When the rideshare app is off and the driver is not logged in, the driver is operating as a private individual. Only their personal auto insurance applies. Uber and Lyft bear no responsibility in this phase, and the claim proceeds like any other car accident claim against a private driver.

Once a driver logs into the app and is available for requests but has not yet accepted a ride, limited rideshare company coverage kicks in. Uber and Lyft typically provide contingent liability coverage of $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage during this phase — but only if the driver’s personal insurance does not apply or is insufficient.

Once a driver accepts a trip request and until the passenger is dropped off, Uber and Lyft provide up to $1,000,000 in third-party liability coverage. This is the phase with the most robust insurance protection, and it applies whether you are a passenger in the rideshare vehicle, a driver or passenger in another vehicle, or a pedestrian struck by the rideshare driver.

If you are riding in an Uber or Lyft and another driver causes the accident, your claim is primarily against that at-fault driver and their insurance. However, if that driver is uninsured or underinsured, the rideshare company’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may also apply, providing an additional layer of protection for injured passengers.

You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Louisiana. Do not wait, however — rideshare companies and their insurers begin building their defense quickly, and critical evidence such as driver app data and trip records can become harder to obtain over time. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the better protected you are.

It matters for determining which parties you pursue and which insurance applies, but even if another driver caused the accident, you may still have a claim against the rideshare company’s coverage. Louisiana’s pure comparative fault rules allow recovery even when multiple parties share responsibility. Our attorneys identify every available source of compensation based on the specific facts of your crash.

Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors specifically to limit direct liability. However, their commercial insurance policies are on the hook during active trips, and in some circumstances the companies themselves can face direct claims. Our attorneys evaluate every angle — driver negligence, company negligence, insurance coverage — to build the strongest possible case for your recovery.

If the driver’s app was off, only their personal auto insurance applies. The rideshare company’s coverage does not kick in at all during this phase. This matters because personal auto policies are often lower limits than commercial coverage, and some personal policies may even attempt to exclude coverage for accidents that occurred while the driver was using the vehicle for commercial purposes. Our attorneys know how to navigate these disputes.

Not without speaking to an attorney first. Insurance companies make early offers to close claims before you understand the full extent of your injuries or the true value of your case. Once you accept and sign a release, you cannot go back for more. Let us evaluate any offer before you respond.