Lyft Accident Claim and Insurance

A skilled New Orleans attorney fights for maximum compensation from the right source

Lyft offers New Orleans residents and visitors a convenient way to get around. But unfortunately, collisions involving these vehicles occur far too often. It could happen while you’re catching a ride home after a Saints game or just trying to get to work in Mid-City. One wrong turn or reckless driver can change everything. If you’ve been injured in a Lyft accident, you’re likely wondering who’s responsible, which insurance applies, and how to make a claim?

This isn’t the kind of car accident claim most people prepare for. When you’re dealing with pain, medical bills, and time off work, the last thing you need is more confusion. That’s where The Law Offices of John S. Williams comes in. We understand how your Lyft accident claim works and how to get compensation from the right insurance provider. To learn more about how we can help, contact us online or call to set up a free consultation.

“Attorney John S Williams fights long and hard for his clients. He handled a case for me before and the results were so outstanding and now I am back for him to handle a second case…” – D.A., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

What insurance coverage does Lyft offer in Louisiana?

One of the biggest misunderstandings people have after a rideshare accident is assuming Lyft will automatically cover the damage. The truth is, Lyft’s insurance policy is layered and complicated, and it only applies in certain situations. Whether or not you’re covered depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash.

When the Lyft app is off

If the Lyft driver wasn’t logged into the app and they were using the car for personal reasons, then Lyft isn’t responsible at all. In this situation, the driver’s personal auto insurance is the only policy that applies.

Here in Louisiana, drivers are required to carry minimum liability coverage, including:

$15,000 for bodily injury per person
$30,000 per accident for bodily injury
$25,000 for property damage

But many drivers carry only the minimum. If your injuries are serious, that coverage won’t go very far. Worse still, many personal insurance policies specifically exclude coverage if the driver uses their vehicle for rideshare services, even when they’re off the clock. That can leave victims with very few options unless an attorney steps in to pursue other avenues of recovery.

When the app is on, but no ride has been accepted

If the driver is logged into the Lyft app and waiting to be matched with a passenger, Lyft provides what’s called “contingent liability coverage.” That means:

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

However, it’s not automatic. Lyft’s policy only kicks in if the driver’s personal insurance doesn’t cover the claim or is insufficient. This can lead to finger-pointing between insurance companies and long delays in getting compensation.

When the ride is in progress (or the driver is en route)

Once the driver accepts a ride, Lyft’s full commercial insurance policy goes into effect. This happens when the driver is on the way to pick someone up or already has a passenger in the car. It includes:

Up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM)
Contingent collision and comprehensive coverage (with a $2,500 deductible)

That $1 million sounds like a lot. In many cases, it’s enough to cover even serious injuries. But don’t be fooled. Just because the coverage is available doesn’t mean Lyft or its insurance company will hand it over willingly. They’ll often challenge liability, downplay your injuries, or try to settle quickly for far less than you deserve.

What happens when multiple parties are involved?

Accidents involving Lyft vehicles often happen in crowded or chaotic situations such as intersections, highways, and tight city streets. It’s not uncommon for multiple people to be involved, including other cars, pedestrians, bicyclists, and even other rideshare drivers.

When more than one party is involved, determining fault becomes more complicated. Louisiana follows a comparative fault system. That means if more than one person shares blame for the crash, each party’s compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 but found 20% at fault, you’ll only receive $80,000.

Insurance companies are quick to use this system to their advantage. They might argue you were distracted, crossed a street improperly, or braked too suddenly. They’ll do anything to reduce the amount they have to pay. Attorney John S. Williams can fight back, gather evidence, and make sure you aren’t unfairly blamed.

Who can file a Lyft accident claim in Louisiana?

Rideshare accident claims aren’t just for Lyft passengers. If you’ve been hurt because of a Lyft driver’s actions, there’s a good chance you can file a claim, regardless of how you were involved. Attorney John S. Williams knows how to hold the right party accountable and help anyone involved in a Lyft accident, including:

Injured Lyft passengers

If you were a passenger in a Lyft during the crash, you’re almost always covered under Lyft’s $1 million liability policy. Even if another driver caused the crash and didn’t have insurance (or drove off), you can still seek compensation through Lyft’s uninsured motorist coverage.

