Rideshare Accident Lawyer New Orleans, LA

Injured While Driving Or Riding In A Rideshare?

With the rise of Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services, getting around has become more convenient—but it’s also added new risks. When accidents happen involving these vehicles, people are often left with serious injuries and questions about who is responsible. Whether you’re a passenger, a driver, or hit by a rideshare vehicle, your first priority should be your health, followed by getting clear information about your legal options from the attorneys at Kiefer & Kiefer.

In 2024, one of our clients was seriously injured while working as a rideshare driver. That accident led to significant injuries and a long recovery. After a thorough investigation and legal action, we helped secure $1.1 million on their behalf. If you’re in a similar situation, you deserve answers and support.

How These Accidents Happen

Rideshare-related crashes occur for many of the same reasons as other traffic accidents—speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, and poor decisions behind the wheel. But the pressure rideshare drivers are under to accept trips, follow GPS directions, and manage multiple notifications at once can increase the likelihood of a crash.

Even at lower speeds, rideshare crashes can lead to long-term injuries. Whiplash, broken bones, head trauma, and soft tissue injuries are common in these incidents. If you were working as a driver, you may also have vehicle damage that affects your ability to earn a living. If you were a passenger, you might be unsure whether the driver, the company, or someone else is responsible.

We’ve also seen cases where another driver caused the accident, but insurance issues become more complicated because the vehicle involved was being used for rideshare purposes. Whether the app was on or off at the time, and whether the driver had a passenger, can affect what insurance coverage  applies. That’s why gathering accurate details early on is so important.

Insurance Coverage And legal Responsibility

In rideshare cases, several insurance policies may come into play. There’s the driver’s personal auto policy, the rideshare company’s coverage, and possibly a third-party driver’s insurance. Each has different rules depending on what stage of the trip the driver was in. For example, different limits may apply if the driver is waiting for a ride request, en route to pick up a rider, or actively transporting a passenger.

We work to sort through these issues quickly. Identifying which policy is responsible for paying your medical bills and lost income is a major part of how we help clients recover after a crash. It’s not always obvious, and many people accept far less than they should because they don’t realize multiple policies may be available.

Contact Kiefer & Kiefer About Your Legal Rights

If you were involved in a crash with a rideshare vehicle, getting legal help early can make a big difference. At Kiefer & Kiefer, we’ve recovered millions for clients injured while using or driving for rideshare services, including a $1.1 million result in 2024. As your New Orleans, LA rideshare accident lawyer, we’re here to help you take the next step. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we may be able to support you.

Types Of Rideshare Accident Cases We Handle

If you’ve been involved in an accident with a rideshare vehicle, you’re not alone—and you have legal options. At Kiefer & Kiefer, we handle a wide range of cases involving rideshare platforms like Uber and Lyft. These accidents can lead to significant injuries, medical bills, lost time at work, and other long-term impacts. The legal process surrounding rideshare claims can differ from standard auto accidents due to how liability is determined. Our firm is experienced in helping individuals who’ve been hurt in these types of situations, and we’re here to explain what types of cases we handle so you can better understand how we may be able to help.

Accidents Involving Rideshare Drivers As Passengers

One of the most common cases we handle involves individuals injured while riding as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft vehicle. Whether the driver caused the accident or another driver was at fault, you may be eligible for compensation. These claims often involve filing through the rideshare company’s insurance policy, which can vary depending on what phase of the ride the driver was in when the accident occurred.

Injuries Caused By Rideshare Drivers To Other Drivers

If a rideshare driver struck your vehicle while they were on the job, you may be eligible to pursue compensation through their commercial or company-provided insurance policy. These cases typically involve reviewing the driver’s status at the time of the accident—whether they were logged into the app and whether they had accepted a ride or had a passenger in the vehicle. These details can affect which insurance policy applies and how much coverage is available.

Pedestrians Or Cyclists Hit By Rideshare Vehicles

Pedestrians and cyclists can suffer serious injuries in collisions involving rideshare drivers. Whether the driver was waiting for a fare, actively transporting a passenger, or had just completed a trip, liability and insurance coverage will depend on the driver’s app status at the time of the incident. We work with injured pedestrians and cyclists to determine the correct party to file a claim against, whether it be the driver’s personal insurance, the rideshare company’s policy, or both.

Rideshare Drivers Injured While Working

Not all rideshare accident victims are passengers or third parties—sometimes the drivers themselves are injured while actively working. If you were driving for a rideshare company when another vehicle caused the accident, you may have multiple options to seek compensation, including through the at-fault driver’s insurance and the rideshare company’s coverage. These cases often involve analyzing app data and driver status at the moment of the crash.

Multi-Vehicle Collisions Involving Rideshare Vehicles

In busy traffic areas like New Orleans, it’s not uncommon for accidents to involve multiple vehicles, one of which may be a rideshare car. In these more complex situations, it’s important to gather evidence from all involved parties to determine who is responsible. Our legal team is experienced in managing these claims and untangling liability when more than two drivers are involved, especially if one was operating under a rideshare platform.

Wrongful Death Cases Involving Rideshare Vehicles

Unfortunately, some rideshare-related accidents result in fatalities. Families of victims may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim if a rideshare driver or another involved party was responsible. These cases require a careful, compassionate approach along with a clear strategy to pursue damages such as funeral expenses, loss of future earnings, and emotional suffering.

At Kiefer & Kiefer, we handle all of these types of rideshare-related accident cases with a focus on helping victims move forward. If you or a loved one has been injured and are looking for our New Orleans, LA rideshare accident lawyer, we’re here to talk through your situation and provide guidance. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation and learn what steps you can take next.

