Rideshare services have quickly overtaken taxis as one of the primary ways that people get where they need to go across the country.
In Texas, hundreds of thousands of people use services from rideshare companies like Lyft and Uber every year.
Because of the unique legal details of these services and how they operate, rideshare drivers and passengers who are injured and/or sustain property damage in a crash could be eligible to get compensation via a personal injury claim.
Most rideshare drivers are independent contractors, which makes rideshare claims and insurance coverage disputes more complicated.
The experienced personal injury lawyers at Florin|Roebig law firm are experts at helping people get the settlements they deserve after rideshare accidents.
What To Know If You Are A Lyft Or Uber Driver In A Rideshare Accident
Lyft and Uber drivers who get in auto accidents while logged into the app might be eligible to receive compensation from the rideshare company’s insurance policy.
Sometimes, Lyft or Uber and/or their insurance companies refuse to pay or offer a lowball settlement amount after an accident.
This is why hiring an experienced practitioner of personal injury law is critical to getting a fair settlement.
What To Do After Getting Into A Rideshare Accident In Texas
Many rideshare drivers do not realize that they need to be prepared for the possibility of a car accident while working.
Knowing what steps to take after a rideshare accident can help you to stay safe and increase your chances for a favorable payout after the accident.
Drivers that are unprepared for rideshare accidents can be more easily taken advantage of by rideshare companies and their insurance.
1. Seek Medical Attention For All Accident Victims
Your first priority after an auto accident should be the health and safety of everyone involved. Even if you do not feel like you sustained any injuries, it is always a good idea to seek medical care after an accident.
If emergency officials at the scene of the accident offer you care, do not refuse. You could be in shock and therefore be unaware of injuries that you have sustained.
It is also important to note that if you do receive medical care and any injuries or issues are discovered, the notes from your visit could serve as important evidence should you decide to file a personal injury claim later on.
2. Gather Information
Information from all drivers and passengers involved in the accident should be gathered as soon as possible.
Driver’s license numbers, addresses, contact information, and, most importantly, insurance information should be collected.
These documents will help you file insurance claims and seek compensation after your accident.
3. Contact The Police
The Texas Department of Transportation states that you should call the police after an accident if anyone has sustained injuries, if you suspect a driver is intoxicated, if one of the drivers is uninsured, if the vehicles cannot be moved, or if one or more drivers flees the scene.
If the police show up at the scene of an accident, they will collect reports from involved drivers and eyewitnesses. Police reports can serve as important objective evidence if you need to file a claim.
4. Take Photos Of The Accident Scene
Police reports are good sources of evidence, but you can also take matters into your own hands after an accident and collect evidence by taking photos and videos if it is safe to do so.
Specifically, try to record any damage to your property and any injuries sustained.
5. Contact A Rideshare Accident Attorney
No matter what happened during your accident, calling a car accident lawyer with plenty of experience handling rideshare accident cases is critical.
An attorney can help you understand your legal rights, seek compensation for damages, and more.
Never admit fault for an accident before talking to a rideshare car accident attorney. Doing so can complicate your case and make it more difficult to seek compensation.
6. File A Personal Injury Claim
Getting in a rideshare accident can be very expensive and bring many negative impacts, especially for people who have sustained injuries.
From medical bills to the pain and suffering you experience after getting injured, impacts on your life can add up quickly after an accident.
When you file a personal injury claim with the help of an experienced attorney, you are likely to receive compensation to help alleviate some of the burden.
Are Passengers Covered For Texas Rideshare Accidents?
If you are a passenger in a rideshare vehicle and an accident occurs, you should be covered by someone else’s insurance.
Lyft or Uber must provide liability coverage for costs related to property damage or personal injuries.
It is highly unlikely that you would be deemed at fault in an accident as a passenger. This means that another party’s liability insurance should end up paying for your damages.
If you were a passenger involved in a rideshare accident, reach out to the experienced rideshare attorneys at Florin|Roebig for a free consultation to discuss your case.
Who Is Liable For Uber And Lyft Accidents In Texas?
Liability in rideshare accidents is unique and a bit more complicated than most car accident cases.
Because Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors and not employees, they must carry their own personal insurance. However, rideshare companies also provide substantial liability coverage.
If a driver is signed into the app and especially if they are en route to pick up a passenger or are currently giving someone a ride when they get into an accident, the rideshare company’s insurance company might be held liable for damages.
Because of the complicated nature of liability in rideshare accidents, many rideshare insurance companies and rideshare companies might try to take advantage of riders and drivers that have been injured in accidents.
By hiring an experienced rideshare lawyer, you can prevent this from happening and give yourself the best chances of a fair settlement.
What To Know About Uber And Lyft Services
Uber and Lyft are unique services that provide a way for drivers to connect with people looking for rides.
But, Uber and Lyft are different from traditional taxi services because the drivers are not employed by the companies; instead, they operate as independent contractors while driving.
Because of this, a driver must have his or her own personal insurance policy which includes coverage for commercial driving.
Uber and Lyft also provide insurance coverage of their own. An Uber or Lyft accident lawyer can help you determine who is liable after an accident and how to pursue compensation.
