New Orleans Lyft And Uber Accident Lawyer
John S. Williams can fight for compensation for your rideshare crash
Ridesharing car companies like Uber and Lyft have become increasingly common in recent years, especially in popular tourist destinations like New Orleans. Unfortunately, car accidents caused by Uber or Lyft drivers have become increasingly common, as well. These accidents might seem like other types of car accidents, but rideshare accidents often turn out to be much more complicated.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a rideshare crash in New Orleans, car accident lawyer John S. Williams can help. Attorney Williams knows the challenges often facing injury victims. He has more than 15 years of legal experience dealing with serious car accidents. He thoroughly understands the laws governing Uber and Lyft accidents. He knows how the legal system works in New Orleans. Most important, he has the drive and the passion to put together the strongest possible legal case.
So whether you were driving your car, riding in an Uber or were a passenger in a car struck by a Lyft driver, you can count on The Law Offices of John S. Williams, LLC to demand the financial compensation you deserve after your car crash.
“Attorney John Williams is not only a great attorney, he's also a man of great character and integrity! John is reliable, trustworthy, and always keeps his client's best interest at heart. He maintains an open line of communication at all times and is always eager to assist. John is a skilled professional and I found him to be extremely well-versed in various aspects of the law. He went above and beyond to assist me. I highly recommend The Law Offices of John S. Williams! John is the absolute best!” – Toni Lynn V., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
FAQs About Rideshare Accidents
After a serious rideshare accident, having the right information isn’t just helpful – it’s essential, and it needs to come from a legal authority you can trust like The Law Offices of John S. Williams, LLC, whose FAQ below answers many of the questions that matter most to victims and families in New Orleans.
- What should I do after my Lyft or Uber accident?
- Who can be held liable after a serious Uber or Lyft accident in New Orleans?
- What if I was a passenger in an Uber or Lyft when the crash happened – do I still have a case?
- Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly for a rideshare accident in Louisiana?
- What are the most common causes of Uber and Lyft accidents in New Orleans and nearby parishes?
- Where do most Uber and Lyft accidents happen in New Orleans and the surrounding parishes?
- How does Louisiana law handle insurance coverage for rideshare accidents involving serious injuries or fatalities?
- What types of injuries are most common in New Orleans Uber and Lyft crashes – and how severe can they be?
- Can surviving family members file a wrongful death claim after a fatal rideshare crash in Louisiana?
- What should I do if the Uber or Lyft driver was not logged into the app when the accident happened?
- How is compensation calculated in a rideshare injury case involving long-term disabilities or permanent loss?
- What challenges should I expect from Uber or Lyft’s insurance company during the claims process?
- How long do I have to file a claim after a rideshare crash in New Orleans?
- Are certain neighborhoods or highways in the New Orleans area more prone to rideshare crashes?
- Can I recover damages if a loved one was hit by a rideshare driver while walking or biking?
- Do Uber and Lyft drivers in Louisiana undergo any safety training or screening?
- What are my legal options if a rideshare driver caused a multi-vehicle crash on I-10 or another New Orleans highway?
- Why is it important to contact a New Orleans rideshare accident lawyer as soon as possible after the crash?
What should I do after my Lyft or Uber accident?
If you have been involved in a car crash caused by an Uber or Lyft driver, it’s important to take certain steps to protect your rights and your well-being, including:
- Contact the police – Tell the police you have been in car accident caused by a rideshare driver. Ask them to respond to your accident. By having an official accident report, you may have an easier time filing an accident claim for your crash.
- Seek medical attention – Even if you feel fine, make sure you have a medical professional examine you right away. If your accident happened several days ago, it’s still important to see a doctor. You could have a life-threatening internal injury.
- Take pictures of your crash – If it is safe to do so and you are healthy enough to do so, take pictures of your accident. Having pictures of your crash can be powerful evidence.
- Talk to witnesses – Many Uber and Lyft crashes in New Orleans occur in popular places filled with many people. If someone saw your accident, get their name and the best phone number to reach them. Also, ask the investigating police officer to talk to them. Eyewitness testimony can help build a strong legal case.
- Call your insurance company – Contact your insurance company and tell them what happened. However, keep your comments brief when you first call to report your accident. Anything you say or write can later be used as evidence.
