How Uber and Lyft Insurance Policies Can Protect Me as a Louisiana Passenger Involved in an Accident

The rise of popular ridesharing services, like that of Uber and Lyft, provides Louisiana residents with transportation options. Previously limited to larger cities such as Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Lafayette, Act. No. 286 of the state legislature now permits rideshare—or transportation network companies (TNC)—to operate statewide. It is important to know how this may affect you, especially if you experience serious injuries in a ridesharing accident.  If your life changed forever due to a negligent rideshare driver, Alvendia, Kelly, & Demarest, Attorneys at Law, can help you pursue possible compensation.

Transportation Network Companies in Louisiana

Louisiana Act No. 286 went into effect on July 1, 2019. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) oversees the rideshare rules and regulations. Legislators adopted Act No. 286 to expand transportation to rural parts of the state and to curtail impaired driving. The DOTD allowed transportation network companies to operate using a conditional permit immediately. As DOTD continues to develop rules and regulations in partnership with parishes and municipalities, companies like Uber and Lyft may provide services throughout Louisiana.  If you experienced serious injuries in a rideshare accident due to driver negligence, contact Alvendia, Kelly, & Demarest, Attorneys at Law, now.

Common Rideshare Policies

Both Uber and Lyft have their own rules and regulations when it comes to operating in New Orleans and throughout the state. While the two provide similar services, company rules and regulations differ slightly:

Uber

Uber requires that vehicles be no older than 15 years and that there is a valid registration. It is acceptable if the registration is from another state. The vehicle does not have to be registered in the driver’s name to qualify.

Insurance policies must contain the driver’s name. In addition, the VIN number on the vehicle and on the insurance policy must match. Uber maintains auto liability insurance for drivers.

How and when Uber insurance coverage applies depends upon the accident. For example:

Available or Waiting for a Ride Request: 

(Third-party liability if your personal insurance doesn’t apply)

• $50,000 bodily injury per person.
• $100,000 bodily injury per accident.
• $25,000 in property damage per accident.

En Route to Pick Up Drivers and During Trips

• $1 million third-party liability.
• Other protection for the driver and the vehicle.

Lyft

While Lyft’s policies are similar to Uber, there are some differences. To drive within the city of New Orleans, the vehicle must be a 2012 model or newer. For all other areas of Louisiana, vehicles no older than 2009 are acceptable. Lyft requires five to eight seats and Louisiana license plates.

Unlike Uber, Lyft requires that the vehicle used for the service has a Louisiana registration. Lyft also requires proof of a Louisiana brake tag inspection sticker.  Drivers must have proof of insurance; however, Lyft provides the following coverage:

Available or Waiting for a Ride Request: 

(Third-party liability if your personal insurance doesn’t apply; same coverage as Uber).

• $50,000 bodily injury per person.
• $100,000 bodily injury per accident.
• $25,000 in property damage per accident.

En Route to Pick Up Drivers and During Trips

• $1 million third-party liability.
• Other protection for the driver and the vehicle.

Both Uber and Lyft provide the same level of liability insurance protection. What the company insurance policies pay depends upon how an accident occurs and who is at fault.  Determining liability for your rideshare accident is where our legal team can help you.

We have the experience you need when it comes to investigating serious car accidents. If your rideshare accident resulted in life-changing injuries, it isn’t fair and you deserve justice.

We provide free case evaluations leaving you nothing to lose by reaching out to us as soon as possible. The sooner we can review the evidence connected with your case, the sooner we can get to work for you.  Examples of helpful types of evidence include:

• Police reports
• Accident scene photos
• Witness statements
• Medical reports of your injuries

You should not pay-out-of-pocket for your medical expenses. Depending upon the severity of your injuries, you may never return to a career you once loved.  Pursuing a personal injury lawsuit for a rideshare accident is your right under Louisiana law.

The statute of limitations for filing your lawsuit limits you to one year and the clock begins the moment you become injured.  It is imperative that you contact Alvendia, Kelly, & Demarest, Attorneys at Law, immediately following your accident.

Protect Your Best Interests: Contact Alvendia, Kelly, & Demarest Now

Do not let aggressive insurance companies pressure you into accepting a settlement offer. If you accept it, you lose your right to pursue civil litigation later should your medical condition worsen.  The insurance company is protecting their best interests and not yours.

As experienced personal injury lawyers, we are well-aware of the tactics insurance companies use to deny or delay claims. We work hard to negotiate a fair settlement out-of-court. If necessary, we are ready and willing to go to trial.

Ridesharing is increasing as a popular form of travel for many throughout Louisiana.  Hiring a driver from either service requires placing your trust and your safety in the hands of a stranger. If Uber or Lyft failed to properly investigate your driver and their driving record, the companies may face liability for your injuries in addition to the driver.

If you find yourself in a situation where the at-fault driver’s insurance doesn’t cover all your damages, you might need to delve into the realm of Louisiana underinsured coverage. Moreover, when considering legal action, the importance of hiring the right lawyer after a car accident in New Orleans cannot be overstated. There are also unique cases, such as those involving an intoxicated Uber driver, where the liability might differ. Furthermore, in tragic circumstances leading to a fatality, understanding the potential damages in wrongful death cases is crucial. Lastly, navigating through insurance claims can be a daunting task, but with the right guidance, you can ensure you’re adequately compensated.

Let us determine who is liable for your injuries and hold them accountable by pursuing civil action. Traumatic injuries, like that of a brain or spinal cord injury, can costs millions of dollars each year.  Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Protect your future medical and financial needs by securing legal representation without delay. Call Alvendia, Kelly, and Demarest, Attorneys at Law, today for a free case evaluation: (504) 200-0000 or contact us online.