Our Firm Can Explain and Maneuver the Confusing Rideshare Insurance Case

Ridesharing is similar to carpooling and taxicab services, which often gives the impression that it follows the same rules. The truth is, rideshare services are completely different animals, especially in the law.

For one, rideshare companies position themselves as software companies, which automatically rules them out as vehicle owners or employers of drivers. Two, rideshare drivers are considered commercial drivers, meaning their own car policies will not cover any claims for accidents they cause while providing rideshare services.

Furthermore, drivers keep their insurance companies in the dark about their ridesharing services, which only blurs more accident coverage and liability lines. With a New Orleans rideshare accident lawyer, however, they can clear things up and make sure that a claimant receives fair compensation for their losses. Consider hiring a lawyer.

Determining Liability in a Rideshare Accident

In a rideshare accident, a victim can claim damages from the at-fault driver. However, the insurance company might point fingers to shun responsibility completely. Your personal injury lawyer will know how to thwart diversionary tactics and legally force these carriers to own up.

Another thing insurance carriers could do is attempt to settle with a claimant for a very cheap payout. No rideshare accident victim should accept such an offer, at least not without consulting their New Orleans lawyer.

These companies hope that victims will be tempted with the promise of fast cash. However, the losses might keep coming, from lost wages to medical bills, etc. Once you accept an offer, you cannot pursue more compensation. All these things hinge on the fact that rideshare accident victims acting on their own may not fully understand their rights and options.

Talk to a Louisiana Local Attorney Today

Get a Free Case Evaluation

car post crash

Understanding Rideshare Company Insurance

Rideshare companies have cushioned themselves against accident liability for years, insisting:

  • They were no more than app providers.
  • Their drivers should be responsible for themselves as independent contractors.

Rideshare accident victims are often stuck with underinsured drivers unless they have an attorney who can fight for their right to fair compensation.

Currently, companies require drivers to have third-party coverage for accident victims, pedestrians, passengers, or other drivers. Rideshare companies also have to provide primary insurance, although this will only apply if the driver’s policy coverage is less.

Uber and Lyft Could Cover You in an Accident

As soon as the driver officially accepts a ride, they will get more coverage from the company, including uninsured motorist bodily injury, contingent collision, and the like.

Officially accepting a ride means taking in a passenger through the app. The company will not provide protection should an accident occur, the app is not on, and the driver is not logged in.

Establishing Negligence in a Rideshare Accident

Determining liability is more complex in a rideshare accident than in any ordinary road mishap. Negligence, however, is established on pretty much the same basics:

  • Duty: The driver had a duty of care for the victim.
  • Causation: The injury would not have occurred had that duty of care been fulfilled.
  • Breach of that duty: The rider failed to fulfill that duty of care.
  • Damages: The victim sustained injury and losses from the accident.

New Orleans and the rest of Louisiana follow the doctrine of comparative fault. This means responsibility will be distributed among all parties that contributed to the accident, according to the degrees of their individual faults.

You Must Adhere to the Statute of Limitations in Louisiana

Some people take a while to claim damages and end up forfeiting all right to do so. In Louisiana, a lawsuit must be filed within two years of the accident under CC Art. 3492. If the victim does not file before this deadline ends, the courts would often throw the case out. However, there are cases involving minors and the mentally ill that would recover an extended timeline.

branded accent

What You Need to Know About Our Law Firm

Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers is at the forefront of the fight for fair compensation for rideshare accident victims in New Orleans. Our team is in touch with rideshare accidents’ complex issues and challenges and has been helping injured people and their families recover from their losses.

With over a hundred years of combined experience, ours is a name that has become synonymous with sincere, compassionate service and success in the realm of personal injury law.

Client Testimonials Hear from locals like you.

I am able to witness Karely Cornwell handle calls from people who are in need of Laborde Earles services. She is always polite and professional. I thi...

I am able to witness Karely Cornwell handle calls from people who are in need of Laborde Earles services. She is always polite and professional. I think it’s safe to assume that the majority of people who call in are stressed and to have someone who is calm and kind taking the call is a great representation of the company.

D
Debbie Fontenot

Marksville

Love Laborde Earle's. They're dependable lawyers that let you know you can trust them. I would specifically recommend Derek Hebert. He's a great attor...

