An accident involving an Uber or Lyft creates immediate confusion due to complex insurance rules and the powerful companies involved. A Texas rideshare accident lawyer helps you pursue a claim and protects your rights.
A rideshare injury attorney fights for you when another’s actions cause you harm. Call DFW Injury Lawyers at (972) 440-2320 for a free review of your case.
Why Choose DFW Injury Lawyers for Your Texas Rideshare Accident Case
Choosing the right legal team can significantly affect your journey toward recovery. Our firm is dedicated to serving clients throughout Texas with commitment and a deep understanding of state law. We provide the support and representation you need.
Rooted in Texas
Our roots are firmly planted in Texas. We aren't a national firm that sees you as a case number. We represent clients across the entire state, from Dallas-Fort Worth to Houston, Longview, and Lubbock.
We know Texas because we live and work here. Our local knowledge provides a distinct advantage. We build cases that resonate with Texas juries and judges. An attorney from our firm brings this homegrown perspective to your rideshare injury claim.
Focused on Personal Injury
Our law firm focuses exclusively on personal injury law. This sharp focus means we dedicate all our resources and experience to helping people harmed by negligence. We have a deep knowledge of the tactics insurance companies use in rideshare accident claims.
We have handled countless vehicle collision cases, including many complex Uber and Lyft accidents. Your rideshare accident attorney from our office applies this concentrated experience to your case. We know how to build a strong claim from the ground up.
Direct Access to Your Attorney
You receive personalized attention from the moment you hire us. We believe clear communication provides comfort and confidence. Your Texas rideshare accident lawyer will inform you about every development in your case. Your questions are always answered promptly.
Let a dedicated Texas rideshare accident lawyer from our team stand with you. Contact DFW Injury Lawyers now at (972) 440-2320.
Liability in a Texas Uber or Lyft Crash
Determining who is financially responsible for your injuries is a major challenge in any rideshare accident claim. Multiple parties may have some degree of fault, including the rideshare driver, another driver, or the rideshare company.
Texas rideshare laws add layers of complexity. The insurance coverage that applies depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash. Was the driver logged into the app and waiting for a ride request? Were they on the way to pick up a passenger, or was a passenger in the car?
Each of these scenarios triggers different insurance policies with varying limits. The driver’s personal auto insurance often denies claims if the driver was working. The rideshare company’s large commercial policies only apply during certain periods.
An experienced rideshare accident attorney in Texas understands these specific rules. They identify all available insurance coverage to maximize your potential recovery.
These insurance periods determine which policy pays for your injuries:
- App Is Off: When drivers aren’t logged into the rideshare app, they’re considered regular drivers. Their auto insurance policy is the only coverage for an accident.
- App Is On, Awaiting a Request: Once a driver logs into the app and is available to accept rides, a limited insurance policy from the rideshare company applies. This contingent coverage is used if the driver's personal policy denies the claim. This policy has lower limits than the primary commercial insurance.
- En Route or Transporting a Passenger: From the moment a driver accepts a ride request until the passenger exits the vehicle, the rideshare company’s full commercial insurance policy is active. This policy provides at least $1 million in liability coverage and includes Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) protection.
Don’t try to sort out these confusing insurance issues on your own. Let a lawyer analyze the facts of your case and determine the responsible parties. They fight to hold the correct people and companies accountable for the harm you've suffered.
Who May Have a Valid Rideshare Accident Claim in Texas
Many people assume only the rideshare passenger has a claim after a crash. However, several parties may be eligible to seek compensation if an accident injured them. An experienced attorney evaluates your specific circumstances to determine your rights.
You may have a valid claim if you were one of the following:
- Uber/Lyft Passengers: You can file a claim against the at-fault driver, who may be your rideshare driver or another motorist.
- Drivers/Passengers of Another Vehicle: If the rideshare driver crashed into your car and injured you, you can pursue a claim against them and the rideshare company's applicable insurance. Passengers in other cars also have the right to file a claim against the negligent rideshare driver for their injuries.
- Pedestrians/Bicyclists: If a rideshare vehicle struck you while you were walking or cycling, you can file a claim for your injuries and losses.
- Rideshare Driver: If another driver was at fault for the accident, the rideshare driver themselves can file a claim against that driver for their injuries and lost income.
Identifying Potentially Negligent Parties in Your Collision
A key part of your case is identifying the person or company whose carelessness caused your injuries. In a rideshare crash, liability isn't always clear. A Texas rideshare accident lawyer investigates thoroughly to determine who is at fault.
The negligent party could be the rideshare driver if they were speeding, distracted, or broke another traffic law. In other cases, the driver of another car involved in the collision is the at-fault party. Sometimes, both drivers may share a percentage of the fault for the accident.
In some situations, the rideshare company itself may hold some liability. For instance, Uber or Lyft may be negligent if they fail to conduct a proper background check on a driver with a dangerous driving history.
