleans can mean the difference between a large settlement and a denial of your claim.

Experienced Rideshare Accident Attorneys in New Orleans

Blake Jones Law Firm has seen many types of vehicle accidents, including those involving rideshare vehicles. We are familiar with the insurance policies of rideshare companies and can inform you about which ones apply to your case. Most importantly, we provide guidance on the next steps.

What to Do if You’re Injured in a Lyft or Uber Accident in New Orleans

Some metropolitan areas report that rideshare services account for up to 14% of all vehicles on the road. This means it is possible to get into an accident with a rideshare driver. If this situation happens, follow the steps below:

• Call 911. In most cases, you are legally required to contact emergency services after a car accident in New Orleans. This is the case if there are any injuries or significant property damage. It is also helpful so that those who are seriously injured can be taken to the hospital if needed.
• Write down contact information. Get the name and contact information of everyone involved in the accident, including the rideshare driver. If anyone witnessed the accident, get their contact information as well, if you are able. If you are too injured to do this, do not move; let the police gather information for you.
• Document the scene. If you are able, take photos of all the vehicles involved in the accident. Include their plate numbers as well as any damage. Take photos of traffic signs, stoplights, and any other relevant items close to the accident. Write down when the accident happened, the date, and what the weather and environment were like.
• Contact insurance and rideshare companies. Most rideshare apps have features where you can report an accident. This is usually in the customer support section. Provide any details about the accident requested by the rideshare platform. After this, contact your own insurance company to let them know about the accident.
• Record expenses that happen after the accident. Most car accidents involve financial costs. From medical bills to repair costs, these bills can cause financial stress for victims. Collect any bills or estimates from the accident. These can later be used with an attorney to file a claim for damages.

587 drivers in Orleans Parish were involved in alcohol related injury crashes in 2024. While rideshare platforms help reduce this number, it does not mean rideshare drivers are accident-free.

Hire a Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Many victims of a rideshare accident are surprised at the high coverage amounts provided by rideshare apps. However, these companies do not want to pay exorbitant damage claims and limit coverage where possible. An attorney can prevent them from denying essential compensation for the injuries you sustained.

Rideshare accidents usually involve more parties than a standard car accident. They can include both drivers and passengers in the rideshare vehicle, insurance companies, and the rideshare company itself. This is a lot for a victim to keep track of.

An attorney can work with all relevant parties in a car accident to establish the facts and ensure their clients are compensated accordingly. This sometimes requires additional evidence, such as video footage and medical records, which lawyers can obtain.

Why Choose Us?

Most rideshare accidents involve contacting large corporations, such as insurance companies and rideshare companies. This can be scary for many victims of a car accident. When you work with Blake Jones Law Firm, you gain access to experienced attorneys who know how to fight against large corporations to give you a positive outcome.

FAQs

Can I File a Claim Against Lyft if I Got Hurt in an Accident?

In general, you cannot file a claim against Lyft directly if you get hurt in an accident. Lyft’s terms of service include restrictions on who can file a claim against the company. However, they do have insurance policies that aim to protect drivers and passengers and can still provide compensation.

What Happens if I Get Injured in an Uber Accident?

If you get injured in an Uber accident, let the company know as soon as possible by reporting the accident that happened within the app. It is still a good idea to call emergency services to report the accident and your injuries. If your injuries are serious, you can go to the emergency room or visit a healthcare provider after the accident.

How Does Lyft Handle Accidents?

Lyft handles accidents with its own insurance policy. The coverage they provide drivers varies depending on their status at the time of the accident. If the driver was actively picking up a passenger or driving them, then Lyft’s full insurance policy kicks in. However, if a driver is between rides, they might not receive full coverage under Lyft’s policy.

How Much Does Uber Pay if You Get Into a Car Accident?

How much Uber pays if you get into a car accident depends on your status when the accident happens. If you are in an accident while driving a passenger or on your way to pick up a passenger, you are covered for at least $1,000,000 for drivers and third parties. If you are online but not currently picking up or driving a passenger, the coverage rates are lower.

Rideshare Is Here to Stay

According to the Pew Research Center, 36% of the American population has used ridesharing services. It is unlikely that this trend will decrease in the future, which can lead to more accidents involving rideshare drivers. For information on how this affects your car accident claim, schedule a consultation with Blake Jones Law Firm.