Rideshare Accident Attorney in St. Bernard Parish

Support & Solutions When You Need Them Most

Rideshare apps are part of daily life across St. Bernard Parish. From school pickups in Chalmette to commutes along Judge Perez Drive and St. Bernard Highway, Uber and Lyft connect people and places. When a rideshare trip ends in a collision, however, the path to compensation is not always straightforward. Insurance layers, corporate policies, and fast-moving deadlines can complicate even simple claims.

Tonry & Giraud represents riders, drivers, and pedestrians injured in Lyft and Uber accidents throughout St. Bernard Parish, including Arabi, Meraux, Violet, and Poydras. We know the local roads, the common crash patterns near busy intersections, and the unique insurance rules for transportation network companies in Louisiana. Our goal is to move your claim forward while you focus on healing.

Call Tonry & Giraud now at (504) 470-0738 to schedule a free, no obligation case evaluation.

How rideshare insurance works in Louisiana

Rideshare claims often turn on which part of the trip was in progress at the time of the crash. App status determines which insurance policy applies and how much coverage is available.

When the app is off. If the driver is not logged into the rideshare app, the driver’s personal auto policy is primary. Claims proceed like a standard Louisiana auto accident.

• When the app is on and the driver is waiting for a request. Once a driver is logged in but has not accepted a ride, contingent liability coverage from the rideshare company may apply if the personal policy denies or does not fully cover the loss. This tier typically provides bodily injury coverage per person and per accident, plus property damage coverage. The exact limits and conditions are set by the company’s policy.
• When the driver has accepted a ride or is transporting a passenger. From acceptance of a ride request through drop-off, a higher commercial policy is usually in effect. This tier commonly includes up to one million dollars in third-party liability coverage, with potential uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage depending on the circumstances and policy elections. Identifying the precise window of time and documenting trip data can be critical to unlocking this coverage.
• Why app data matters. Trip records, telematics, and digital logs can show whether the app was active, when the ride was accepted, and where the vehicle was at impact. Preserving this data early helps establish which coverage applies and supports liability analysis.

Common Lyft and Uber crash scenarios we handle

Rear-end collisions at red lights on Judge Perez Drive
Intersection crashes along St. Bernard Highway and Paris Road
Sideswipes and lane change collisions on LA 46 and LA 39
Pedestrian and bicycle impacts near busy pick-up zones
Multi-vehicle crashes involving delivery vans and commercial fleets

Who may be liable after a rideshare accident

Multiple parties can share legal responsibility, and Louisiana’s comparative fault rules may apportion percentages among them. Potentially responsible parties can include:

• The rideshare driver. Driver negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, unsafe turns, or following too closely, can create liability. Phone use for the app is common; proving distraction requires careful evidence work.
• A third-party driver. Another motorist may have caused or contributed to the crash. In that case, the third party’s insurer is often primary, with rideshare coverage stepping in if limits are inadequate.
• The rideshare company’s insurer. When the app status and trip timeline place the crash within a covered period, the rideshare company’s commercial insurer may be responsible for defense and payment up to policy limits.
• Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. If the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may offer an additional path to recovery, depending on policy terms.
• Vehicle owner or employer. If a commercial vehicle was involved, the owner company may share liability under negligent entrustment or vicarious liability principles.
• Roadway or property stakeholders. In rare cases, defective roadway design, malfunctioning signals, or hazardous premises conditions may be factors. These scenarios require prompt notice and investigation under specific statutory rules.

What to do after a rideshare crash in St. Bernard Parish

Protect your health and your claim with these steps:

• Seek medical care immediately. Even if you feel okay, soft tissue injuries and concussions often surface later. Prompt documentation ties symptoms to the collision and helps with both treatment and claim validation.
• Report and document the incident. Call law enforcement and obtain the crash report number. Screenshot the app ride details, driver profile, and trip timeline. Photograph the scene, vehicles, and visible injuries. Save ride receipts and communications with the driver or platform.
• Exchange information. Collect names, phone numbers, license plates, and insurance details for all drivers and witnesses. Note the rideshare driver’s app status if known.
• Notify the rideshare platform and your insurer. Both Uber and Lyft allow in-app incident reporting. You should also notify your insurer promptly to preserve potential benefits, especially medical payments coverage or uninsured motorist claims.
• Call Tonry & Giraud. Early legal help secures evidence, manages adjusters, and protects your case from damaging statements or low early offers.

