New Orleans Lyft Accident Lawyer

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft changed how New Orleans moves around town. But as much as these options make our lives easier, there is also a lot of risk associated with it. For instance, if an accident does occur, the implications can be injuries, medical expenses, and lost time from work, and these are some serious challenges.

If you were injured in a rideshare accident, you do not have to go at it alone in court. A New Orleans Lyft accident lawyer will be able to explain your rights and advise you of the best option for you. At the Law Office of Heather C. Ford, we are dedicated to helping any person who has been affected by such an incident get the legal help they need.

Why Rideshare Accidents Are Different

Rideshare accidents involve not only the drivers but also, potentially, the rideshare company, another driver, or multiple parties depending on the circumstances. These kinds of cases are more complex compared to other car accident claims, considering there are multiple insurance policies involved.

Uber and Lyft do not take direct liability by classifying their drivers as independent contractors, but they will provide liability insurance in some incidents. Filing a successful insurance claim after a car accident requires an understanding of just how these insurance policies apply.

Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents

Many different factors can contribute to a rideshare accident in New Orleans. Some of the most common include:

• Distracted Driving – Drivers looking at GPS, accepting ride requests, or even texting while driving.
• Fatigue – Some rideshare drivers work for extended periods of time, resulting in slower reaction times.
• Vehicle Maintenance Issues – Drivers are responsible for maintaining safe cars, but not all take the time to.
• Other Motorists on the Road – When third-party drivers are involved, that can complicate liability insurance.

If you have been involved in a rideshare accident, you might need a personal injury attorney to help you recover your losses.

Understanding Lyft’s Insurance Policy

Determination of fault and compensation for a Lyft accident can be extremely complicated, since several insurance policies may be involved. While Lyft does provide its drivers with insurance, the extent and type of this coverage is different depending upon the status of the driver when an accident occurred.

Knowing how these policies apply is very important in pursuing a claim after a rideshare accident in New Orleans.

Lyft Insurance Coverage Breakdown

Driver Not Logged Into the App (Offline Mode)

If the Lyft driver is not logged into the app and is driving for personal reasons, Lyft provides no coverage. An accident that may happen in such a case will fall under the driver’s personal auto insurance policy.

Driver Logged In but Has Not Accepted a Ride (Waiting for a Request)

If the driver is available but has not yet accepted a ride request, Lyft provides limited contingent liability coverage:

• Up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury
• Up to $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
• Up to $25,000 per accident for property damage

However, this coverage only applies if the driver’s personal insurance denies the claim or does not meet the minimum coverage requirements.

Driver Accepted a Ride or Has a Passenger

In the event of a Lyft driver accepting a ride request or currently transporting a passenger, Lyft has as much as $1 million of third-party liability coverage for the following:

• Passenger injuries
• Injuries to pedestrians, bicyclists, or other drivers
• Property damage caused by the accident

In addition, Lyft’s policy may include contingent collision and comprehensive coverage to cover vehicle repairs, but only if the driver has personal comprehensive/collision coverage.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

If another driver causes the accident but does not have enough insurance to cover the damages, Lyft’s uninsured/underinsured motorist policy may apply. This coverage is designed to protect Lyft passengers, the Lyft driver, and any affected third parties when the at-fault driver has insufficient coverage.

How Lyft’s Insurance Policy Affects Rideshare Accident Victims

Determining which insurance applies and how to handle the claims process is important for passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers who might be injured in a Lyft accident. While Lyft does have great coverage in most situations, insurance companies will dispute liability, delay claims, or make low settlement offers.

Some common challenges accident victims face include:

• Determining which policy applies – The status of the driver at the time of the crash significantly impacts insurance coverage.
• Insurance companies shifting blame – Lyft’s insurer may argue that another driver is responsible or that damages do not meet policy thresholds.
• Low settlement offers – Initial insurance offers may not cover the full cost of medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Because of these complexities, working with an experienced New Orleans Lyft accident attorney can help ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve. A lawyer can help gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and take legal action if necessary.

Compensation Available for Rideshare Accident Victims

A rideshare accident attorney can help you pursue compensation for various damages, including:

• Medical Expenses – Emergency treatment, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and future medical needs.
• Lost Wages – Compensation for missed work due to injuries.
• Pain and Suffering – Payment for physical pain and emotional distress.
• Property Damage – Repairs or replacement of your vehicle.
• Wrongful Death – If a loved one passed away in a rideshare accident, their family may be able to recover compensation for funeral costs and lost financial support.

Average Settlement for a Rideshare Accident

Settlement amounts in rideshare accident cases can vary widely depending on factors such as the severity of injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and available insurance coverage. On average, settlements range from $15,000 to $350,000. More severe cases involving long-term disabilities or wrongful death may result in higher compensation.