Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have become immensely popular in recent years, providing convenient and affordable transportation options for millions of Texans. However, the rise of rideshares has also led to an increase in accidents involving rideshare vehicles. If you are injured in an accident with a rideshare driver in Texas, it’s important to understand your legal rights and options.
Determining Liability
The first step after any accident is determining who was at fault. Rideshare drivers are required to carry insurance policies that cover injuries to passengers and third parties when the app is on, even if no passenger is in the car. However, complex insurance laws in Texas make liability unclear in some rideshare accident cases.
If the rideshare driver caused the accident, their insurance should cover your injuries up to certain limits. But if the accident was not the driver’s fault, you may need to file a claim with your own insurer or the at-fault driver’s insurer. An experienced personal injury attorney Houston TX can help investigate the accident details to establish liability.
Seeking Compensation from Rideshare Companies
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft carry insurance policies on behalf of their drivers, providing another source of compensation for accident victims. But rideshare insurance coverage can be confusing.
Uber and Lyft provide contingent liability coverage when a driver has the app on but no passenger in the car. This covers bodily injury and property damage to third parties caused by the driver up to certain limits, which vary by company.
When a passenger is in the vehicle, the coverage limits increase substantially to provide protection for riders. But gaps may exist if the driver’s personal auto insurance denies a claim. Maintaining your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is important.
A Houston personal injury lawyer from Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys can help you review the rideshare company’s insurance coverage and determine if their policy may be applicable to your injuries. The rideshare company may share liability depending on the situation.
Navigating Personal Injury Claims
Pursuing a personal injury claim after a Texas rideshare accident can get complicated fast. Crash reports must be obtained, extensive medical records must be gathered, complex insurance laws must be analyzed, and negotiations carried out. Having an experienced Uber accident injury lawyer on your side levels the playing field against rideshare companies.
An Uber accident attorney can handle all aspects of building your claim, from investigating accident factors to calculating damages. They will negotiate directly with insurers to demand full and fair compensation on your behalf. An Uber accident injury lawyer may also file a lawsuit against any liable parties if a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached.
The statute of limitations in Texas for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. It is advised to pursue legal representation right away to avoid running out of time for filing a claim. A Lyft accident attorney can handle all the time-sensitive legal matters so you can focus on recovery.
Seeking Maximum Damages
Rideshare accident victims may be entitled to several types of damages, depending on case specifics. A Lyft accident lawyer Texas can pursue every available source of compensation, such as:
- Medical expenses from ambulance transport, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy
- Future medical costs for ongoing care
- Lost wages from missed work due to injuries
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage if your vehicle or personal items were damaged
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement from scarring
- Wrongful death damages if a fatality occurred
An experienced attorney will thoroughly evaluate all losses and damages to demand full compensation under the law for your injuries.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Rideshare Accident Claim
Here are some common mistakes to avoid if you want to submit a personal injury claim against a rideshare company:
- Failing to seek medical attention immediately. It’s important to get checked out by a doctor right away, even for minor injuries. This documents your injuries for your claim.
- Not reporting the accident to the rideshare company. Uber, Lyft, and other platforms require accidents to be reported timely. Failure to do so can jeopardize your claim.
- Providing a recorded statement to insurance companies. Insurers may try to get an early recorded statement from you, but it’s best to consult a lawyer first. Statements can be used against you later.
- Accepting an early settlement offer. Insurance companies may offer quick settlements to close claims fast. But this is often less than full compensation. An attorney from Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys can properly value your claim.
- Not retaining evidence from the scene. Taking photos of damage, injuries, skid marks, weather conditions, etc. helps document important facts. Police reports can also bolster a claim.
- Waiting too long to get a lawyer. Accident claims have strict statutes of limitations. Hiring an attorney quickly is vital to avoid running out of time for filing a suit.
- Trying to handle it alone. Between insurance negotiations, investigating fault, calculating damages, and filing a lawsuit if needed, expert legal help from Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys is highly recommended.
Avoiding these common missteps and consulting an experienced rideshare accident attorney early on can put you in the best position to recover maximum compensation for your injuries. An attorney from Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys knows how to build the strongest case.
Consult a Rideshare Injury Attorney
Navigating the insurance claims process after a rideshare accident can be daunting. An experienced personal injury lawyer can handle the complicated legal process for you while you recover. If you or a loved one were injured in an accident with a rideshare driver, contact a dedicated rideshare injury law firm today to explore your options. With a Lyft accident attorney on your side, you can make sure your rights are protected each step of the way.
If the Lyft or Uber driver you booked was in an accident while you were in the vehicle, contact Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys today. Call us at 800-4-THE-WIN (800-484-3946) for advice on your rights in Texas rideshare accidents.
