The invention of rideshare services has changed how people get around Houston. Instead of calling for a taxi or using public transportation, many people are using rideshare apps for quick one-way trips. Uber and Lyft are two of the most well-known ridesharing apps. Through the rideshare apps, you can arrange for a ride, pay your driver, and rate the driver quickly and conveniently.
However, rideshare accidents are becoming more common as more people use the rideshare services. Some studies indicate that traffic fatalities increased by three percent with the introduction of rideshare apps. Other sources report an increase in motor vehicle accidents, pollution, and traffic accidents since rideshare services were introduced.
If you were injured in a rideshare accident, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Contact The Alfred Firm at (713) 470-9714 for a free consultation with an experienced Houston rideshare accident attorney.
Passengers in rideshare accidents do not have control over the vehicle. Therefore, rideshare passengers are generally not liable for an accident unless the passenger’s actions directly led to the cause of the crash. For instance, a rideshare passenger struck the driver or grabbed the steering wheel, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
In most cases, a rideshare accident in Houston is caused by the rideshare driver or another driver. Determining the cause of the accident is a high priority for our Houston rideshare accident lawyers. Only the parties responsible for the cause of the crash can be held liable for your damages.
Our Houston car accident lawyers at The Alfred Firm have significant experience handling rideshare accidents throughout Houston. We have the resources necessary to investigate crashes and knowledge of the law to maximize your chance of full compensation for your injuries, losses, and damages.
Rideshare drivers are independent contractors. They use their personal vehicles to transport passengers. When ridesharing first became popular, there were disputes regarding who was liable for damages caused by a rideshare driver.
The personal insurance company for the rideshare driver denied coverage because personal automobile insurance policies exclude accidents involving paid fares. Uber and Lyft denied coverage based on the argument that the drivers were independent contractors and not employees of the company. Unfortunately, that left accident victims with no legal recourse to seek compensation for their injuries and losses.
Today, Uber and Lyft provide insurance for their drivers when the drivers are transporting passengers. Therefore, if a rideshare driver causes an accident, the accident victims may recover compensation from the rideshare company. However, it is not that easy.
Uber and Lyft contract with insurance companies to provide coverage for their drivers. Therefore, accident victims face the same problems and issues they face with any type of motor vehicle accident. The insurance companies deny valid claims and underpay claims. As with other accident claims, the insurance company wants to pay as little as possible for the claim.
Instead of taking on a huge rideshare company and its insurance provider alone, you need to hire a Houston rideshare accident attorney. Our lawyers understand the challenges of recovering full compensation for a rideshare accident claim. They understand how the insurance companies operate and the tactics the insurance companies use to cheat victims out of the compensation they deserve.
Navigating an insurance claim through a rideshare insurance policy is challenging. The companies make the process difficult to encourage victims to give up and accept a lower settlement.
Do not give up. Fight back by hiring our Houston rideshare accident law firm. Our legal team is passionate about fighting for justice for our clients. We will not stop until we exhaust every legal avenue to get you the money you deserve after being injured in a rideshare accident in Houston.
Whether you are a passenger, another driver, bicyclist, or pedestrian, call 911 to report the crash. Do not allow a rideshare driver to convince you to settle the matter between the two of you. Contact the police and request assistance.
While waiting for police to arrive, document the accident scene by taking photographs and making a video with your cell phone. If possible, ask everyone involved in the accident for their names and contact information, including any witnesses that might be on the scene.
As soon as possible, see a doctor. Documenting your injuries through medical records is crucial. Delays in medical care are used by insurance companies to allege that the accident did not cause your injuries.
You can use the rideshare app on your cell phone to report the crash to the rideshare company. However, avoid talking to the rideshare company or an insurance company until you have a chance to meet with one of our Houston rideshare accident attorneys. Most conversations with insurance providers and rideshare companies are recorded. What you say after an accident can have a significant impact on the outcome of your claim.
Uber and Lyft have significant insurance policies covering their drivers. However, the amount you might receive for an Uber or Lyft accident depends on numerous factors. The insurance companies are not willing to hand out large settlement claims, even when victims deserve that money.
Hiring a lawyer can give you an edge. Your lawyer understands what is necessary to prove fault and liability. Your lawyer also knows how to maximize your recovery.
Factors that impact the amount of money you might receive for a rideshare accident claim include:
You can talk to a lawyer about your rideshare accident at no charge. Learn about your legal rights and how our legal team can help you with your claim.
Our rideshare lawyers accept injury cases on a contingency fee. You don’t pay our attorneys’ fees until we recover money for your claim.
Contact our attorneys at The Alfred Firm by calling (713) 470-9714 to schedule a free consultation with a rideshare accident lawyer in Houston.