Houston Rideshare Accident Lawyers
Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident in Houston?
Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have become increasingly popular
in Houston and across Texas. Although these services are intended to provide
a convenient and cost-effective method of transportation for both drivers
and passengers, they can also expose both parties to significant risks
of injury.
If you were injured in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle or a loved
one was killed in a crash, you should not hesitate to contact a Houston
rideshare accident lawyer at Potts Law Firm as soon as possible. Our team
is prepared to investigate the details of your case and fight for maximum
compensation.
To schedule a free initial consultation with our Uber and Lyft accident
attorneys in Houston, call Potts Law Firm today at
(713) 348-9638 or
contact us online.
How Insurance Coverage Works in a Rideshare Accident
Rideshare companies require drivers to maintain their own personal auto
insurance that meets state minimum coverage requirements. However, most
rideshare companies also provide additional coverage when drivers are
actively engaged in a ride. If you have been injured in an accident involving
an Uber or Lyft driver, how you can recover compensation will be based
on the following situations.
The Driver Has Not Logged into the App
When a driver is not logged into the rideshare app, they are essentially
driving their vehicle for personal reasons. In the event of an accident
during this time, the driver's personal auto insurance policy applies.
The Driver Is Logged On But Hasn't Accepted a Ride
Texas legislation stipulates that rideshare giants such as Uber and Lyft
must furnish the subsequent insurance coverage during this phase:
-
$50,000 per individual: This pertains to bodily injury liability coverage for an injury sustained
by a single person.
-
$100,000 per incident: This covers bodily injury liability, extending to all injuries occurring
within a single accident.
-
$25,000 per incident: This involves property damage liability coverage, safeguarding against
any property damage caused by the rideshare driver.
The Driver Has Accepted a Ride
When a rideshare driver has accepted a ride request or is actively transporting
a passenger to their destination, they are covered by the rideshare company's
commercial auto insurance policy.
In Texas, this coverage typically includes:
- $1,000,000 in liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage
per accident
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage (up to the actual cash
value of the vehicle with a $1,000 deductible)
Understanding Your Legal Options
Rideshare Passengers
As a passenger who was injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, you have legal
options to pursue compensation for your injuries. Depending on the circumstances
of the accident, you may be able to file a claim with the rideshare company's
insurance, the driver's personal insurance, or both. An experienced attorney
can help you navigate the unique challenges of your case and help you
determine the best course of action.
Rideshare Drivers
As a rideshare driver, it's important to understand that you also have
legal options available to you after an accident. The unique circumstances
of the accident, however, can make the legal process complex and difficult
to navigate on your own. This is where the help of an attorney can be
invaluable. It's essential to act quickly and seek legal help as soon
as possible to protect your rights and preserve the evidence.
Third Parties
As a third party who was injured in a rideshare accident, you may also
be able to pursue compensation. However, the process can be complex and
difficult to navigate alone. That's why it's important to seek the help
of an experienced rideshare accident attorney to guide you through the
process. At Potts Law Firm, we have a team of skilled litigators who are
ready to fight for justice and defend your rights.
Challenges in Rideshare Accident Claims
Rideshare accident cases can present unique challenges compared to other types of
car accident cases.
Some of the challenges of Uber and Lyft accident claims include:
-
Determining liability: Determining who is at fault in a rideshare accident can be complex, especially
when multiple parties are involved. The liability may lie with the rideshare
driver, the rideshare company, or the other driver.
-
Insurance coverage: Rideshare drivers typically have different insurance coverage depending
on whether they are on duty or off duty. This can make it difficult to
determine which insurance company is responsible for paying damages.
-
Limited insurance coverage: Rideshare companies often have insurance policies that only cover accidents
that occur when the driver is actively transporting a passenger or en
route to pick up a passenger. This means that if the accident occurs when
the driver is not on duty, there may be limited insurance coverage.
-
Complex legal issues: Rideshare accident cases may involve complex legal issues, such as contract
law and the legal relationship between the rideshare company and the driver.
-
Challenges with evidence: Collecting evidence in a rideshare accident case can be difficult, especially
if there were no witnesses or if the accident occurred in a busy area
with many other vehicles and people.
Overall, the unique aspects of rideshare accidents make it important to
work with an experienced Uber and Lyft accident lawyer in Houston who
understands the complexities of these types of cases.
