Rideshare Car Accident Attorney in Missouri City, Texas
Ordering a rideshare to get where you need to go is becoming increasingly popular. All information is stored in the rideshare app, so there’s no need to dig out your credit card or cash to pay the driver.
The convenience and lower cost of rideshare transportation over the traditional taxi is attractive to many people. In fact, in 2021, 118 million people worldwide took an Uber. That doesn’t account for other similar companies, such as Lyft.
If you were injured as a passenger in a taxi or by a negligent taxi driver, the company that owns the business and the car would be liable for your damages. And if you are injured in an accident while a passenger in a rideshare vehicle or by a rideshare vehicle, whose liability insurance do you file a claim against? The answer can be complicated and answered by an experienced car accident attorney in Missouri City.
At K.E. Bradley, Attorney & Counselor at Law, we represent injury victims of rideshare-involved accidents in Missouri City and El Paso areas. When you incur medical expenses and other damages in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, our firm can help you determine who bears financial responsibility.
Schedule a consultation with our car accident attorney in Missouri City online or at (832) 440-0585 | (915) 222-8082 today!
Liability in a Rideshare Accident
Multiple and sometimes competing variables may come into play in a rideshare-involved accident when determining liability with your car accident attorney.
If you are a passenger in a rideshare vehicle and the rideshare driver causes an accident that results in your injuries, the rideshare company would be liable for your damages. That is because, at the time, the driver was working in the agency of the ride-hailing company, which puts the company’s liability insurance coverage into play. Uber and Lyft have major liability coverage of up to $1 million.
If you are a rideshare passenger and another driver causes the accident, the other driver is liable for your injuries. However, you can take advantage of some coverage provided by the company. For example, suppose the at-fault driver flees and scene, is uninsured, or doesn’t have enough insurance to compensate you fully for your injuries and other damages. In that case, you can file a claim with our Missouri City car accident attorney against Uber’s underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage. You may also be able to claim medical payment or personal injury protection (PIP) benefits included in Uber’s policy, regardless of who was at fault.
If the vehicle you’re in is hit by a negligent Uber or Lyft driver, what coverage is at your disposal depends on the rideshare driver’s status at the time of the crash.
Our car accident attorney highlights three situations that can help you get compensation:
- 1. If the driver was logged off, did not have a passenger, and was not on the way to pick up a passenger, you would need to pursue a claim against the driver’s personal auto insurance.
- 2. If the rideshare driver was conveying or on the way to pick up a passenger during the crash, you could file a claim against Uber’s or Lyft’s major liability coverage.
- 3. If the rideshare driver was logged onto the app but didn’t have a passenger and was not on the way to pick one up, you could file a claim against the basic liability coverage maintained by Uber or Lyft. That coverage has policy limits of $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. The driver’s personal auto insurance would explicitly prohibit coverage in this scenario unless the driver had purchased special coverage for rideshare drivers.
Suing Uber or Lyft Directly
You can sue Uber or Lyft directly if the driver was logged onto the rideshare app at the time of the crash and the driver caused the crash. Whether you can file a claim against the rideshare company’s basic or major liability coverage depends on factors discussed previously.
Seek Fair Compensation
What to Do if You Are in a Rideshare Accident
The first thing you should do in a rideshare accident is to seek immediate medical attention, even if you don’t think or aren’t sure you’re injured. Being examined and treated for injuries right away may be crucial to your recovery, and some injuries are not readily apparent. If you file a personal injury claim with our car accident attorney in Missouri City, you will also need a diagnosis relating your injuries to the accident.
Make sure you or someone involved reports the accident using 911. That way, the appropriate law enforcement and first responders will be dispatched to the scene, and the crash will be officially investigated.
Gather as much information as you can, such as the names, insurance, and contact details of all those involved in the crash, as well as the names and contact information of any witnesses to the incident. Take photos of your injuries and the crash scene, and write down your recollection of events while they are still fresh in your mind when speaking with your car accident attorney.
Request copies of relevant documents, such as your medical records, bills, and the law enforcement agency’s crash report.
Hire a car accident attorney in Missouri City who has represented victims in rideshare accidents. Your attorney will handle much of the work of your claim, although you will make all decisions regarding your claim. Your personal injury attorney will also conduct a full investigation into the fault, liability, and available insurance coverages.
Contact Our Rideshare Accident Attorney Today!
Determining financial liability in a rideshare accident can be complex. That’s why it’s vital to get started immediately if you have been involved in a rideshare accident in Missouri City, El Paso, or the surrounding areas. As a personal injury attorney firm that has represented injured clients involved in rideshare, truck, and motorcycle accidents, the K.E. Bradley team is dedicated to doing the work while you focus on your recovery.
Schedule your consultation with our car accident attorney in Missouri City online or at (832) 440-0585 | (915) 222-8082 today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a rideshare accident?
A rideshare accident involves a collision or injury that occurs while using services like Uber, Lyft, or similar platforms. This can include accidents involving the rideshare driver, passengers, other vehicles, or pedestrians.
Who can be held responsible in a rideshare accident?
Responsibility may fall on the rideshare driver, another motorist, the rideshare company, or even a vehicle manufacturer, depending on the circumstances. Determining liability can be complex due to insurance coverage rules.
When should I contact a rideshare accident lawyer?
You should contact a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident, especially if injuries are serious, there are disputes about fault, or insurance coverage is unclear. Early legal advice helps protect your rights and preserve evidence.
Where do I file a claim after a rideshare accident?
Claims may be filed with the rideshare company’s insurance, the driver’s personal insurance, or the at-fault driver’s insurance, depending on the situation. A lawyer can help determine the correct party to pursue for compensation.
Why hire a rideshare accident lawyer?
Rideshare cases often involve multiple insurance policies and complex liability issues. A lawyer can navigate these complexities, negotiate with insurers, and ensure you receive fair compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
How does insurance coverage work in a rideshare accident?
Insurance coverage depends on whether the rideshare driver was waiting for a ride request, en route to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting a passenger. Rideshare companies usually have commercial policies that supplement the driver’s personal insurance in certain scenarios.
What types of compensation can I recover?
You may recover economic damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and rehabilitation costs, as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering or emotional distress.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Time limits, or statutes of limitations, vary by state and the type of claim. Filing promptly is important to protect your legal rights and ensure the preservation of evidence.