Potential Compensation You May Recover After a Rideshare Collision
A successful rideshare injury claim allows you to recover compensation for your various losses. These damages fall into two main categories: economic and non-economic. An attorney helps you identify and document all your losses.
Common types of compensation include:
- Medical Expenses: This covers your past and future costs for hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, physical therapy, and medications.
- Lost Wages: This reimburses you for the income you lost while unable to work and for any reduction in your future earning capacity.
- Property Damage: This payment covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle or any other personal property damaged in the crash.
- Pain and Suffering: This compensation addresses your physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries.
- Mental Anguish: This compensation addresses conditions like anxiety, depression, or PTSD that develop as a result of the traumatic event.
Your Texas rideshare accident lawyer works to secure a settlement or verdict that fully accounts for every loss. They build a compelling case to show the insurance company or jury the true impact of the accident on your life.
5 Steps To Take After a Rideshare Accident in Texas
If you’ve already sought medical care, you’re on the right path. Continue to follow your doctor’s treatment plan and make sure to go to all follow-up appointments; insurers may use missing rehabilitation visits to downplay your injuries.
Take these steps to strengthen your potential claim for compensation:
- Report the Accident: Report the crash through the Uber or Lyft app. This creates an official record with the company.
- Gather Information: Collect contact and insurance information from all drivers involved. Get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
- Document Everything: Collect any and all photos you have from the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries. Keep a file of all medical bills, receipts, and communication related to the crash.
- Avoid Social Media: Don’t post about the accident or your injuries on social media platforms. Insurance companies monitor these sites for information to use against you.
- Contact an Attorney: Speak with a Texas rideshare accident lawyer before you talk to any insurance adjusters. Your attorney protects your interests from the start.
How a Texas Rideshare Accident Lawyer Handles Your Claim
After an Uber or Lyft collision, you need to focus on your recovery. A rideshare accident attorney handles the legal complexities for you. They work to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation.
The Investigation
Your lawyer starts by conducting a thorough investigation, gathering evidence like police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage. They may also work with accident reconstruction professionals to prove how the crash happened.
Managing Communications
Your Texas rideshare injury lawyer manages all communications for you. They talk to the rideshare company, insurance adjusters, and the other party's attorneys. This prevents you from making statements that an insurer may twist to devalue or deny your claim.
Your lawyer acts as your shield and your voice.
Totaling Your Claim
Calculating the full extent of your damages is another key role of your attorney. They review your medical records, proof of lost income, and other financial losses. They also work to place a value on your pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
An accurate calculation allows your attorney to pursue compensation that covers all of your losses.
Fighting for Compensation
Your attorney also handles all settlement negotiations. They present your case to the insurance company and demand a fair settlement. If the insurer refuses to offer a just amount, your Texas rideshare accident lawyer is prepared to take your fight to court.
Your Texas rideshare accident lawyer advocates for you at every stage, from filing the lawsuit to representing you at trial.
FAQ for Texas Rideshare Accident Lawyer
How Is a Rideshare Accident Different From a Regular Car Accident?
A rideshare accident involves complex insurance issues not present in a typical car crash. The case involves rideshare drivers' personal insurance and the large commercial policies of companies like Uber and Lyft. Determining which policy applies depends on the driver’s activity at the time of the crash.
What if I Were a Passenger in the Uber or Lyft That Caused the Wreck?
As a passenger, you have a strong claim for compensation. Passengers are almost never at fault for rideshare accidents. You can typically file a claim against the rideshare company's substantial insurance policy, which covers passengers for up to $1 million in damages.
A Texas rideshare injury attorney can help you file this claim correctly.
What if the Rideshare Driver Was Not at Fault?
If another driver caused the collision, you file a claim against that driver's insurance policy. If that driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still be able to recover compensation from the rideshare company's UM/UIM coverage. Your lawyer explores all possible sources of recovery.
How Much Time Do I Have To File a Rideshare Accident Claim in Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. You lose your right to sue if you miss this deadline. Contact a lawyer as soon as you can so they have ample time to build a strong case and meet all legal deadlines.
What if the Insurance Company Offers Me a Quick Settlement?
Be very cautious about accepting an early settlement offer from an insurance company. These initial offers are almost always far less than the true value of your claim. The insurer wants to close your case quickly and cheaply before you know the full extent of your injuries and losses.
Always have a Texas rideshare accident lawyer review any offer before you accept it.
Your Path Forward Starts Here
Don't let the uncertainty of a rideshare accident define your future. The insurance issues are complicated, but you don't have to solve them alone. The right Texas personal injury lawyer makes the journey easier and stands up to the massive companies in your way.
You have the power to protect your rights and seek the compensation you need to heal. Call DFW Injury Lawyers at (972) 440-2320 now.