Uber & Lyft Accidents IT'S ALL ABOUT THE RIGHT CHOICE

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.

What Should I Do if I’m Involved in an Uber or Lyft Accident in Houston?

If you've been involved in a rideshare accident, it's important to take the following steps:

  • Seek medical attention: Your health and safety should be your top priority. Even if you don't feel injured, it's important to get checked out by a medical professional to ensure you don't have any hidden injuries.
  • Contact the authorities: Call the police to report the accident, and provide them with any necessary information.
  • Collect information: Exchange information with the other parties involved in the accident, including the driver, passengers, and any witnesses. Be sure to get their names, contact information, insurance information, and license plate numbers.
  • Document the scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to the vehicles and any injuries sustained.
  • Contact a rideshare accident attorney: It's important to contact an experienced rideshare accident attorney as soon as possible to help guide you through the legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

By following these steps, you can protect your rights and ensure that you receive the necessary medical treatment and compensation after an Uber or Lyft accident.

Why Should I Contact a Houston Rideshare Accident Attorney?

Injured rideshare drivers and passengers are often left with many questions after an accident occurs. Unfortunately, the rideshare service will not provide you with much information about your rights or how you can move forward with your claim. Our team at Potts Law Firm is available to answer all of your questions and provide you with the legal guidance you need to move forward with your case.

Our Houston rideshare accident attorneys can:

  • Assist you in determining whether you have grounds to file a claim
  • Help you navigate the insurance claim process
  • Review all of the evidence, including police reports and rideshare communications
  • Negotiate with the rideshare company on your behalf
  • File and litigate personal injury claims in state and federal courts

Our team is prepared to investigate the details of your Uber or Lyft accident and fight for the maximum compensation you are owed. Call (713) 348-9638 or contact us online today.

It's All About Your Recovery

Hear From Our Past Client's
  • I had a wonderful experience with this law firm.

    “They were able to complete it in a timely manner and were great at keeping me up to date with communication throughout the entire process. I highly recommend using this law firm if the need arises.”

    - Stephen P.
  • I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him or any of the team at Potts.

    “Michael Bins has been extremely helpful in helping us to navigate a situation with an insurance claim on a commercial property. He’s gone above and beyond in moving our case toward a positive resolution that we’re satisfied with.”

    - Theo C.
  • The Potts Law Firm is a powerhouse of brilliant attorneys.

    “They know the law from every angle, dig deep, and will not accept anything less than what was asked in the original suit. The Potts team never backed down until the case was settled in full.”

    - Molly H.
  • I would recommend Potts Law Firm for any and all legal matters that come my way in the future!

    “The Potts Law Firm answered all of my numerous questions in layman’s terms which is what I needed. I was able to lie back & heal from my injuries knowing full well that my obligations were being handled appropriately.”

    - W. Gary
  • Great law firm!

    “Very responsive they would call and text me about everything going down! They helped me get through my car crash and I would greatly recommend this team!”

    - Hugo G.

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