What Are My Rights When Injured as a Passenger in a Rideshare Accident?

What Are My Rights When Injured as a Passenger in a Rideshare Accident?

Rideshare services have become an integral part of our daily lives, with millions of rides provided each year. For instance, over 828 million rides were taken on Lyft in 2024 alone, reflecting a 17% increase from previous years. However, as these services grow in popularity, so does the frequency of ride-sharing vehicle accidents.

If you’re injured as a passenger in a rideshare accident in Louisiana, understanding your rights is crucial. At Roy Injury Law, we aim to guide you through these situations, empowering you with the knowledge and steps to protect yourself after such an event.

Rideshare Insurance Coverage in Louisiana

Louisiana has laws in place to provide proper insurance coverage for rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft. The “Transportation Network Company Motor Vehicle Responsibility Law,” passed in 2015, outlines the required coverage levels to protect both passengers and drivers during different phases of a rideshare trip.

Pre-Trip Coverage

During the pre-trip period, when a rideshare driver has activated their app and is waiting to accept a ride request, rideshare companies are required to provide insurance coverage for bodily injury, death, and property damage.

Trip Coverage

Once a driver accepts a ride request and begins traveling to pick up or transport a passenger, insurance coverage significantly increases. This provides substantial protection for passengers and covers incidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers.

These regulations force rideshare services to offer essential protections throughout the entire trip.

Your Legal Rights and Actions to Take

Your rights as an injured passenger in a rideshare accident are similar to those you’d have in a traditional vehicle collision. You have the right to seek financial compensation if someone else’s negligence caused the accident. Here are the different types of claims you may be eligible for:

Claims Under Uber’s or Lyft’s Insurance Policy

If the accident occurs during the ride (trip coverage period), you can seek compensation through the rideshare service’s insurance policy. This coverage applies regardless of whether the rideshare driver or another party caused the collision.

Claims Under the Driver’s Personal Insurance Policy

Although rideshare companies offer substantial insurance coverage, complications may arise if the company denies liability. If this happens, you may need to file a claim with the rideshare driver’s personal insurance policy. However, many personal insurance policies don’t cover accidents occurring while the policyholder is using the vehicle for commercial purposes, potentially complicating the process.

Claims Against Another Driver’s Insurance

If a third-party driver caused the accident, you can file a claim with their insurance to recover compensation.

Claims Under Your Own Insurance Policy

If you have policies such as uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) motorist coverage or medical payments (MedPay) coverage, these can provide financial support for your recovery.

Third-Party Liability Claims

There may be additional claims against other parties involved in the accident. For instance, vehicle manufacturers could be liable for defects that contributed to the crash, or local municipalities may bear responsibility for hazardous road conditions.

Challenges You May Face When Seeking Compensation

While rideshare companies offer comprehensive insurance policies, obtaining compensation can be complex. One of the primary reasons is that rideshare drivers are independent contractors, not employees. Uber and Lyft often argue that this distinction limits their legal liability for a driver’s negligent actions.

If the rideshare company denies liability, passengers may need to file claims with the driver’s personal insurance or rely on their own coverage, both of which can create additional hurdles. Navigating these complexities is not only time-consuming but also demanding, especially for injured passengers unfamiliar with the claims process.

Protecting Your Legal Rights After an Accident

To help protect your rights and recovery options after an accident, consider taking the following steps:

1. Document the Accident

Gather as much evidence as possible, including photos of the vehicles, license plates, and the surrounding environment. If available, take pictures of your injuries as well. Obtain the rideshare driver’s name, contact information, and insurance details. Make sure to also collect the contact information of any witnesses.

2. Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, you should seek medical care. Some injuries may not manifest symptoms right away, and prompt medical records can be essential for your claim.

3. Consult with an Experienced Rideshare Accident Lawyer

An attorney with experience in rideshare accidents can help you understand your rights, assess your case, and deal with insurance companies on your behalf. By working with a professional, you can prioritize recovering while they handle the claim.

Roy Injury Law Is Ready to Fight for You

While rideshare accidents grant you the same legal rights as a passenger in a standard car accident, they are far from ordinary. The involvement of multiple insurance policies make these cases uniquely challenging. At Roy Injury Law, we have years of experience navigating the intricacies of rideshare accident claims. Contact us today for a consultation and take the first step toward protecting your rights and future.