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Texas Rideshare Accident Laws and Insurance Requirements
There are laws in place which can affect who is liable in your rideshare accident injury case and whether you can pursue a settlement.
For example, the law requires that Lyft and Uber drivers carry personal auto insurance even while giving rides via the app.
A law called Texas House Bill 100 was passed in 2017, placing various regulations and restrictions on rideshare services in the state.
Furthermore, both companies offer their own third-party liability insurance for cases in which a driver’s personal insurance does not apply.
Lyft, for example, offers at least $1,000,000 in coverage when the app is on and drivers are either en route to pick up passengers or are giving a ride.
This means that if a driver causes an accident while they are on duty, Lyft or Uber can sometimes be held liable for the driver’s actions and any damage or injuries they cause to other motorists.
Statute Of Limitations On Rideshare Accident Claims
Another law that affects rideshare accident cases is called the statute of limitations. In Texas, all people who want to pursue a personal injury claim must file it within two years from the date the accident happened.
If you are involved in an accident with an Uber or Lyft car and you wait for more than two years to file a claim, it might be too late.
Difference Between Rideshare Services And Taxis
Rideshare services like Lyft and Uber have almost completely replaced taxis in many areas in a shockingly short period of time. These services offer riders convenient rides, often at a lower rate than taxis.
Meanwhile, drivers tend to enjoy the flexibility allowed by working as independent contractors and choosing their own hours.
Although taxis and rideshares provide similar services, they have some key differences. Some of the main differences between taxis and rideshare services include:
- Training
- Cost
- How each service is accessed
- Auto insurance requirements
- Employment and vehicle classifications
When it comes to legal matters around rideshare services, the most notable difference from taxis is that drivers are independent contractors, meaning they are not actually employed by Uber or Lyft.
This means that they have fewer restrictions when it comes to training, background checks, and vehicle type.
Employment status can also affect personal injury claims, who is liable, and the resulting settlements.
Can Uber/Lyft Drivers Be Fired For Filing A Rideshare Accident Claim?
If you are a Lyft or Uber driver and you are considering filing a rideshare accident claim, don’t be afraid of losing your job. Lyft and Uber cannot deactivate you for filing a claim against them.
The experienced legal team at Florin|Roebig law firm has several top personal injury attorneys who are standing by to help you get the best possible settlement offer.
If you have concerns about losing your job if you file a claim, give us a call and we can talk you through the process and share details about your legal rights.
Rideshare Accident Rates In Texas
There are more than 10,000 Uber and Lyft drivers in the state of Texas. The possibility of accidents is relatively high.
If you’ve been in an accident during a rideshare in Texas, you should learn your legal rights by speaking to an attorney.
Texas Rideshare Accident FAQs
If you still have questions about rideshare accident cases in Texas, read through the frequently asked questions below.
How Can I Get A Settlement After Being Injured In A Texas Rideshare Accident?
If you have been injured in a Lyft or Uber accident in Texas, your best bet is to reach out to an experienced rideshare accident attorney.
An attorney can give you a case evaluation and tell you whether filing a personal injury claim against the liable parties is the right thing to do.
In most cases, if an attorney advises that you continue with your rideshare accident claim, you will receive a settlement offer from an insurance company.
Is It Expensive To Hire A Rideshare Accident Lawyer?
Many personal injury attorneys, including the lawyers at Florin|Roebig law firm, work on a contingency fee basis.
This means that your lawyer only gets paid when you do. Your attorney will only advise you to pursue a claim if they think you have very good odds of winning a significant settlement.
Settlement amounts are higher for people who hire personal injury attorneys. You only have something to gain by hiring an attorney on a contingency fee, and nothing to lose.
How Much Is An Average Rideshare Settlement?
Settlements in all personal injury cases vary widely based on many factors including the severity of the injuries, who was at fault, and how the accident occurred.
Rideshare settlements can range anywhere from a few thousand dollars all the way up to $1 million or more.
The more severe your injuries, the more likely a large settlement will be.
List Of Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) Accident Attorneys In Texas
The best rideshare accident attorneys in Texas work at Florin|Roebig law firm.
With office locations in Dallas and Houston, we have decades of experience helping people across the state of Texas seek the compensation they deserve.
Our team of esteemed lawyers has won over $1 billion in settlement offers for our clients, as well as countless favorable verdicts in cases that make it to court.
Rideshare accident attorneys of Florin|Roebig in Texas include:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Chase P. Florin, B.C.S.
- Neil P. O’Brien, M.B.A.
- Shaun M. Cummings
- Luca G. Esposito
- Chad K. Florin, M.B.A., LL.M.
- Nicholas S. Costantino
- John J. Hart
- Parker Y. Florin, LL.M.
- Taylor D. Roebig
- Michael A. Ossi, O.C.
- Lawrence J. Najem, O.C.
- Andrew M. Leone, O.C.
- Nollys R. Solarte, O.C.
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Find A High-Quality Rideshare Accident Attorney In Texas
If you or a loved one has been in a rideshare accident in Texas, you might be able to pursue a settlement offer via a personal injury claim.
The experienced attorneys at Florin|Roebig law firm can walk you through the process and help you secure the settlement you deserve for the pain you’ve endured.
To learn more about our services or schedule your free initial consultation, contact us today.
