English 
Spanish Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have only grown in popularity since their inception, offering a low-cost, on-demand transportation option. But as ridesharing services have become widespread, so have rideshare-related accidents. If an Uber or Lyft driver caused an accident that has left you seriously injured, a lawyer will help you take the steps to hold drivers accountable. But not just anyone will do. You also need someone with ridesharing litigation experience and who understands local laws that affect compensation. That’s exactly why you need a Houston rideshare accident lawyer to take action and move your case forward.
Factors Affecting Ridesharing-Related Compensation
When an Uber or Lyft driver causes an accident that leaves you injured, insurance coverage and liability are based on a number of factors. Drivers tend to have special rideshare coverage as part of their auto policy. But the parent ridesharing company only gets involved in some instances.
The ridesharing driver’s Uber or Lyft coverage is only active when their status indicates they are actively working. If the driver’s status is offline when the accident occurred, the driver is not technically working for Uber or Lyft at that moment. This means the ridesharing company won’t be at fault for the accident. Instead, the driver’s personal insurance would cover your claim.
If the driver’s status is on, Uber provides contingent liability coverage while the driver is waiting for a ride request, and up to about $1 million in liability coverage once the driver has accepted a trip or is carrying a passenger.
When you accepted Uber or Lyft’s terms of service, you likely agreed that most disputes must be resolved through individual arbitration instead of in court, generally waiving the right to a jury trial and class actions. Through the arbitration process, you’ll settle disputes with a qualified arbiter. This process is a simpler and more flexible alternative to court proceedings.
The arbitration rule affects how you can take action after being injured, but how the state determines fault can affect your payout. Under Texas’ modified comparative fault system, your compensation may be reduced if you were partly at fault. This includes situations where you were driving another vehicle at the time of the rideshare accident.
All of these factors play a role in determining what legal action after a ridesharing accident looks like. When you involve a lawyer who specializes in Uber and Lyft accidents, they can help you leverage this legal situation to increase your payout.
Hurt in an Uber or Lyft? Do This Now!
Ridesharing-involved accidents might come with unique characteristics, but many of the steps you need to take are the same as with any other car accident. In general, you want to gather evidence and refrain from saying anything to insurance companies that could hurt your case.
More specifically, after an Uber or Lyft accident, you should take the following steps immediately:
- Preserve evidence. Capture as much key evidence as you can gather. This includes receipts, medical records, and any communication you have from insurers or the rideshare company.
- Document injuries. Seek medical attention to generate documentation of your injuries. Follow up with any medical treatment plans. This helps prove how severe your injury was.
- Limit conversations with insurers. When you speak to insurers, share only the necessary factual information. It’s not a good idea to share too much with insurance companies without legal guidance, as companies often seek to undervalue claims, leveraging the comparative fault system to reduce payouts.
By taking these steps, you’re increasing the amount of evidence that your lawyer can pull from to build your case, while reducing the risk of hurting your own case.
When you choose a local rideshare accident lawyer like Ryan Nguyen, you’re not just calling on any legal expert. You’re working with someone ready to hold Uber and Lyft to account for their wrongdoing in the jurisdiction where it occurred. Ryan Nguyen passionately fights throughout these cases, maximizing your payout so you can focus on recovering from your injuries. And as a native Houstonian, he understands how local laws apply to your case.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Houston Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Ridesharing-related injuries are a relatively new and unique legal situation. But if an Uber or Lyft driver hurt you, you have a chance to hold them accountable. Be sure to take the appropriate steps to document the situation. And call a lawyer as soon as possible to help build your case and get the payout you deserve.
If you were hurt in an Uber or Lyft in Houston, don’t hesitate to call Ryan Nguyen, a rideshare accident lawyer and native Houstonian. Known as The Falcon, he is ready to swoop in after your accident and help you maximize your compensation!
Contact us today to arrange a free consultation. Hablamos español. Chúng tôi nói tiếng Việt. We don’t discriminate!
