Shreveport Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident in Shreveport, LA?

In Shreveport, rideshare platforms like Uber and Lyft have transformed the way we commute, offering convenience and flexibility. However, with this rise comes the increased risk of accidents involving these vehicles. Rideshare accidents can be complex due to the intricate web of responsibilities among drivers, companies, and passengers. Understanding local regulations and trends is crucial to navigating these situations effectively.

Louisiana has specific laws governing rideshare operations, including insurance requirements. It mandates that rideshare drivers maintain insurance coverage that bridges their personal policy and the commercial policy when the app is on, but no passenger is in the car. During active rides, higher coverage from the rideshare company itself applies. This distinction is vital in determining liability and securing compensation. With more than 25 years of personal injury experience, we are well-versed in these regulations and committed to guiding you through every step.

Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law is deeply embedded in the Northwest Louisiana community, offering personalized and empathetic legal services. Our team understands the unique challenges residents face and strives to provide compassionate and effective representation.

To schedule a free consultation with our Shreveport rideshare accident attorneys, call (318) 633-0186 or contact us online today.

Were You a Passenger, Another Driver, or a Pedestrian?

How your rideshare accident claim proceeds often depends on your role in the accident. While the insurance framework described below applies broadly, the practical path to compensation differs slightly depending on your situation:

• Rideshare Passengers. As a passenger, you're generally not at fault for the accident, which often simplifies your claim — but it may also mean navigating two or more insurance policies (the rideshare driver's, another at-fault driver's, or both) to determine the right source of compensation.
• Occupants of Another Vehicle. If you were driving or riding in a vehicle struck by an Uber or Lyft driver, your claim proceeds much like a standard car accident claim, with the added step of confirming the rideshare driver's app status at the time of the crash to identify which insurance tier applies.
• Pedestrians and Cyclists. Pedestrians and cyclists struck by a rideshare vehicle can also pursue compensation under the same insurance framework, though these cases often involve additional questions about right-of-way and driver distraction, since rideshare drivers are frequently looking at a navigation app while searching for pickup locations.

No matter which category applies to you, identifying the rideshare driver's exact app status at the moment of the crash is the critical first step in determining where your compensation will come from.

Louisiana Rideshare Laws

In Louisiana, rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are governed by both state laws and the rules set by the rideshare companies themselves. Rideshare drivers are independent contractors, not employees of Uber or Lyft. As such, Louisiana law requires rideshare drivers to follow the same traffic laws and regulations as any other driver on the road. However, because rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors, the liability of the rideshare companies—Uber or Lyft—depends on the circumstances of the accident.

Louisiana law also allows you to pursue compensation from the driver’s personal insurance, the rideshare company’s insurance, or both depending on the situation. Below, we break down the various circumstances under which a rideshare accident can occur and how liability is determined.

Who Is Liable for an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Understanding who is responsible for a rideshare accident can be complicated. Liability depends on the status of the rideshare driver at the time of the accident. Below are the three primary scenarios and how liability works in each case:

Driver Logged Off or Not Working

If the rideshare driver is not logged into the app or is not actively working for Uber or Lyft when the accident happens, the accident is typically treated as a regular car accident. In this case, the driver’s personal auto insurance will generally be the primary coverage. If the driver is at fault, the victim can file a claim with the driver’s insurance, assuming the driver has sufficient coverage.

In some cases, Uber or Lyft may offer limited liability coverage if the driver is not logged into the app but was engaged in activities related to their rideshare work, like driving to a pickup location.

Driver Logged In But Not Accepting Rides

When the driver is logged into the app and available to accept requests—but has not yet accepted one—Uber and Lyft’s contingent liability insurance usually applies. Under these policies:

• The rideshare company provides liability coverage (often up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident, with higher totals for severe accidents).
• If a third party was at fault, their insurance may also come into play.

This phase of coverage is often more generous than personal insurance, but insurers frequently try to limit payouts.

Driver Accepted a Ride or Is Transporting a Passenger

When the driver is logged into the app, has accepted a ride, or is en route to pick up a passenger, the rideshare company’s insurance policy becomes the primary coverage in case of an accident. Both Uber and Lyft carry substantial liability coverage during this period, which typically includes:

• $1 million in liability coverage for accidents involving an Uber or Lyft driver transporting passengers or en route to a pick-up.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
• Personal injury protection (PIP) for both the driver and passengers.

In these circumstances, Uber or Lyft’s insurance may cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages if the driver is found to be at fault. If the other driver causes the accident, the injured party may also be able to pursue compensation through that driver’s insurance, with Uber or Lyft’s policy acting as secondary coverage if needed.