In these cases, you don’t need to prove the Lyft driver was at fault. But you do need to show that you were hurt and that the ride was active in the app when the crash happened. That means collecting documentation such as trip receipts, screenshots, and names of witnesses.

Drivers or passengers in other vehicles

If you were in another car and a Lyft driver hit you, you can file a claim against the driver’s personal insurance or Lyft’s insurance, depending on their app status. This is where things get tricky. Without legal help, you may not even be able to find out if the driver was working at the time. Lyft isn’t always forthcoming with that information unless they’re pressured by a lawyer.

Pedestrians and cyclists

New Orleans is a pedestrian-heavy city, and bike traffic is common in neighborhoods such as the Marigny, the Bywater, and the Garden District. If a Lyft driver hits someone on foot or on a bike, the same rules apply. If the app is active, Lyft’s insurance may cover the injuries.

These cases can be even more complicated, since rideshare drivers often claim they “didn’t see” the pedestrian or blame the cyclist for darting into traffic. But with the right legal team, you can uncover the facts and hold the driver accountable.

How to file a Lyft insurance claim

Filing a Lyft accident claim isn’t just a matter of filling out a form. It’s a process that requires precision, patience, and persistence. Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Report the crash through the Lyft app or website

The first step is to notify Lyft that a crash occurred. You can do this directly through the app or on their website. However, any mistake in the process can hurt your chances of getting compensated. Before reporting the crash, be sure to consult with a New Orleans Lyft accident lawyer. When you report the crash, be brief, stick to the facts, and avoid speculating about who was at fault.

Step 2: Notify your own insurance company

Even if you were a passenger or pedestrian, your own policy might come into play, especially if you carry medical payments coverage (MedPay) or uninsured motorist protection. Louisiana requires prompt notice to your insurance provider, so don’t wait.

Step 3: File a claim with Lyft’s insurance company

Once you’ve made contact with Lyft’s insurance provider, you’ll be assigned a claims adjuster. Their job is to gather documentation, review the facts, and determine the value of your claim. But remember, their loyalty is to Lyft, not to you.

You’ll need to provide:

Medical records and bills
Police reports (available through the NOPD Records Division)
Proof of your Lyft ride
Photos from the scene
Statements from witnesses

Step 4: Keep a detailed record of everything

One of the most powerful tools you have in this process is documentation. Save every email, text, and receipt. Take photos of your injuries and keep a journal describing your pain and recovery. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be if Lyft’s insurance company disputes your claim.

Common problems with Lyft accident claims

Even when the facts seem clear, Lyft claims rarely go smoothly. Here are some of the most common hurdles victims face:

Disputes over driver app status: Lyft only accepts responsibility when the driver is logged in and working. If the driver claims they weren’t active (or if Lyft refuses to confirm it), you may have to go to court to get the app data.
Low settlement offers: Insurance companies are known for offering quick, lowball settlements, hoping you’ll take the money before realizing how much your injuries will really cost. Once you accept a settlement, you can’t go back and ask for more.
Delays and lack of communication: Victims often find themselves stuck waiting for updates that never come. Lyft’s insurance adjusters aren’t known for being responsive, and getting clear answers can take weeks or months without legal pressure.

Handling a Lyft accident claim can be difficult, but when The Law Offices of John S. Williams is on your side, you can simply focus on your recovery. We handle the rest.

Why you need a Lyft accident attorney in New Orleans

Filing a Lyft accident claim isn’t just about submitting paperwork; it’s about protecting your health, your finances, and your future. Medical bills can pile up fast. You may miss weeks of work. If your injuries lead to long-term complications, the consequences could follow you for years. That’s why having an experienced Lyft accident attorney matters. You need someone who can cut through the red tape and fight to make things right.

The Law Offices of John S. Williams knows how to uncover the truth. During an investigation, we can pull ride data, locate witnesses, analyze surveillance footage, and work with crash experts if needed. Insurance companies will look for reasons to deny or reduce your claim. We look for the facts that prove fault and show why you deserve full compensation. If the insurance company won’t settle fairly, we’re prepared to take them to court.

Lyft has lawyers. So should you. Don’t try to face this system alone. Let us handle your claim from start to finish while you focus on healing. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay us unless we win your case. Contact us today and learn how we can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.