Uber Accident Claim and Insurance

Talk to a New Orleans Uber accident lawyer who knows how to fight back

There’s something distinctly modern and convenient about calling up a stranger’s car with the tap of a screen. In a place like New Orleans, where the streets are narrow, the tourists are many, and the parking is rarely easy, rideshare apps like Uber have made navigating the city a little simpler. But when a crash happens and your body is left aching, or worse, that simplicity vanishes.

What follows isn’t simple at all. The insurance process is nothing like what you’d expect from a regular car accident. There are multiple layers of coverage, third-party insurance providers you’ve never heard of, and a billion-dollar company working hard to keep its hands clean.

That’s why you need a strong legal advocate on your side who understands your Uber accident claim works. If you’re injured in an Uber crash, contact The Law Offices of John S. Williams and schedule your free consultation with a lawyer who won’t back down from insurance companies.

“John has done a wonderful job settling my case. He kept me abreast as to what was going on the entire time and maximized the settlement with his vast knowledge in law. I truly appreciate you as an attorney and I recommend him to anyone that looking for a great attorney.” – Torri, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Why Uber claims aren’t like other car accidents

In a typical car crash, you deal with one driver and one insurance policy. But when an Uber vehicle is involved, you’re entering a new arena. You’re dealing with:

A private driver who may or may not have commercial insurance
A corporate app that insists it’s just a “platform,” not an employer
Multiple insurance policies that only apply depending on what the driver was doing at the exact moment of the crash

It’s like trying to file a claim in a house of mirrors. For victims, that confusion can mean delays, denials, or lowball settlements. That’s why you need an experienced legal advocate to sort things out for you. Attorney John S. Williams knows who to hold accountable and where to pursue compensation on your behalf.

How does Uber’s insurance coverage work?

Uber does offer insurance coverage, but only when certain conditions are met. Everything hinges on the “driver status” at the time of the crash. Here’s how it works:

App off: No coverage from Uber

If the driver is not logged into the Uber app, Uber is off the hook. Period. This is called “Period 0,” and during this time, the driver is considered off-duty.

In this case, the driver’s personal auto insurance is your only avenue for compensation. In Louisiana, the minimum required coverage is low:

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

That might not even cover the cost of an ambulance ride and a night in the ER, let alone surgeries, lost income, or long-term rehab. If the driver was uninsured or underinsured, things get even messier.

App on, no passenger: Limited liability

If the driver is logged into the Uber app and waiting for a ride request, Uber offers a modest level of third-party liability coverage:

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

This coverage only applies if the driver’s own insurance doesn’t cover the claim. Even then, you can expect Uber’s insurance provider to scrutinize everything. Was the app really on? Was the driver truly “available” at that exact second? These technicalities are often used to sidestep responsibility.

En route or passenger on board: $1 million coverage

If the Uber driver has accepted a trip or has a passenger in the car, Uber’s full commercial policy kicks in:

$1 million in liability coverage
$1 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage
Contingent collision and comprehensive coverage (with a $2,500 deductible), but only if the driver also has that on their own policy

This is the most generous coverage Uber provides, and it applies to both passengers and people outside the vehicle (for example, other drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians) if the Uber driver was at fault.

In Louisiana, where many drivers are underinsured and pedestrian injuries are tragically common, this level of coverage can make a real difference. However, getting compensated isn’t as simple as it sounds. Insurance companies often look for ways to cut costs, even at your expense.

With Attorney John S. Williams on your side, you can level the playing field and get the full compensation you’re entitled to.

Who can file an Uber accident claim?

If you’re hurt in a traffic accident involving an Uber driver in New Orleans, you may be able to file a claim against Uber’s insurance policy. Here’s who qualifies:

Uber passengers

If you’re injured while riding in an Uber, you’re likely covered under the $1 million liability policy, regardless of who was at fault. That includes:

Injuries from crashes caused by another driver
Injuries caused by the Uber driver themselves
Collisions during drop-off or pickup

You may also be covered under Uber’s UM/UIM policy if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or flees the scene.

Other drivers

If you’re driving your own vehicle and an Uber crashes into you, your right to file a claim depends on what the Uber driver was doing at the time.

Proving the driver’s status can be difficult, and Uber isn’t eager to share this info. But an experienced New Orleans Uber accident attorney can subpoena trip logs and app records if needed.

Pedestrians and cyclists

The streets of New Orleans are shared spaces. In neighborhoods such as the Bywater, the Marigny, or the French Quarter, pedestrians and bikes weave around parked cars and rideshare pickups all day long. When Uber drivers fail to pay attention, pedestrians and cyclists can suffer serious and potentially life-threatening, injuries.

If you’re hit by an Uber while walking or cycling, you may be eligible for compensation. But even when the Uber driver is clearly at fault, insurance companies will find a way to dispute your claim. That’s why you need an attorney dedicated to fighting for the rights of pedestrians and cyclists injured in Uber accidents.