Love Laborde Earle's. They're dependable lawyers that let you know you can trust them. I would specifically recommend Derek Hebert. He's a great attorney who is extremely knowledgeable and you'll never doubt that he'll get the job done!

K
Kaitlin H.

Syntera was Very professional and courteous. Answered my concerns.

L
Lisa G.

I just want to say that Kelby is a wonderful Attorney and will do what ever it takes to make sure you are taking care of. And his Team of Paralegal's,...

I just want to say that Kelby is a wonderful Attorney and will do what ever it takes to make sure you are taking care of. And his Team of Paralegal's, Amber, Toni, Debbie, Alana & Erica are absolutely amazing. You couldn't have ask for better. And to Rachael, she was so sweet the other day when I needed some information about when my advance was going to be ready. Thank you Laborde Earle's Law Firm for always being the Best.

L
Lauren O'Quinn

New Orleans

Courtney Marsh has a positive attitude and great attention to detail in her work!

R
Rhonda C.

The team at Laborde Earls is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. While I would recommend any team member, I would strongly urge you to speak with Mrs...

The team at Laborde Earls is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. While I would recommend any team member, I would strongly urge you to speak with Mrs. Courtney. I spoke with her multiple times, and each time she was patient and answered every question I had. She made me feel like I was the only client. Grateful for her and Laborde Earls!

T
Tracie M.

Michelle Brouillette is always so pleasant whenever I call or stop by the office. She always has a smile on her face.

C
Christine G.

Elizabeth Lachney was super helpful in explaining a lot of things i didnt understand about my case. Very respectful and seemed so welling to help me! ...

Elizabeth Lachney was super helpful in explaining a lot of things i didnt understand about my case. Very respectful and seemed so welling to help me! She is the best, I 1000% recommend her if you have any questions!

s
skylar bachman

New Iberia

I’m so grateful for the help I received from Renee McCaslin. From start to finish, they were kind, professional, and truly cared about my situat...

I’m so grateful for the help I received from Renee McCaslin. From start to finish, they were kind, professional, and truly cared about my situation. They made everything easy to understand and handled every detail with care. I felt supported the whole way through. I highly recommend Renee McCaslin to anyone looking for a paralegal who goes above and beyond.

R
Rosann Roberts

Lake Charles

Over 1,700 5-Star Reviews

Read More Testimonials

Work With a Rideshare Accident Attorney

With the intricate nature of ridesharing and the formidable obstacle of profit-driven insurance companies, filing an injury claim without a lawyer can be risky. Your attorney can build an airtight case and plug any holes that the defendant’s lawyer might drill during the negotiation or trial.

Our lawyers serving New Orleans can fight for you in court if the insurance company does not settle fairly after your rideshare accident.

Call Our Team for a Free Consultation About Your New Orleans Accident

If you sustained injuries after a rideshare accident, you could consult with Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers for free. The sooner you do this, the more time you and your lawyer have to prepare and pull your case together.

Call us today. We are waiting to hear your story.

View More Articles Trusted Voices Sharing What Matters

closeup of a car with a crashed hood

Blog Louisiana’s New Comparative Fault Law (2026): What the 51% Rule Means for Your Compensation

If you were injured in Louisiana, a recent change in the law could determine whether you recover compensation or nothing at all. As of Janua...

Read Full Article
woman in neck brace talking to lawyer

Blog Louisiana Sets New Two-Year Statute of Limitations for Tort Claims

Now that Louisiana has set a new two-year statute of limitations on tort claims, injury victims will have more time to take legal action for...

Read Full Article
law statue

Blog Digger Earles Honored With Appointment to GLP-1 Plaintiff Steering Committee

In a significant victory for plaintiffs in the high-stakes multi-district GLP-1 litigation, renowned Lafayette personal injury lawyer Digger...

Read Full Article
big rig car accident

Blog $1,400,000 Settlement for Alexandria Woman in Car Accident

When it comes to being injured in a car accident, choosing the right attorney can be the difference between getting $1,400,000 in 9 months i...

Read Full Article

Guidance you can trust, from people who actually know.

View All FAQs View All Articles

Our Locations Find Your Local Office

Get Legal Help Today Talk to a Louisiana Local Attorney Today

25+ Attorneys Collaboration on every case

Call Anytime Speak to our local team 24/7

(504) 777-7777
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
Send Message
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (504) 777-7777.