Texas Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies have become an indispensable transportation option for many people in cities across Texas. As more people use these services, the number of accidents involving Uber and Lyft vehicles has steadily increased. In fact, one study from Rice University and the University of Chicago found that the use of rideshare services may be responsible for a two- to three- percent increase in traffic deaths nationwide every year since rideshare companies were established.

Despite the benefits of ready access to a car, passengers and other drivers involved in rideshare accidents sometimes suffer severe injuries due to being in or hit by a rideshare vehicle. If you’ve been hurt in an Uber or Lyft car accident, contact the Texas rideshare accident lawyers at KRW Lawyers right away. Our seasoned car accident lawyers have been helping Texans for more than 30 years, and we’ve recovered millions in compensation on their behalf. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.

Types of Uber & Lyft Accidents

Whether you use Uber and Lyft constantly or this is your first time using a rideshare service, you could be involved in a rideshare accident. Here are the three main types of Lyft and Uber accidents:

• Passenger in an Uber or Lyft vehicle – This type of rideshare accident often occurs due to the negligent actions of Uber or Lyft drivers who were distracted, fatigued, intoxicated, speeding, or otherwise driving irresponsibly. These accidents also happen when another negligent driver strikes an Uber or Lyft vehicle carrying a passenger. If you were a passenger in a rideshare vehicle during a crash, your injuries would generally be covered by the company’s insurance policy.
• Pedestrian accidents – Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft tend to operate in large, crowded cities and at late hours, so pedestrian accidents involving rideshare vehicles are far too common. These accidents are often due to an inattentive rideshare driver. Either the driver’s or the company’s insurer could be responsible for compensation, depending on whether the driver was on the app at the time of the crash.
• Your car was hit – Lastly, sometimes rideshare drivers strike other vehicles. If the driver was carrying a passenger or on their way to pick someone up, the rideshare company’s insurance might be responsible for covering any resulting property damage and injuries if the accident is deemed their fault. On the other hand, if the Uber driver accident happened when they were not actively engaged in a fare, the driver’s private insurance would generally cover any injuries or property damage.

Potential Financial Compensation in a Rideshare Accident

In Texas, accident victims can pursue compensation through a personal injury claim when someone else caused their injury. Victims of rideshare accidents could be eligible to recover compensation for damages such as:

• Any medical bills related to the accident
• Any lost wages from missing work while you were recovering from your injuries
• Your reduced future earning capacity, if your injuries left you with a long-term or permanent disability
• The physical pain and suffering caused by your injuries
• Any mental or emotional harm stemming from the accident

Determining Liability in a Lyft or Uber Accident

If you were hurt in a rideshare accident, your attorney would first need to determine who is liable for your injuries. Like with other motor vehicle collisions in Texas, the party at fault for the crash is responsible for the damages stemming from the accident. The liable party in a rideshare accident depends on the circumstances of the crash.

Here are some general guidelines for determining liability in an Uber or Lyft accident:

• As a passenger in a rideshare vehicle – If you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft vehicle and injured in an accident, either the rideshare driver or another driver will likely be liable. Uber and Lyft both provide up to $1 million in insurance coverage for any vehicle involved in a crash, as long as the driver was engaged in a fare at the time of the accident.
• Pedestrian accidents – If the Uber driver wasn’t paying attention or otherwise negligent (speeding, intoxicated, fatigued, etc.), they most likely would be responsible for the pedestrian’s injuries. If the driver was engaged in a fare, any injuries you suffered would likely be covered by Uber or Lyft’s insurance policy. If the driver was not engaged in a fare, the accident might be covered by the rideshare driver’s personal insurance policy.
• An Uber or Lyft vehicle hits your car – If the driver was carrying a passenger or on the way to pick one up when they hit you, the rideshare company’s insurance policy could apply. If the Uber or Lyft driver was “off the clock,” then a claim would be like those related to any other car accident, and you could seek compensation through the driver’s personal insurance.

What To Do After a Rideshare Accident

Here’s what to do if you’re ever involved in a Lyft or Uber car accident:

Seek medical attention

Getting treatment quickly after an accident improves your chances of a full recovery. Moreover, delaying treatment could cause your injury claim to be denied or reduced in value.

Document the scene

Take photos of your injuries, the damage to your vehicle, the rideshare vehicle, any other vehicles involved, and the surrounding area. These photos could serve as crucial evidence in a compensation claim.

Get the driver’s information

Make sure to get the name of the rideshare driver, along with their phone number, address, and personal insurance information. Ask for the rideshare insurance information, too. You’ll also want the same information from any other drivers. If you can, write down the make, model, and license plate number for all vehicles involved in the crash.}

Call a lawyer

Obtaining compensation for your injuries after a rideshare accident can be challenging, which is why contacting an attorney is crucial. A lawyer can demand the money you need from the responsible party.

How KRW Lawyers Can Help

The rideshare accident lawyers at KRW Lawyers want to help you recover fair compensation for your injuries. Here are a few ways we can help:

• Investigating the crash to determine who’s liable
• Gathering evidence to document your physical injuries, financial losses, and the other harm you suffered
• Filing your claim in a promptly so that you don’t miss the deadline (statute of limitations)
• Negotiating with the insurance company and their attorneys for a full and fair settlement
• Bringing your case to court if the liable party refuses to agree to a fair settlement

With our Texas rideshare accident attorneys on your side, you can rest easier knowing that a skilled legal team is working hard to protect your interests. To learn more in a free initial consultation, call our office, chat with us online, or fill out a form on our contact page.