- Contact Uber or Lyft – Each ridesharing company has its own procedures for dealing with accidents caused by their drivers. If you are not comfortable doing this, simply skip to the next step for help.
- Call a lawyer – The sooner you have an accident attorney working on your rideshare claim, the better. Dealing with these companies – and demanding the compensation you deserve – can be very complicated. An experienced New Orleans rideshare accident lawyer can help you every step of the way.
Who can be held liable after a serious Uber or Lyft accident in New Orleans?
Liability (who’s legally responsible) depends on who contributed to the crash and whether the Uber or Lyft driver was actively using the app. In many cases, multiple parties may share responsibility, which can complicate your claim and affect how much compensation is available. Possible at-fault parties can include:
- The rideshare driver – if they caused the crash through distraction, speeding, or illegal maneuvers.
- Another driver – If a separate vehicle was responsible for the collision.
- Uber or Lyft’s insurance provider – If the driver was logged into the app or carrying a passenger.
- A vehicle manufacturer – In crashes involving defective brakes, airbags, or other components.
- A government entity – When dangerous road conditions or faulty traffic controls contributed.
Because liability can be shared or disputed, a lawyer can help determine who is at fault and hold the right parties accountable.
What if I was a passenger in an Uber or Lyft when the crash happened – do I still have a case?
Yes, passengers in Uber or Lyft vehicles who are injured in a crash almost always have a case. Under Louisiana law, you can file a claim against whichever driver caused the crash – whether it was the rideshare driver or someone else. If the app was active, Uber or Lyft’s $1 million insurance policy may apply. A lawyer can identify all liable parties and make sure you’re not stuck dealing with medical bills you didn’t cause.
Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly for a rideshare accident in Louisiana?
The short answer? Yes, you may be able to file a lawsuit against Uber or Lyft for your accident-related expenses. However, these legal cases are often very complicated because Uber and Lyft often point out that their drivers are not employees. Instead, these rideshare companies often insist that their drivers are independent contractors.
That doesn’t excuse Uber or Lyft of responsibility if one of their drivers caused your accident. In particular, you will likely need to prove that the driver was on duty at the time of your accident. In most cases, an Uber or Lyft driver is considered on duty if they are:
- Driving with a passenger
- Have the ridesharing app on
- Driving to pick up a passenger
- Looking up directions for a ridesharing journey
- Checking the ridesharing app about a prospective customer
Even then, there’s no guarantee that you can successfully sue a ridesharing company. Taking on multi-national corporations after a serious accident can be a challenge. That’s why it’s critical that you talk to an attorney right away if you’re considering filing a lawsuit in response to your New Orleans ridesharing accident.
What are the most common causes of Uber and Lyft accidents in New Orleans and nearby parishes?
Rideshare crashes in the New Orleans metro area often happen under predictable conditions – heavy traffic, distracted drivers, and rushed pickups. Identifying the cause is one of the first steps in determining liability and recovering damages (financial compensation). Contributing factors often include:
- Driver distraction – Including texting, using the app, or interacting with passengers.
- Speeding or aggressive driving – Common when drivers are trying to complete more rides.
- Fatigue – Particularly at night or after long shifts without breaks.
- Unsafe stops – Abrupt pickups or drop-offs in traffic lanes or near intersections.
- Poor road familiarity – Causing sudden turns or missed signals in unfamiliar neighborhoods.
Understanding what caused your crash makes it easier to build a strong legal claim and seek full compensation with help from an experienced attorney.
Where do most Uber and Lyft accidents happen in New Orleans and the surrounding parishes?
Accidents tend to happen where rideshare demand is high and traffic is unpredictable. Certain roads and neighborhoods consistently see more incidents because of congestion, visibility issues, or poor street design.
- I-10 and I-610 – Fast speeds, heavy merging, and frequent lane changes.
- Canal Street and Claiborne Avenue – Constant pickups, drop-offs, and foot traffic.
- The French Quarter and Marigny – Narrow streets with limited visibility and frequent jaywalking.
- CBD and Warehouse District – High volume of rideshare traffic during peak hours.
- Veterans Memorial Boulevard and Airline Drive – Major routes in Metairie and Kenner.