Watch Out for Arbitration Clauses and Rideshare App Terms

One issue that often surprises accident victims is that both Uber and Lyft require users to agree to terms of service that include mandatory arbitration clauses and class action waivers. These provisions can affect how — and where — an injury claim against the rideshare company itself is resolved, potentially moving your case out of the traditional court system and into private arbitration.

This doesn't mean you're without options. Our team can help determine whether these provisions apply to your specific situation, whether they're enforceable under the circumstances of your case, and how to structure your claim to protect your right to full compensation.

Why Evidence Preservation Matters in Rideshare Cases

Rideshare accident claims often hinge on data that can be difficult to obtain once time has passed. Important evidence in these cases can include:

• App data and trip logs, which show the driver's status (offline, available, or actively transporting a passenger) at the time of the crash
• GPS and speed data recorded by the rideshare app
• Driver ratings and safety records, which may reveal a pattern of prior complaints
• Dashcam or surveillance footage from the vehicle or nearby businesses
• Communication records between the driver and the rideshare platform

Because rideshare companies control much of this data, it's important to act quickly to request preservation of relevant records before they're lost or overwritten. Our firm moves promptly to identify and secure this evidence on behalf of our clients.

FAQs About Uber & Lyft Accidents in Louisiana

What Should I Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Shreveport?

If you’ve been involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, follow these steps:

1. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t feel injured at first.
2. Call the police and report the accident.
3. Collect contact information for the driver, passengers, and any witnesses.
4. Document the scene of the accident with photos.
5. Contact a lawyer who can help you navigate the insurance claims process.

Can I Sue Uber or Lyft After an Accident?

Yes, in certain circumstances, you may be able to sue Uber or Lyft. If the rideshare driver was working at the time of the accident and their negligence caused the crash, Uber or Lyft’s insurance may be responsible. A Shreveport rideshare accident attorney can help determine if you have grounds to pursue a claim against the rideshare company.

What if the Other Driver Was at Fault?

If the other driver caused the accident, you can file a claim with their insurance. However, if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, Uber or Lyft’s insurance may cover the damages, depending on the situation.

How Long Do I Have to File a Rideshare Accident Claim?

In Louisiana, you generally have one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, there may be exceptions depending on the specifics of the case. It’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected.

How Much Is My Rideshare Accident Case Worth?

The value of your case depends on various factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A Shreveport rideshare accident lawyer can evaluate your case and help you pursue the maximum compensation possible.

Will Rideshare Companies Fight My Claim?

Yes. Uber and Lyft, and their insurers, often deny or minimize claims to protect their bottom line. Experienced legal representation can help level the playing field.

Can I File a Claim If I Was a Passenger and the Rideshare Driver Was At Fault?

Yes. As a passenger, you're rarely at fault for the accident, and you may be able to pursue compensation through the rideshare company's liability coverage, which is often substantial during an active trip.

What If I Was Injured by an Uber or Lyft Driver Who Fled the Scene?

If the rideshare driver leaves the scene, this may qualify as a hit-and-run. You may still be able to pursue compensation through uninsured motorist coverage, and identifying the driver through the rideshare company's records is often a critical step your attorney can assist with.

Does It Matter If I Requested the Ride Through the App or Was a Guest on Someone Else's Trip?

No. Louisiana's rideshare insurance framework generally protects anyone riding in the vehicle during an active trip, regardless of whose account requested it.

Can I Still File a Claim If I Wasn't Wearing a Seatbelt?

Louisiana's comparative negligence rule means a lack of a seatbelt could potentially reduce, but does not automatically eliminate, your ability to recover compensation. An attorney can help evaluate how this factor may apply to your specific case.

A Firm Rooted in the Shreveport-Bossier Community

Ryan Gatti was born and raised in Bossier City and has spent 25 years representing injured Northwest Louisiana residents — experience that includes navigating the relatively new and evolving legal landscape around rideshare liability. Our firm's commitment to client care has helped earn recognition, including a spot among the National Association of Distinguished Counsel's Top 1%.

We also proudly serve rideshare accident victims throughout the surrounding region, including Shreveport, Haughton, Benton, Minden, Springhill, and the greater Bossier and Caddo Parish communities — with both in-person and virtual consultations available so getting help is never out of reach.

Contact a Shreveport Rideshare Accident Attorney Today

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in Shreveport, LA, don’t wait to seek legal help. Insurance companies move fast, and your rights could be at risk. Let Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law fight for the compensation you need to rebuild your life.

Contact us today at (318) 633-0186 to schedule your free consultation. Take the first step toward securing the support and compensation you deserve.