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Who’s Responsible? Understanding Liability In Lyft And Uber Accidents In Louisiana

  • By: John Robichaux
Uber car accident scene, highlighting the complexities of liability in Louisiana rideshare incidents

In this article, you can discover…

  • Who is responsible if you’re injured in a rideshare accident.
  • How long you have to file a lawsuit in Louisiana. 
  • How to choose an attorney to represent you following a rideshare accident. 
Who Is Typically Responsible In A Lyft Or Uber Accident?

This depends on the circumstances of the accident. The responsible party could be the Uber or Lyft driver if they failed to obey traffic laws or drove carelessly. The accident could have been caused by another motorist’s carelessness or could have been caused by the actions of both parties. 

An analysis of the accident will have to be made to determine whether or not your Uber or Lyft driver was at fault or partially at fault.

Can I Hold Both The Driver And The Rideshare Company Liable For My Injuries?

Yes. You may seek damages for your injuries from the rideshare driver themselves. But in order to hold the rideshare company responsible, you must establish that, at the time of the accident, the driver was on a mission for the rideshare company. 

Often, Uber or Lyft drivers are involved in accidents when they’re not actually driving for the company at the time. It’s important to determine whether or not the driver was actively on their way to pick up a passenger or was carrying a passenger at the time of the accident. 

Are Rideshare Accidents Treated Differently From Regular Accidents In Louisiana?

They are essentially the same, except for the fact that you and your attorney will have to prove that the negligent party was driving for the rideshare company at the time of the accident. This may require a subpoena of the company’s computer records to verify if the responsible party was logged into the app and driving for the company. 

Your attorney will gather this information for you to help establish liability and seek damages from the appropriate parties.

How Long Do I Have To File A Lawsuit After A Rideshare Accident In Louisiana?

In Louisiana, if the rideshare accident happened prior to July 1st, 2024, you have one year from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you wait beyond this point, your ability to pursue compensation will be lost. 

If your accident occurred after July 1st, 2024, you must file a lawsuit within two years from the date of the accident. Be sure to get in touch with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible following your accident. They can immediately get to work preserving and collecting evidence and can speak with the rideshare company and insurance carriers for you. 

How Do I Choose The Best Lawyer For A Rideshare Accident Case In New Orleans?

The best way to determine if an attorney is right for your case is experience. You always want a lawyer who has ample experience handling and winning motor vehicle accident cases and rideshare accidents specifically. Rideshare accidents can require additional discovery to confirm who was responsible, and you need to be sure your attorney knows how to seek out and verify this information. 

What Should I Do If I’m Worried About The Rideshare Driver Losing Their Job As A Result Of My Lawsuit?

You shouldn’t worry about this; the rideshare company is going to be made aware of the accident almost immediately, and any decision the company makes with regard to the driver will have already happened. 

Rideshare companies understand that their drivers, being on the road often, are going to sometimes be involved in accidents, and their insurance is meant to cover such events. 

Don’t hesitate to seek help, representation, and damages after your accident; you have a right to be compensated for your losses and rideshare companies’ insurance policies exist precisely to cover those losses. 

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?

For more information on Rideshare Accident Injury Claims In Louisiana, a free initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (504) 332-8188 today.