You settle into the back seat of an Uber, relieved you don’t have to watch for unmarked speed traps or scramble for a parking spot. Then, in a split second, the car jolts—maybe your driver was staring at a phone notification, or another vehicle ran a stop sign. An accident happens. As a passenger in Louisiana, you’re left wondering: Does Uber provide insurance that protects you? And if so, how?

At RUDIN LAW, we GET RUDE about your rights in plain language. No fluff, no dancing around the facts—just straight talk on what you can expect from Uber’s coverage when an active trip goes wrong. Here’s how Uber’s insurance policy works to protect passengers like you. In a future blog, we’ll address what happens when you get into an accident with an Uber while driving your own car.

How Uber’s Insurance Works (and Filing a Claim) While You’re a Passenger

Once you’re physically in an Uber and the driver starts the trip in the app, Uber’s full $1 million liability policy kicks in. This coverage applies during an active trip and protects passengers regardless of who is at fault for the accident. If you’re injured, there are two main paths for filing a claim:

• Claim Against the Uber Driver (Through Uber’s Coverage): If your Uber driver is at fault, Uber’s liability policy becomes your primary option. Many personal auto insurers exclude coverage for commercial activity, so Uber’s plan is designed to protect passengers.
• Claim Against Another Driver: If another motorist caused the collision, you would typically file a claim with that driver’s insurer first. To the extent your Uber driver has not opted out of his/her uninsured motorist coverage, it can potentially step in to provide you coverage. However, that is not a given, so consult a New Orleans rideshare accident attorney to discuss the details of your specific case.

Uber’s insurance also includes third-party property damage coverage, meaning it may cover damage to personal belongings during the accident. However, passengers are advised to document any property damage and check with Uber’s claims department or their own insurance provider to confirm coverage eligibility.

Why Louisiana’s Fault Rules Matter

Louisiana follows an “at-fault” system, so the party who caused the crash typically bears the responsibility for expenses like medical bills and property damage. If your Uber driver made a mistake, they (and by extension, Uber) could end up liable. If another car blindsides your ride, that car’s insurer is in the hot seat.

Here’s where Louisiana adds a twist: pure comparative negligence, described in Louisiana Civil Code Article 2323. This system reduces potential compensation by each party’s share of blame. You’re a passenger, so you’re usually not at fault—unless your own behavior somehow contributed to the wreck (for example, distracting the driver). That scenario is rare but not impossible. If you’re 0% at fault, then you’re not docked anything under comparative negligence.

Do Passengers Ever Get Blamed?

Most passengers just scroll through social media or chat—they’re not steering the vehicle. However, insurance adjusters sometimes look for ways to pin partial fault on a passenger. Maybe you pressured the driver to speed through a yellow light or kept distracting them during a risky maneuver. In such rare scenarios, an insurer might reduce your compensation if it shows you contributed to the crash in some way.

That said, passengers seldom face actual fault—and if you had no influence on the driver’s behavior, pure comparative negligence typically won’t affect your claim.

How to Handle the Aftermath of an Uber Crash

If you’re involved in an Uber crash, follow these steps to protect yourself:

• Assess Your Condition: If you’re hurt, get medical attention right away. Even minor discomfort can develop into something more serious.
• Document Everything: Take photos of the crash scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Keep track of receipts, doctor’s notes, and other records.
• Report It: Use the Uber app to report the accident. You might be contacted by Uber’s claims department or insurer for additional details.
• Stay Aware of the Deadline: Recent changes in Louisiana law have extended the statute of limitations for personal injury claims occurring on or after July 1, 2024, from one year to two years. Procrastinating can cost you the chance to recover any damages.

We GET RUDE about these details at RUDIN LAW because we’ve seen how insurers can twist timelines and evidence. The more you prepare, the less likely you’ll be caught off guard if your claim is challenged.

Riding in an Uber might mean you skip parking fees and traffic headaches, but it doesn’t eliminate the risk of an accident. The upside is that, under Louisiana law, a passenger in an active Uber ride has a decent safety net if a collision occurs. Uber’s policy can kick in for the driver’s fault, and if someone else is to blame, that person’s insurance steps up—potentially with Uber’s coverage ready if their plan falls short.

Why You Need a Lawyer Who’s Ready to GET RUDE

When insurance companies think you don’t know how pure comparative negligence works, they’ll try to take advantage of you. At RUDIN LAW, we follow the R-U-D-E Method. We don’t let insurance companies call the shots. We’re here to make sure they know you mean business.

RESEARCH: Let’s get started with a chat! We’ll walk you through a consultation, pinpointing potential problems and asking for any necessary documents. UNDERSTAND: By the end, we’ll have a clear understanding of your legal concerns and be able to offer valuable insights and solutions to move forward. DEVELOP: We’ll develop a customized legal strategy tailored to your specific situation, addressing your concerns and goals. EXECUTE: We’ll implement the legal strategy, providing expert guidance and advocacy to achieve the desired outcome.

Don’t Let Insurance Companies Push You Around!

If you were hurt in an Uber accident and the insurer is playing games with lowball offers or outright denials, it’s time to take action. At RUDIN LAW, we don’t just file claims—we fight aggressively to protect your rights.

You already spent valuable time searching online for a “New Orleans personal injury lawyer” or “rideshare lawyer near me,” and now you’ve found the right team to stand up for you. You’ll work directly with a New Orleans Uber accident attorney who knows how insurers operate from the inside out. With over a decade of experience countering their tactics, we hold them accountable.

Stop letting insurance companies dictate your recovery. Call RUDIN LAW at (504) 500-5504(504) 500-5504 for your FREE case review today. Prefer online? Fill out our confidential online form to get started. We’re here to cut through the confusion and fight for your fair outcome.

It’s time to GET RUDE and take control. At RUDIN LAW, we proudly fight for individuals and families across Louisiana and Texas.

Get Hurt? Get Help. GET RUDE.

Copyright © 2025. RUDIN LAW. All rights reserved.

The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

RUDIN LAW
5500 Prytania St. #404
New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 500-5504(504) 500-5504
https://www.getrude.com/