Partner at AKD Lawyers
Practice Areas: Insurance Claims
Getting around New Orleans using taxis, Uber, or Lyft is part of everyday life for many locals and visitors. But when a routine ride turns into an accident, things can quickly become confusing. Who’s at fault? Who pays for your injuries? Can you sue the taxi company or rideshare provider, and when should you turn to a personal injury lawyer in New Orleans for answers?
If you’ve been involved in a taxi or rideshare accident in New Orleans, this guide is here to help. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from understanding who’s liable to how Louisiana laws work in these cases.
Understanding Taxi and Rideshare Accidents in New Orleans
New Orleans is a busy city, especially during festivals, game days, or tourist season. That means taxis and rideshares like Uber and Lyft are constantly on the move. But with this convenience comes a downside more accidents involving commercial drivers.
Taxi and rideshare accidents are often more complicated than regular car accidents. That’s because they involve more parties—drivers, passengers, companies, insurers—and usually require a deeper investigation into policies, background checks, and corporate responsibility.
When you’re hurt in one of these crashes, it’s essential to understand your rights, what kind of compensation you can seek, and how an attorney can help you navigate the legal maze.
Common Causes of Taxi and Rideshare Accidents
Taxi and rideshare drivers are under constant pressure to complete as many trips as possible. Sometimes, this leads to poor decisions or unsafe driving behavior.
Fatigue is one of the most common causes. Drivers often work long shifts, especially during peak hours. When they’re tired, their reaction time drops and mistakes happen.
Distracted driving is another issue. Many rideshare drivers rely on GPS apps, ride notifications, or music controls while driving, which can easily take their eyes off the road.
Other contributing factors include:
- Speeding to meet deadlines or complete more trips
- Neglecting vehicle maintenance
- Aggressive or reckless driving
- Unfamiliarity with New Orleans streets and traffic patterns
Unfortunately, passengers and other road users pay the price when drivers or companies cut corners.
Who Is Liable in a Taxi or Rideshare Accident?
Liability in these accidents can get tricky. In some cases, the driver is at fault. In others, the company might be responsible—especially if it failed to maintain the vehicle or hired someone with a poor driving record.
In taxi accidents, the company may be held directly liable if the driver is an employee. This is called vicarious liability, where the company is legally responsible for actions taken by its employees while on the job.
Things are different for rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. These companies often argue that their drivers are independent contractors, which can limit the company’s liability. However, under certain circumstances, Uber or Lyft can still be held accountable—especially if their platform failed to protect passengers.
Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 2323, the fault is shared proportionally. This means if you’re found 20% at fault in a taxi accident, your compensation will be reduced by 20%.
It’s also possible that a third-party driver, a pedestrian, or a defective car part caused or contributed to the crash. That’s why a detailed investigation is critical to determine who should pay for your injuries.
What Louisiana Law Says About Taxi and Rideshare Accidents
Louisiana follows a comparative fault system, which means fault can be divided between multiple parties. If you’re partially at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. This system applies to all personal injury cases, including taxi and rideshare crashes.
The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Louisiana is typically one year from the date of the accident.
That’s a short window, so it’s essential to take legal action quickly if you’ve been hurt.
Louisiana also has laws specific to Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft. These companies must carry higher insurance coverage than typical drivers. In fact, when a rideshare driver is actively transporting a passenger, Louisiana law requires:
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are required by law to maintain a minimum of $1 million in liability insurance when a driver is carrying a passenger.
This provides a layer of protection for passengers in the event of an accident, though getting the insurance company to pay out fairly is often a battle in itself.
What To Do After a Taxi or Rideshare Crash
The moments after a crash can be overwhelming, especially if you’re hurt or shaken up. However, taking the proper steps early on can make a big difference in your case.
First, get medical attention. Even if you feel fine, some injuries take time to show symptoms. Report the accident to the police and the taxi company or rideshare app (Uber and Lyft have built-in features for this).
Gather as much evidence as possible. This includes taking photos of the scene, getting the driver’s info, saving ride receipts, and noting the time and location of the crash.
Preserve communication—screenshots of your ride details or app notifications can be necessary later. Once your immediate medical needs are addressed, speak with a personal injury attorney who understands how these complex claims work.
What Can You Be Compensated For?
Taxi and rideshare accident victims may be eligible for various damages, depending on the severity of the crash.
These damages typically include:
- Medical bills (emergency care, surgeries, rehab, future treatment)
- Lost wages due to time off work
- Loss of future earning capacity if the injury is long-term
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage (especially if you were driving and were hit)
In some extreme cases—such as when a driver was intoxicated or acted recklessly—you may also be awarded punitive damages, which are meant to punish the wrongdoer.
Rideshare vs. Taxi Accident Claims in Louisiana
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of how these two types of accidents are handled.
| Factor | Taxi Accidents | Rideshare Accidents (Uber/Lyft) |
| Employer Liability | Taxi companies may be liable | Uber/Lyft classify drivers as independent contractors |
| Insurance Coverage | Commercial insurance required | $1M coverage when passenger is in vehicle |
| Reporting the Incident | Through company hotline/police | Via app + police report |
| Regulation | Heavily regulated local cab laws | TNC-specific state laws (Act 286) |
As you can see, your legal options and the path to compensation can vary depending on whether the crash involved a taxi or a rideshare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can be held liable in a taxi or rideshare accident?
Liability may fall on the driver, the company, or even a third party. Depending on the circumstances, if the driver was working at the time, their employer or the rideshare platform may share legal responsibility.
Does Uber or Lyft provide insurance for accidents?
Yes, Uber and Lyft carry up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage when a passenger is in the vehicle. This insurance covers medical costs, lost income, and other damages in qualifying accidents.
What if I was a pedestrian or cyclist hit by a rideshare vehicle?
Pedestrians or cyclists hit by Uber, Lyft, or taxis can still pursue a claim. Depending on whether the driver was logged in or had an active ride, coverage may come from the driver’s personal or company-provided insurance.
Can I sue the taxi company after a crash?
Yes, you can file a lawsuit against the taxi company if the driver was at fault and acted within the scope of their employment. The company may also be held liable for negligent hiring or failure to maintain the vehicle.
What should I do right after a taxi or Uber/Lyft accident?
Seek medical care, contact the police, and report the accident to the app or company. Collect information from everyone involved, document the scene, and contact an attorney before speaking with insurance companies.
How long do I have to file a taxi or rideshare accident claim in Louisiana?
In most cases, Louisiana law gives you one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can result in losing your right to compensation.
Conclusion: Protect Your Rights After a Taxi or Rideshare Crash
Being involved in a taxi or rideshare accident can leave you with serious injuries, medical bills, and unanswered questions. These cases aren’t always straightforward, especially with companies like Uber and Lyft involved. Insurance coverage, company liability, and legal timelines can make a big difference in whether you get the compensation you deserve.
That’s why it helps to work with an experienced legal team that understands the complexities of these claims and can advocate on your behalf.
At AKD Law, our attorneys are here to guide you through every step—investigating your case,
dealing with insurance companies, and fighting to get the results you need. If you’ve been injured in a taxi or rideshare accident in New Orleans, don’t wait to understand your rights and explore your legal options
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In 2003, after being dissatisfied with the quality of legal care for victims of car accidents, Roderick ‘Rico’ Alvendia sought to establish a new firm focused on providing high-quality legal services to aid injured victims and their families. J. Bart Kelly, sharing Rico’s passion for upholding justice, joined the firm later that year, and established a partnership.