Uber drivers

Even Uber drivers can sometimes file a claim, especially if they were hurt in a crash caused by someone else during an active trip. Uber’s policies may apply, but drivers are often left fending for themselves, especially if they don’t understand how the coverage works.

How do I file an Uber insurance claim in Louisiana?

The claim process isn’t just about filing forms; it’s about protecting yourself from mistakes, missed deadlines, and insurance companies who want you to settle for less. Here’s what the process typically looks like:

1. Report the crash in the Uber app

If you were a passenger, open the app and use the “Help” section to report the crash. This starts the claims process with Uber and notifies their insurance provider. However, before you do this, it’s important to discuss your claim with an Uber accident attorney in New Orleans who can guide you through the right steps. The last thing you want to do is make a mistake that jeopardizes your claim.

2. Notify your own insurance company

Even if you weren’t at fault, your insurance provider needs to know about the crash. Be brief. Stick to the facts. Don’t speculate. Anything you say can be used later by insurance companies looking to limit their exposure.

3. File a claim with Uber’s insurance company

Uber works with multiple insurance companies. Insurance companies are notorious for delays, deflections, and denials. They’re not going to make this easy. That’s why you should never deal with them directly. Instead, let Attorney John S. Williams handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies, so they can’t push you around or take advantage of your situation.

4. Document everything

In Louisiana, you can recover compensation for medical bills, lost earnings, pain and suffering, future care, and more, but only if you document it properly. Here’s what you should do to help build your case:

Keep a daily pain journal.
Save all receipts, bills, and prescriptions.
Ask your doctor for a written treatment plan.
Take photos of your injuries and vehicle damage.
Request the police report. In New Orleans, that’s typically through the Public Records Request Portal.

What obstacles will I face when pursuing an Uber accident claim?

Uber claims are very difficult. Even with insurance in place, getting fair compensation is a fight. Here’s why:

App status disputes: Uber is quick to argue that the driver wasn’t technically working, even if the app was open. Without clear evidence, they may deny the claim outright.
Delays and unresponsiveness: Uber’s insurance carriers often drag their feet. You may go weeks without hearing anything. Adjusters change. Emails get ignored. All while your bills keep piling up.
Finger-pointing: Uber says it’s the driver’s fault. The driver says it’s Uber. The insurance company says neither of them is responsible. Meanwhile, you’re stuck in the middle while hurt, stressed, and running out of time.
Comparative fault: Louisiana follows a comparative fault system. That means if they can prove you were partially to blame (even a little) your compensation gets reduced. Don’t be surprised if they try to pin some blame on you, no matter how unfair it seems.

The best way to avoid these obstacles is to work with a knowledgeable New Orleans Uber accident lawyer who knows Louisiana law and how to fight back. The Law Offices of John S. Williams understands these challenges very well and is well equipped to get you the best possible case outcome.

Why shouldn’t I handle my Uber accident claim alone?

You could try to handle your Uber accident claim alone. In fact, some people do. But many regret it.

Uber’s insurance company has seasoned adjusters, corporate lawyers, and plenty of fine print. They know how to delay, how to deflect, and how to underpay. If you’re unfamiliar with Louisiana’s personal injury laws or the unique quirks of rideshare insurance, it’s easy to get taken advantage of.

That’s why you need a strong legal advocate protecting your rights every step of the way. A seasoned Uber accident attorney in New Orleans can:

Force Uber to disclose app data and trip logs.
Investigate driver background and prior incidents.
Identify all available coverage, including excess policies.
Calculate full damages (including future medical costs).
Negotiate aggressively with Uber’s insurance company.
Prepare to take the case to court if needed.

Our firm doesn’t wait around hoping for a fair offer. We fight to make it happen.

When does it make sense to sue after an Uber accident?

Most Uber accident cases settle out of court, but sometimes, you need to push back. You may need to file a lawsuit if:

Uber denies the driver was working.
The insurance company offers far less than your claim is worth.
You suffered catastrophic injury or permanent disability.
The crash resulted in wrongful death.

However, you only have one year to file a personal injury lawsuit in Louisiana. That’s shorter than in most states. Miss that deadline, and your claim disappears forever. The sooner you get Attorney John S. Williams on your side, the easier it will be to gather evidence and witness statements while they’re fresh.

Hurt in an Uber accident? You don’t have to go it alone

There’s nothing simple about getting hit by a car, especially when that car was summoned by an app, driven by a stranger, and protected by a billion-dollar rideshare company that says it isn’t responsible. In New Orleans, where traffic can be chaotic and drivers often bend the rules, Uber accidents happen more often than most people realize. When they do, victims are often left with more questions than answers.

You shouldn’t have to figure this out by yourself. The Law Offices of John S. Williams understands the games rideshare companies play. We know Louisiana law and we know how to cut through the red tape, expose negligence, and demand accountability. Whether the driver was working at the time or between rides, we’ll help you get clarity and fight for what’s right.

If you’ve been injured in an Uber accident in New Orleans or anywhere in Louisiana, don’t wait to get legal help. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win. Contact us today. We’ll make sure your voice is heard, your rights are protected, and your case is taken seriously.