Were you injured in an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver? If the accident wasn’t your fault, you could be eligible for compensation for your injuries and other accident-related losses. We can help.
Houston is a massive city that can be difficult to get around. Thankfully for many commuters, the rise of ridesharing has made navigating the city much simpler. Whether you want to spend a night on the town, need to make it to a doctor’s appointment, or want a ride to the airport at 6:00 a.m., someone is willing to give you a lift for a price.
Ridesharing may be popular and effective, but it can also be dangerous. Rideshare drivers need no special training or certifications to get you from point A to point B. When you get in someone else’s vehicle, there is no way of knowing if your driver is the cautious type or the careless type.
At The DJF Law Firm, PLLC, we understand the complexities of the rideshare business and how challenging it can be to receive fair compensation after an accident. Our skilled Houston car accident attorneys know how to navigate the claims and lawsuit process, advocate for you, and pursue the compensation you deserve following an Uber or Lyft crash. Call our Houston office at 832-529-3476 and set up a free legal consultation with one of our seasoned rideshare accident attorneys.
You may think an accident involving a ridesharing service vehicle is the same as any other car accident. It’s not. Ridesharing accidents are unique. They differ from standard car accident claims and can be much more complicated to navigate.
To understand why ridesharing claims are unique, you need to understand the ridesharing business model. Most ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft avoid legal liability by labeling their drivers as independent contractors. Independent contractors are not company employees, which means they do not have the same protections and rights as standard company employees. They are a separate classification, much like a freelancer.
There are numerous reasons to classify workers this way, many of which save the company money. However, classifying drivers as independent contractors also helps shift some liability away from the company and places it on the shoulders of the individual drivers. Hiring independent contractors instead of direct employees makes it challenging to hold a ridesharing company legally responsible for negligence in court. However, you may be able to recover compensation after an accident through an insurance claim.
One more point. When drivers are independent contractors, they do not require special training, certifications, or experience transporting riders. Most companies only require drivers to own a vehicle, have a valid driver’s license, and carry the minimum required car insurance.
Ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft provide some liability insurance coverage for their drivers. However, this coverage only applies to specific situations. The status of your driver at the time of the crash is one of the most crucial factors in determining whether Uber or Lyft coverage will apply. Both companies have similar requirements and insurance policy coverage guidelines. The language they use to talk about covered periods is slightly different.
Driver’s App is Offline – An Uber or Lyft driver is offline when they are not logged in to the company’s app. If a crash occurs during this time, the driver’s personal auto insurance coverage applies.
Driver Status is “Available and Waiting for a Ride Request” – In the “waiting for a ride request” status, an Uber or Lyft driver is logged into the company’s app and willing to accept a ride request. If an accident happens while a driver is waiting for a ride request, Uber or Lyft coverage provides:
Driver en Route to Pick Up Riders or Is Currently Transporting Riders – If a driver is en route to riders or is transporting riders to their destination, and an accident occurs, Uber or Lyft provides:
Both companies allow you to file an accident claim. You may file a claim through the app or online at the Uber and Lyft websites.
Who is liable for a rideshare accident? This question is challenging to answer because the fault may rest with more than one party. Getting to the bottom of who’s to blame is vital because, in Texas, the party most responsible for causing an accident is also the party most financially responsible for a victim’s losses. Parties who may be partially or fully liable following a rideshare accident can include:
Following an accident, you may be able to pursue compensation for your injuries. However, the value of your compensation can vary. There is no average settlement. The value of a settlement offer will depend on the circumstances of the crash and the severity of your injuries.
All accidents are unique. It can take a complete investigation into the crash to determine the fair value of your claim. In many cases, individuals involved in an Uber or Lyft accident can recover money for the following:
You must not sign paperwork or accept a settlement offer without talking to an experienced Houston ridesharing accident attorney first. An attorney can review your situation, assess the value of your claim, and negotiate on your behalf for the compensation you deserve.
Injured in an Uber or Lyft accident? Don’t know where to turn for answers? At The DJF Law Firm, PLLC, we can help you unravel the sometimes-complicated process of recovering compensation after a Houston rideshare accident.
To set up a free and confidential case evaluation, call our Houston office today at 832-529-3476.