How Much Coverage Do Rideshare Companies Really Carry?
Are Uber and Lyft actually insured if I get hurt in their car?
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become part of daily life in New Orleans and throughout Southeast Louisiana. Whether you’re headed home from Frenchmen Street or catching a Lyft to the airport, hopping into a rideshare vehicle feels like second nature. But what happens if that car crashes and you’re injured?
Do Uber and Lyft carry enough insurance to cover your medical bills, missed work, and other damages? Or are you left holding the bag while the rideshare companies shift blame?
At Bloom Legal Network, we connect you with experienced Louisiana personal injury attorneys who handle rideshare accident cases every day. If you’ve been injured in a crash involving Uber or Lyft—whether as a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver—we’ll connect you with legal professionals who know how to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Navigating Rideshare Insurance Coverage in Louisiana
Rideshare companies operate under a unique model: their drivers are independent contractors, not employees. This distinction affects how insurance claims are handled and is a key reason why these cases are so complicated.
In Louisiana, both Uber and Lyft are required to provide significant liability coverage, but the amount available depends heavily on the driver’s status at the time of the crash. This is often referred to as a “three-period” model.
The Three Periods of Rideshare Insurance
- Period 1: Driver is Logged In, Waiting for a Ride. When the rideshare app is on, but a passenger has not yet been accepted, a lower level of insurance applies.
- Uber/Lyft Coverage: Up to $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident for bodily injury.
- The driver’s personal auto insurance policy may also provide coverage, but many policies exclude commercial use.
- Period 2: Ride Accepted, En Route to Pick Up Passenger. Once a driver accepts a trip and is on the way to the pickup location, the coverage increases significantly.
- Uber/Lyft Coverage: A $1 million third-party liability policy applies.
- Period 3: Passenger is in the Vehicle. While a passenger is in the car, the highest level of coverage is in effect.
- Uber/Lyft Coverage: The full $1 million third-party liability policy applies.
So, if you were injured while riding in an Uber in Kenner or got hit by a Lyft driver heading to a pickup in Metairie, the available coverage will depend on the app’s status at the time of the crash. That’s where a skilled Louisiana personal injury lawyer comes in—they can investigate the rideshare timeline and make sure the highest applicable policy is triggered.
Injured while using Uber or Lyft in Jefferson Parish? Bloom Legal Network can match you with a local attorney who knows how to unlock the coverage you’re entitled to.
Why Rideshare Accidents Are More Complex Than a Standard Car Crash
Rideshare crashes differ from typical car accidents in several key ways, making them a legal minefield.
- Multiple Insurance Policies: The rideshare company’s policy is often a primary source of compensation, but the driver’s personal auto insurance may also be involved. This can lead to a fight between insurers, with each one trying to shift blame to the other while you are left dealing with bills and pain.
- Independent Contractor Status: Because Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors, the companies often try to deny liability for the driver’s negligence. An experienced personal injury attorney in New Orleans can hold the correct parties accountable and ensure you’re not pushed aside in the claims process.
If you’re dealing with a rideshare injury in St. Tammany Parish, don’t wait. Let Bloom Legal Network connect you with an attorney who understands how to fight corporate insurers.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in Louisiana
If you’re hurt in a rideshare accident—whether as a passenger, pedestrian, cyclist, or another driver—taking the right steps can protect your health and your legal rights.
- Get Medical Help: See a doctor immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Common car accident injuries like whiplash, soft tissue damage, or concussions may not be apparent right away.
- Report the Crash: File a police report and report the accident to the rideshare company through the app. In places like St. Charles Parish, police documentation is crucial when dealing with insurance companies.
- Document Everything: Take photos, collect witness information, and save medical records and receipts. If possible, screenshot the ride info in your app (e.g., trip time, driver’s name, etc.).
- Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer: Rideshare accidents involve layers of liability and insurance. Don’t try to handle it alone. An attorney can navigate the policies, communicate with insurers, and help you pursue the full compensation you’re owed.
Hurt in a Lyft or Uber crash in Metairie? Contact Bloom Legal Network today—we’ll help you get in touch with a Louisiana attorney who can guide you through your next steps.
Compensation for Rideshare Accident Victims
The amount of compensation depends on the severity of your injuries, the available insurance coverage, and how the crash occurred. However, victims of rideshare accidents in Louisiana may be able to recover:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Disability or long-term care costs
- Property damage
Don’t let the complexity of the claim process stop you from seeking what you’re entitled to. Rideshare companies and their insurers have teams protecting their bottom line—you deserve someone protecting yours.
Bloom Legal Network can connect you with experienced attorneys who fight for fair compensation in rideshare injury cases across Southeast Louisiana.
Should You Hire a Lawyer for a Rideshare Accident?
When you’re hurt in a crash involving Uber or Lyft, you’re dealing with corporate policies, multiple insurance providers, and tight legal deadlines. These companies are trained to minimize payouts. Without legal representation, you may walk away with far less than your injuries actually cost.
A personal injury attorney can:
- Investigate the app status to trigger maximum coverage
- Handle communication with all insurers
- Document your injuries and losses
- Negotiate a settlement—or go to trial if needed
At Bloom Legal Network, we help you find legal professionals who know the Louisiana courts, rideshare laws, and insurance loopholes. Whether your accident happened near Lakeview in New Orleans or along the Causeway in St. Tammany Parish, we’re here to help.
Injured in a rideshare crash in Southeast Louisiana?
📞 Call 504-599-9997 or 📧 Email info@bloomlegal.com
Let Bloom Legal Network help you get the legal support you need—local, experienced, and focused on your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rideshare Accidents
1. What if I’m hit by an Uber or Lyft driver while walking or driving my own car?
If you’re a pedestrian, cyclist, or driver injured by a rideshare vehicle, you may still be covered by Uber or Lyft’s insurance—if the driver was logged into the app at the time of the crash. An attorney can request trip data, determine the period of liability, and ensure the appropriate policy is held accountable.
2. Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly?
Generally, Uber and Lyft shield themselves from liability by classifying their drivers as independent contractors. This can make it difficult to sue them directly. However, you may still have a claim through their insurance policy, and in some cases, you may be able to pursue other liable parties. A Louisiana personal injury attorney can evaluate your specific case and determine the best legal strategy.
3. How long do I have to file a claim after a rideshare accident in Louisiana?
Louisiana law gives you just one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. This is one of the shortest deadlines in the country. If you miss this window, you may lose your right to recover compensation altogether. It’s important to act quickly. A rideshare attorney from the Bloom Legal Network can help you begin the claims process, preserve critical evidence, and protect your rights from day one.