How Tonry & Giraud builds your rideshare claim

We gather trip and app data directly from the platform when appropriate, request and analyze the police report, and secure vehicle damage assessments to help illustrate force and mechanism of injury. We coordinate with your doctors to document diagnoses, treatment plans, and long-term limitations. Where needed, we consult qualified professionals in accident reconstruction and life care planning. Then we present a clear demand package grounded in evidence that supports liability, causation, and damages.

Damages available in a rideshare injury claim

Every case is unique, but recoverable damages in Louisiana commonly include:

• Medical expenses. Emergency care, imaging, specialist visits, therapy, prescriptions, assistive devices, and future treatment needs.
• Lost income. Wage loss, diminished earning capacity, and documented missed opportunities due to limitations or medical appointments.
• Pain and suffering. Physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and the day-to-day impact of injuries.
• Property damage. Vehicle repairs or total loss valuation, diminished value, and damaged personal items such as phones or car seats.
• Out-of-pocket costs. Travel to medical appointments, home modifications, and other reasonable expenses tied to the injury.
• Wrongful death remedies. If a rideshare crash leads to a fatality, eligible family members may pursue wrongful death and survival actions under Louisiana law.

Deadlines and why timing matters

Louisiana law generally sets a one-year deadline to file most injury claims. Some claims have shorter notice requirements, especially those involving government entities or certain insurance coverages. Evidence also becomes harder to obtain with time, especially app session data, vehicle telematics, and surveillance footage. Engaging counsel quickly helps preserve your rights and improves your negotiating position.

Dealing with adjusters and recorded statements

Insurance representatives may request recorded statements soon after a crash. While cooperation is required under many policies, you are not required to speculate or minimize symptoms. Having counsel present can prevent misstatements and keep your answers precise.

Why local knowledge helps in St. Bernard Parish

Local roads, traffic rhythms, and pick-up hotspots matter when reconstructing a rideshare crash. We know the frequent congestion near schools in Chalmette, the heavy turns at Paris Road, and how road work along St. Bernard Highway can affect traffic flow and visibility. This context informs investigations and helps explain liability to adjusters and, if necessary, a local jury.

Our approach to rideshare injury cases

• Client-centered communication. We keep you informed with plain language updates, responsive calls, and clear expectations.
• Evidence-driven case development. From app logs to medical documentation, we build a record that supports both liability and the full measure of your losses.
• Negotiation with purpose. We prepare each case as if it may proceed to litigation, which positions us for serious settlement discussions.
• Trial readiness. If negotiations fail, we are prepared to file suit and pursue your claim within the court system serving St. Bernard Parish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the Uber or Lyft driver was not at fault?

If another driver caused the crash, that driver’s insurer is generally primary. The rideshare company’s coverage may still matter if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. Determining app status and coverage tiers early helps protect your recovery.

Can I bring a claim if I was a passenger and my friend was the rideshare driver?

Yes. Passengers can pursue claims regardless of the driver’s identity. The applicable policy depends on app status, whether a ride was in progress, and who caused the collision. We will identify all potential insurance sources.

Do I have a case if I was hit while walking or biking near a rideshare pick-up zone?

Potentially. Pedestrian and bicycle claims often involve visibility, right of way, and driver distraction. If the rideshare driver’s app was active, commercial coverage may apply. We will preserve scene evidence and coordinate witness statements.

How much is my rideshare case worth?

Case value depends on injury severity, medical treatment, proof of liability, available insurance limits, and long-term impact on your life. We provide a case-specific assessment once we review records, bills, and wage documentation.

How long will a rideshare claim take in St. Bernard Parish?

Timelines vary with medical recovery and insurer responsiveness. Many claims resolve once treatment stabilizes, and we can present a complete demand. Complex injuries or disputed liability can extend the process. We will keep you informed at every step.

Should I accept the first settlement offer from an insurer?

Early offers often undervalue medical needs and future losses. We evaluate all offers against documented damages, negotiate for a fair result, and advise you on risks and benefits so you can make an informed decision.

Move forward after a rideshare crash in St. Bernard Parish

The sooner you act, the sooner your claim can move. Tonry & Giraud is ready to evaluate your Lyft or Uber accident, gather the proof that matters, and pursue the compensation you deserve right here in St. Bernard Parish.

Request your free case evaluation online. Evening and weekend consultations available by appointment.