Rideshare Accident Attorney Chalmette

Your Local Lyft & Uber Accident Lawyers—Guiding You After a Rideshare Crash

Uber and Lyft make it easy to get around Chalmette, but a rideshare crash can upend your life in seconds. Medical bills, missed work, and insurance calls start piling up while you are still trying to heal. You should not have to navigate this alone or wonder whose policy applies.

At Tonry & Giraud, our team handles Uber and Lyft claims for injured riders, drivers, and occupants of other vehicles throughout Chalmette and St. Bernard Parish. We know how to move quickly, secure key evidence, and press insurers for full compensation while you focus on recovery.

Call (504) 470-0738 for a free rideshare accident case review. No pressure. Just clear answers about your options.

Uber and Lyft Accident Claims in Chalmette

Rideshare cases are different from typical car accidents. Coverage can change minute to minute depending on the driver’s app status, whether a trip was accepted, and who caused the crash. Getting this right early is critical to the value and timing of your claim.

For Uber and Lyft, there are generally three coverage phases. When the app is off, the driver’s personal auto insurance is primary. When the app is on but no ride is accepted, contingent liability coverage may apply. Once a ride is accepted or a passenger is in the vehicle, both companies carry higher third-party liability policies that can cover injuries to riders and others when the rideshare driver is at fault. If another driver caused the collision, that driver’s insurance is pursued first, with rideshare coverage potentially filling gaps.

Our attorneys investigate fault, identify all applicable policies, and coordinate claims so you are not bounced between carriers. We frequently work with medical providers in Chalmette and New Orleans to document injuries and losses, and we communicate with insurers so you do not have to.

Who Pays After a Rideshare Crash?

Responsibility depends on fault and app status. If the rideshare driver is at fault and was on an active trip, Uber or Lyft’s liability coverage can compensate injured riders and third parties. If another motorist caused the wreck, their insurer is pursued, and uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may also apply. Many rideshare drivers carry supplemental coverage; we review those policies too. When needed, we examine vehicle telematics, app data, dashcam footage, and nearby business cameras along West Judge Perez Drive, St. Bernard Highway, or other local routes to confirm what happened.

What To Do After a Rideshare Accident in Chalmette

Your actions in the first few days can shape your claim. If it is safe, call 911 and request an officer on scene. Get medical care even if you feel “okay.” Adrenaline masks injuries, and documentation ties symptoms to the crash. Save the ride details in your app, take photos of vehicles, street signs, and visible injuries, and gather contact information for witnesses. Report the crash within the Uber or Lyft app and avoid giving a recorded statement to any insurer until you have legal guidance.

We often see collisions near busy intersections and along LA-46 and LA-47 where traffic patterns can be complex. Weather, construction zones, and tourist traffic can add risk. Our team secures camera footage before it is overwritten and sends preservation letters to rideshare companies and insurers to keep trip and GPS data.

Common injuries include concussions, neck and back injuries, fractures, and soft tissue damage. Keep a journal of symptoms and missed work. Provide all bills and receipts, including rides to appointments and home modifications, so we can calculate the full scope of your losses.

How We Build Your Claim

We begin with a prompt liability review: police reports, witness statements, vehicle damage analysis, and, when needed, an accident reconstruction. Next, we assemble medical timelines and provider opinions to connect injuries to the crash. We evaluate every available insurance policy, including the rideshare company’s coverage, the at-fault driver’s policy, and any uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. Then we present a detailed demand to the insurer supported by records, wage documentation, and future care estimates. If negotiations stall, we file suit and litigate, keeping you informed at every step.

Compensation and Deadlines in Louisiana

In Louisiana, you generally have one year from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. That is a short deadline, and certain notice requirements and insurance timelines can be even shorter. Starting early helps protect evidence and preserves your ability to recover damages.

Compensation may include medical expenses, future treatment and rehabilitation, lost wages and loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and property damage. In cases involving permanent impairment or scarring, we work with specialists to document long-term impacts. If you lost a loved one in a rideshare crash, wrongful death and survival claims may be available to recover funeral costs and other losses.

Insurers often dispute the extent of injuries or argue that a preexisting condition is the real cause of symptoms. We counter those tactics with thorough records, treating physician input, and, when needed, independent evaluations. Our focus is obtaining a result that covers your needs now and in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I was a rideshare passenger when the crash happened?

Passengers are rarely blamed for causing a crash. If your Uber or Lyft driver was at fault during an active trip, the company’s liability coverage may apply. If another driver caused the collision, we pursue that driver’s insurer first, and we also review rideshare and personal policies to fill any gaps.

Do I have a claim if the Uber or Lyft driver was off duty?

If the app was off, the driver’s personal auto policy is typically primary. We confirm app status through trip records and phone logs, then pursue the responsible insurer. You still may have options if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

What if the other driver had no insurance?

Uninsured motorist coverage can help when the at-fault driver is uninsured or flees the scene. Some rideshare policies include uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage in certain phases. We review all available sources to maximize recovery.

How much is my rideshare accident case worth?

Value depends on liability, the severity of injuries, treatment needs, time away from work, and long-term effects. We document medical care, wage losses, and future needs, then negotiate with evidence. No firm can promise a specific outcome, but thorough preparation drives better results.

Should I talk to the rideshare insurer before hiring a lawyer?

You should report the crash but avoid a recorded statement until you have representation. Adjusters are trained to minimize claims. We handle communications and protect you from leading questions and early settlement pressure.

How long will my case take?

Timelines vary with medical treatment and insurer cooperation. Some claims resolve in months while others require litigation. We move efficiently, keep you updated, and press for a fair resolution without shortcuts that undercut your recovery.

Ready to move forward in Chalmette? Protect your claim today

Quick action after an Uber or Lyft crash in Chalmette can preserve key evidence and improve your leverage with insurers. Speak with Tonry & Giraud now to understand coverage, deadlines, and the next steps tailored to your situation.

Request your free case evaluation at (504) 470-0738 or send a message through our contact form.