Can You Sue Lyft or Uber?

This post will examine whether a ridesharing passenger who is injured in an accident can sue a ridesharing company such as Lyft or Uber. Look out for Part II of the series that will discuss what to do if you are the driver or passenger in another vehicle that is involved in a collision with a ridesharing vehicle.

It is hard to believe that in March of 2019, Uber will be celebrating a decade in business. Lyft, a close competitor, has been in business now for almost seven years. Peer-to-peer ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have transformed transportation in America. Combining the service of a taxi with modern technology has yielded an alternate transportation system to help people get where they want to go more easily than ever. However, with this convenience comes unprecedented and complex legal issues. If you are a passenger in a rideshare vehicle that is involved in an accident that causes you serious injury or harm, what can you do?

How Does Ridesharing Work?

A passenger in need of a ride uses a smartphone app to request a ride, provide pick-up and drop-off instructions, and pay for the service, including a tip if desired.

Who is Liable?

The automobile you ride in when you order an Uber or Lyft is owned by the driver. An injured passenger may have an injury claim against the individual driver, the company he or she is driving for at the time of the accident, or the driver of the other vehicle(s) involved in the accident.

If you have been involved in a car accident involving a rideshare service, consider taking the following steps to increase your chances of filing a successful personal injury claim.

• Seek prompt medical attention: If you are injured in a ridesharing accident, seek immediate medical attention.
• Collect driver information at accident site: Collect contact information and auto insurance information (name, address, telephone number, and email) from all drivers involved. Some drivers work for multiple ridesharing services – make sure you have the correct rideshare auto insurance information for the service you are using.
• Call the police: If the drivers of the vehicles do not call the police, call them yourself and report the accident. Make sure you obtain a copy of the police report.

Ridesharing is Not Regulated in Louisiana

There is no uniform ridesharing law in Louisiana. Each city or parish has its own rules for ridesharing services. For this reason, it is best to seek professional legal advice from experienced Louisiana ridesharing accident lawyers to help protect your rights if you have been injured in a ridesharing accident. 

Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident?

 Contact the Louisiana ridesharing accident lawyers at Mansfield, Melancon, Cranmer & Dick LLC today to help you determine the right entity to sue when you have been injured as a passenger in a ridesharing vehicle. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries from the driver of the vehicle, the ridesharing service, and other drivers involved. Book an online appointment with a Louisiana ridesharing accident lawyer without further delay.

Mansfield, Melancon, Cranmer & Dick LLC represents victims of serious injuries caused by the negligence of others. Focusing in auto and trucking accidents, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, medical malpractice, defective products, and premise liability matters, our Louisiana ridesharing accident lawyers are available for a free consultation today. Call us at our offices in New Orleans 888-601-0127, Baton Rouge 225-612-0800, or Lafayette 337-409-0003. You can also schedule your appointment via email at [email protected] or book an online appointment.