Uber/ Lyft Accidents

Many of us use rideshare services like Uber or Lyft without thinking twice about it. These services offer great convenience to individuals every day. It is also a more cost-effective means of transportation compared to other alternatives such as taxi cabs and busses. But, whenever you choose to take a ride with an Uber or Lyft driver, you’re putting your life and safety into their hands. Allow this New Orleans Uber/ Lyft accident attorney to assist you.

Like any other accident, the driver who caused the accident will be held liable. Uber and Lyft do not classify their drivers as employees but rather as independent contractors, so the rideshare companies are much less likely to be held responsible for any driver’s negligence. If you were a passenger and your Uber or Lyft driver was the cause of the collision, he or she may be personally liable to you for any injuries. If another vehicle was the cause of the accident, that motorist may be liable for your injuries through his or her own insurance. The amount of damages awarded to you will be contingent on the type of coverage on the driver’s policy.

Every rideshare driver must carry an auto insurance policy that meets their state’s minimum requirements. In Louisiana, a driver must carry bodily injury or death coverage of at least $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident as well as $25,000 for any property damage.

In addition to the driver’s personal insurance, Uber and Lyft also holds accident liability policies in some situations if the app was in use. It is important for both passengers and driver’s to be protected in rideshare accidents.

Depending on whether the driver was online or offline at the time of the accident is crucial to determining which policy limits apply. For both Uber and Lyft, if the app was offline at the time of the accident, the personal policy of the driver is the only one that may be used. If the app was online, but no trip/ fare had been accepted yet, the rideshare insurance policy is available once personal insurance has denied the claim or has been exhausted. This third-party liability insurance (protection for physical and property damage caused to a third party from a covered accident) covers up to:

• $50,000 for bodily injury per person
• $100,00 for total bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 for property damage

However, if the driver has accepted a fare and is en route to pick up a passenger or has a passenger already in their vehicle, Uber and Lyft cover up to:

• $1,000,000 third party liability coverage
• Contingent collision and comprehensive coverage
  • UBER- up to actual cash value of the vehicle with $2,500 deductible
  • LYFT- up actual cash value or cost of repair for the vehicle (whichever is less) with a $2,500 deductible

These provisions also apply to food delivery services such as Uber Eats.

If you or a family member is a victim of an Uber or Lyft accident, Mr. Cardone is the lawyer for you. Cardone Law Firm has experience in representing clients from all Louisiana parishes and handling their personal injury needs for over 40 years. Whether advancing money for surgery, hiring the right expert for your case, or loaning money for living expenses while out of work, we are here to give you peace of mind until your case settles or judgment is paid. This New Orleans Uber/ Lyft accident attorney is direct, insightful, and passionate about his client’s cases.

If you have been involved in an Uber or Lyft collision, Phone Cardone at 1-504-522-3333 for a free in person consultation. We will tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear.