If you were hurt in a rideshare crash in Louisiana and you weren’t the driver you still have rights. Maybe you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft. Maybe you were crossing the street and got hit by one. Either way, the law doesn’t ignore you just because you weren’t behind the wheel. Figuring out who pays for your medical bills, lost wages, or pain can get messy fast. That’s where a Louisiana attorney who handles these specific cases comes in.

Who counts as a “non-driver claimant” in a rideshare accident?

You’re a non-driver claimant if you were injured but didn’t cause the crash and weren’t driving the rideshare car. Common examples:

  • A passenger in the backseat when the Uber driver ran a red light
  • A pedestrian hit while crossing at a crosswalk
  • A cyclist sideswiped by a Lyft making a sudden turn
  • Another driver rear-ended by a rideshare vehicle stopping abruptly

The key is this: you’re not suing to defend yourself. You’re seeking compensation because someone else’s mistake hurt you.

Why is this different from a regular car accident claim?

Rideshare companies carry insurance, but it’s layered and conditional. Coverage changes depending on whether the driver was logged into the app, had a passenger, or was en route to pick one up. If you don’t understand those layers, you might file a claim with the wrong insurer or miss a deadline altogether.

For example, if the driver caused the crash while waiting for a ride request, their personal auto policy might deny the claim, saying they were “working.” Meanwhile, the rideshare company might say coverage hadn’t kicked in yet. You’re stuck in the middle unless you know how to navigate it.

What mistakes do people make after these accidents?

Waiting too long is the biggest one. Louisiana gives you one year from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Miss that, and you lose your right to sue even if you’re still healing. You can read more about deadlines here.

Other common errors:

  • Assuming the rideshare company will automatically cover everything
  • Signing a quick settlement offer before understanding the full cost of injuries
  • Failing to document the scene photos, witness info, driver ID, app screenshots
  • Not telling doctors you were in a rideshare-related crash (some insurers look for reasons to deny)

How does an attorney help in these situations?

A lawyer who focuses on rideshare cases knows which insurance policies apply and how to trigger them. They’ll handle calls with adjusters, collect police reports and dashcam footage, and calculate what your case is really worth including future therapy or lost income.

They also know how to deal with pushback. Rideshare insurers often argue the driver wasn’t “active” on the app or that the victim shares blame. An experienced attorney pushes back with facts, not guesses.

If you were a passenger, there’s a separate set of steps you should’ve taken right after the crash. We break those down in this guide.

Do I need a lawyer if the other side offers a settlement?

Maybe. But don’t assume the first offer is fair. Insurance companies are trained to lowball, especially when victims aren’t represented. A few thousand dollars might sound good until you realize your shoulder surgery will cost $15,000 and you’ve missed two months of work.

An attorney can review the offer for free. Many work on contingency meaning you pay nothing unless they recover money for you. That removes the financial risk of hiring help.

What should I do right now if I’m injured?

  1. Get medical care even if you feel “fine.” Some injuries show up days later.
  2. Save everything: medical bills, ride receipts, photos of the scene, messages with the driver.
  3. Don’t post about the crash on social media. Insurers monitor those accounts.
  4. Call a Louisiana attorney who’s handled non-driver rideshare claims before. The clock is ticking.

Still unsure if your situation qualifies? Most attorneys offer a free 15-minute call to explain your options no pressure. It’s better to ask early than wait until the statute of limitations closes the door. You can also check the Louisiana Department of Insurance’s official site for general consumer guidance on auto claims.