Common Causes Of Rideshare Accidents

When a rideshare trip ends in a collision, you may be left with painful injuries, medical bills, and questions about who is responsible. These cases can be complicated because multiple parties—drivers, companies, and insurers—may be involved. At Kiefer & Kiefer, our New Orleans, LA rideshare accident lawyer team understands that Louisiana law allows injury victims just one year to file most claims, making it vital to act quickly to protect your rights.

Distracted Driving By Rideshare Drivers

Rideshare drivers often rely on GPS, app notifications, and passenger interactions while on the road. Each distraction increases the chance of a collision. We’ve seen cases where a glance at a phone was enough to change a passenger’s life in seconds.

Fatigue And Long Hours

Many rideshare drivers work late into the night or combine driving with other jobs. Fatigue slows reaction time and reduces awareness. When exhaustion plays a role in a crash, we work to gather driving logs and app records to prove the link between overwork and dangerous driving.

Reckless Or Aggressive Maneuvers

Sudden lane changes, speeding to catch the next fare, and tailgating are all risky behaviors. These driving choices put both passengers and others on the road in danger. Our firm uses traffic camera footage and witness accounts to show how these actions cause harm.

Poor Vehicle Maintenance

Rideshare companies require vehicles to meet certain standards, but inspections are often limited. Brake failures, bald tires, and faulty lights can lead to avoidable accidents. We investigate maintenance records and vehicle condition to uncover mechanical issues that contributed to the crash.

Negligence By Other Motorists

Not all rideshare accidents are the driver’s fault. Other motorists may run red lights, drive impaired, or ignore traffic laws, putting everyone at risk. In those situations, we pursue claims against the responsible driver while addressing the insurance complications that rideshare cases bring.

With over 60 years of representing injury victims in Louisiana, our team has secured multimillion-dollar verdicts for clients hurt in transportation-related incidents. Our attorneys are recognized among the state’s top trial lawyers, a distinction that reflects both skill and dedication. This history means we know how to build a strong case, even when multiple insurers are pointing fingers at each other.

If your rideshare crash involved severe injuries, you may also need to review resources like our New Orleans car accident guide. It can help you understand the process while we focus on investigating your claim and negotiating for fair compensation.

Whether the cause was driver distraction, unsafe driving, or another motorist’s carelessness, the consequences are the same—you’re facing medical recovery, potential income loss, and stress about the future. We can help you identify the responsible parties, collect the evidence needed, and pursue the damages you deserve under Louisiana law. If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, contact us today to arrange a consultation with a lawyer who will listen, explain your options, and fight for your recovery.

New Orleans Rideshare Accident FAQ

When you step into an Uber or Lyft, you expect a safe ride. But accidents happen, and when they do, figuring out who is responsible and how to move forward can feel overwhelming. Rideshare accidents are not the same as typical car crashes because multiple parties may be involved, including the driver, the rideshare company, and insurance providers. At Kiefer & Kiefer, we have worked with clients who faced these challenges firsthand, and we know the questions that matter most when it comes to protecting your rights.

Who Can Be Held Responsible After A Rideshare Accident?

Responsibility in a rideshare accident depends on the circumstances. The driver may be at fault, but liability could also involve the rideshare company or even another motorist. In many cases, insurance coverage is layered, with one policy applying to the driver’s personal vehicle and another connected to the rideshare platform. Sorting out responsibility requires a careful review of how the accident happened and what insurance coverage was active at the time.

What Types Of Injuries Are Common In Rideshare Accidents?

Rideshare accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, from whiplash and broken bones to more serious trauma. Passengers are often seated in the back and may not wear seatbelts, increasing the risk of harm. Drivers and others on the road can also suffer severe injuries. These injuries may require medical treatment, time off work, and long-term care, all of which play a role in building a claim.

Why Insurance Coverage Matters In These Cases?

Insurance coverage is a key factor in any rideshare accident claim. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft provide policies that apply at different times depending on whether the driver is waiting for a ride request, on the way to pick up a passenger, or carrying passengers. These details affect which insurance policy applies and how much compensation may be available. Understanding when coverage is active is critical to pursuing the claim.

How A Lawyer Can Help With A Rideshare Accident?

Working with a lawyer can make a difference when it comes to rideshare accidents. We review police reports, medical records, witness statements, and insurance policies to identify who is responsible. We also handle communication with insurance companies so that our clients can focus on healing. Having a clear plan for gathering evidence and presenting the case helps build a strong foundation for recovering damages.

Who Benefits From Legal Support After A Rideshare Crash?

Anyone injured in a rideshare accident may benefit from legal support, whether they were a passenger, a rideshare driver, or another motorist on the road. Even pedestrians and cyclists can be involved in rideshare accidents. Legal guidance can help victims understand their rights and the options available to them, particularly when multiple insurance companies are involved.

What Sets These Cases Apart From Other Car Accidents?

Rideshare accident cases stand out because they often involve both corporate insurance policies and personal policies. Unlike standard accidents, the status of the driver at the moment of the crash can change which policy is in effect. This makes the process more involved than a typical claim and highlights the importance of knowing how these policies apply.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a rideshare accident, speaking with a New Orleans, LA rideshare accident lawyer can help you take the right steps forward. At Kiefer & Kiefer, we are committed to listening to your story, explaining your options, and pursuing fair compensation. Contact us today to discuss your case and get the support you need.