If your crash happened in one of these common areas, a New Orleans attorney familiar with local traffic patterns can help build a case using location-specific evidence.
How does Louisiana law handle insurance coverage for rideshare accidents involving serious injuries or fatalities?
Louisiana has specific rules about when and how rideshare insurance coverage applies. The driver’s status in the app at the time of the crash determines which insurance policies are active and how much coverage is available.
- Driver offline – Only the driver’s personal insurance applies.
- Driver waiting for a ride – Limited coverage applies (typically $50,000 per person).
- Driver en route or transporting a passenger – $1 million in liability coverage through Uber or Lyft.
- Third-party drivers involved – Their insurance may also be triggered.
- Uninsured or underinsured drivers – Additional coverage may apply for serious injuries.
Because rideshare coverage has multiple tiers and conditions, a lawyer can make sure the right policy is used and insurers don’t avoid paying what you’re owed.
What types of injuries are most common in New Orleans Uber and Lyft crashes – and how severe can they be?
Even low-speed rideshare accidents can cause serious injuries – particularly to unbelted passengers or pedestrians. Many victims experience long-term complications or require costly medical care after a crash for the following severe injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries – From head impacts or sudden deceleration.
- Spinal cord injuries – Including herniated discs or permanent paralysis.
- Broken bones – Particularly ribs, arms, legs, and facial fractures.
- Internal injuries – Such as bleeding, organ damage, or lung trauma.
- Fatal injuries – Common in highway crashes or pedestrian collisions.
Getting medical treatment is only one step. A lawyer can help make sure the full impact of your injuries is documented and properly valued for your case.
Can surviving family members file a wrongful death claim after a fatal rideshare crash in Louisiana?
Yes, Louisiana law allows surviving spouses, children, or parents to file a wrongful death claim when a loved one dies in a rideshare crash. These tragic cases often involve pedestrian deaths or high-speed collisions on I-10, Airline Highway, or city corridors like Carrollton Avenue. Compensation can include money for funeral costs, loss of income, and emotional suffering. A lawyer can help secure evidence quickly before app data or surveillance footage is lost.
What should I do if the Uber or Lyft driver was not logged into the app when the accident happened?
If the driver wasn’t logged into the Uber or Lyft app, then the rideshare company’s insurance likely won’t apply. In that case, you would file against the driver’s personal auto policy – but many drivers carry only the minimum coverage required under Louisiana law. Crashes in areas like Metairie or Gentilly often involve drivers toggling the app on and off between fares. A lawyer can subpoena app activity to prove when coverage should have applied.
How is compensation calculated in a rideshare injury case involving long-term disabilities or permanent loss?
If you suffered a lasting injury, your compensation should reflect not just your immediate, short-term medical bills but also how the injury will affect the rest of your life. Insurance companies often undervalue these claims unless they’re challenged. Your claim should take into account all of these long-term expenses:
- Medical expenses – Including surgery, physical therapy, and future care.
- Loss of earning capacity – If you can no longer return to your previous work.
- Pain and suffering – To account for chronic pain, anxiety, or PTSD.
- Lifestyle changes – Such as needing help with daily activities or home modifications.
- Loss of enjoyment – Reduced ability to participate in hobbies or family life.
Calculating these damages (legal term for financial losses) requires careful documentation and often legal support, which a lawyer can coordinate as part of your case.
What challenges should I expect from Uber or Lyft’s insurance company during the claims process?
Uber and Lyft’s insurers are skilled at limiting payouts. They may question the severity of your injuries, argue about fault, or try to use confusing policy language to deny claims. These challenges can delay or reduce your compensation.
- Blaming other drivers – Shifting responsibility to avoid paying the claim.
- Minimizing injuries – Suggesting your pain is unrelated or not that serious.
- Disputing coverage – Arguing the app was off or the driver was not on duty.
- Delaying responses – Hoping you’ll get frustrated or desperate and settle early.
- Offering low settlements – Before you’ve completed treatment or understand your long-term needs.
A lawyer can manage communications with insurers and prevent them from taking advantage of you during a vulnerable time.
How long do I have to file a claim after a rideshare crash in New Orleans?
Louisiana has one of the shortest deadlines in the country – just one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim. This one-year deadline is known as the statute of limitations and it applies whether the crash happened on a major highway like I-610 or during a routine pickup downtown. Waiting too long means losing your right to any compensation, no matter how strong your case might be. An attorney can file on time and make sure all evidence is preserved before it disappears.
Are certain neighborhoods or highways in the New Orleans area more prone to rideshare crashes?
Yes. Some areas experience more rideshare collisions simply due to how often drivers operate there and the road conditions involved. Tourists, late-night traffic, and frequent stops all increase the risk of a crash in many of these New Orleans neighborhoods.
- French Quarter and Bourbon Street – Heavy pedestrian presence and limited visibility.
- Treme and Mid-City – Complex intersections and distracted traffic.
- Metairie Road and Causeway Boulevard – High commercial activity and inconsistent driver behavior.
- Westbank Expressway and General De Gaulle Drive – High-speed traffic and narrow access points.
- Superdome and event zones – Heavy rideshare use during large gatherings and sporting events.
Accidents in these zones often involve specific risks that a local lawyer will be familiar with, making it easier to identify negligence and support your New Orleans rideshare accident claim.
Can I recover damages if a loved one was hit by a rideshare driver while walking or biking?
Yes, pedestrians and cyclists hit by Uber or Lyft drivers in Louisiana have the right to pursue compensation for their financial losses, which is often referred to as “damages” in many legal cases. These types of crashes often occur near crosswalks on Canal Street, Magazine Street, or in the CBD where visibility is low and drivers are focused on the app. The company’s $1 million liability policy may apply if the driver was active. A lawyer can confirm app status and demand full compensation for medical bills, lost income, or loss of life.
Do Uber and Lyft drivers in Louisiana undergo any safety training or screening?
Uber and Lyft require background checks, but Louisiana doesn’t mandate any formal safety training for rideshare drivers. That means drivers operating around New Orleans – whether on St. Charles Avenue, Poydras Street, or across the Causeway – might have little to no experience with defensive driving or pedestrian-heavy areas. Screening mostly involves criminal and driving history, not real-world skill or reaction time. If poor driving played a role in your crash, a lawyer can use that to strengthen your case.
What are my legal options if a rideshare driver caused a multi-vehicle crash on I-10 or another New Orleans highway?
Multi-vehicle collisions involving rideshare drivers are common on highways like I-10, Pontchartrain Expressway, or the Westbank Expressway. These crashes often involve multiple claims and complicated fault analysis. They also often present rideshare injury victims with multiple legal options:
- File a claim against the rideshare driver – If they were negligent or violated traffic laws.
- Pursue compensation from Uber or Lyft’s insurer – If the driver was logged in or on a trip.
- Investigate all involved drivers – To determine how fault is shared.
- Use uninsured motorist coverage – If another vehicle fled the scene or had no insurance.
- Seek a wrongful death claim – If the crash resulted in a fatality.
An attorney can help navigate the legal complexities of these cases and coordinate with multiple insurers to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
Why is it important to contact a New Orleans rideshare accident lawyer as soon as possible after the crash?
Timing matters in personal injury claims. The longer you wait, the more likely evidence will disappear – and the more leverage insurance companies have to twist the facts in their favor. Early action protects your case.
- Evidence can be lost – Such as dashcam footage, app data, and vehicle records.
- Witnesses forget details – Or become unreachable if not contacted promptly.
- Insurers may contact you – And ask questions designed to weaken your case.
- Medical care must be documented – And early gaps in treatment can hurt your claim.
- Deadlines are strict – Louisiana has a one-year statute of limitations.
A lawyer can step in quickly to secure evidence, protect your rights, and guide you through every stage of your recovery.
Get the New Orleans law firm that will fight for justice for you. Contact us.
Don’t wait to take legal action after your New Orleans Lyft or Uber accident. Louisiana has one of the shortest deadlines – one year from the date of your accident – to file a lawsuit or take other legal action. Even then, the longer you wait to take legal action, the harder it often becomes to find the evidence you need to build the strongest possible legal case.
Demand the money you deserve. Contact our law firm and schedule your free case evaluation. New Orleans accident attorney John S. Williams understands the urgency of your case. He knows how to investigate rideshare accidents. Most importantly, he’s committed to fighting for justice after your accident. Schedule an appointment at our law firm.