With the popularity of rideshare services, no surprise that ridesharing accidents have increased. When an Uber or Lyft passenger becomes injured in an accident, it can be difficult to obtain the full amount of compensation they need. Although Uber and Lyft have insurance policies for passengers’ injuries, the coverage depends on when the accident occurs. Additionally, the insurance company may try to deny the claim or refuse to offer a fair amount.
The skilled litigation attorneys at Rochelle McCullough have an in-depth understanding of Uber and Lyft’s insurance policies. We have experience holding negligent drivers accountable for the injuries they cause. Contact Rochelle McCullough today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation consultation and learn more about how we can advocate for you.
Common Causes of Ridesharing Accidents
Uber and Lyft do not engage in the rigorous screening of their drivers before hiring them. As a result, inexperienced drivers, drivers with a history of driving while distracted, or other dangerous drivers could end up causing an accident. Many situations can lead to ridesharing accidents, but negligent or reckless drivers cause most accidents. The attorneys at Rochelle McCullough handle a wide range of cases involving ridesharing accidents, including those caused by the following reasons:
- Speeding
- Failure to drive safely under the conditions, including weather and road conditions
- Distracted driving
- Driving while fatigued
- Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Failure to obey traffic signals and signs
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Dangerous or defective vehicles or vehicle parts
- Dangerous road conditions
- Negligent hiring
The Benefits of Working with a Skilled Rideshare Attorney
Car accidents are always stressful, and the claims process can be challenging to manage in every instance. However, rideshare accident victims may have an even more difficult time trying to handle negotiations with the insurance company, especially while they are trying to recover from their injuries. Dealing with a rideshare accident claim alone can end up hurting your claim for compensation and causing additional stress. When you work with one of the experienced attorneys Rochelle McCullough, we will guide you through the entire claims process and handle all of the significant aspects of your claim. We can help you report the crash to the rideshare company and prepare a statement for you to give the insurance adjusters. Instead of having to manage multiple phone calls from the insurance adjuster and face pressure to answer questions continuously, we will handle communication with the insurance adjuster for you.
Insurance companies, including Lyft and Uber, are notorious for trying to pressure clients to agree to fast settlements that may be far less than they deserve. When you are represented by a skilled attorney, the likelihood of you obtaining a larger settlement that covers all of your needs and expenses is much higher. Retaining an attorney to handle all the negotiations on your behalf will help you protect your rights and interests and allow you to focus on the recovery process.
Recovering Compensation Through Uber or Lyft’s Insurance Policy
Uber and Lyft do provide insurance coverage for passengers and drivers. However, the insurance available depends on when the accident occurred during the rideshare. When the rideshare app is not turned on and the driver isn’t working for a rideshare company, the driver’s own personal auto insurance coverage will apply.
When the rideshare app is turned on and the driver is available to take passengers, Uber and Lyft have contingent liability coverage of up to $25,000 for property damage and up to $100,000 for injuries. The driver’s auto insurance policy may also be utilized. When the driver is transporting a passenger who booked a trip through the app, the companies’ commercial insurance policy provides up to $1 million in third-party liability and up to 1 million uninsured or uninsured motorist coverage.
Proving Liability After a Rideshare Accident
There may be better options than pursuing an insurance claim for you. Perhaps you are not entitled to Uber or Lyft’s $1 million policy because of the point at which the accident occurred during your rideshare. The policy may not cover all your medical expenses, making pursuing a personal injury lawsuit more advantageous. In other cases, one or more third-party drivers may be at fault for the accident, and a personal injury lawsuit will allow you to pursue compensation from them.
Under Texas law, when a driver’s negligence or recklessness causes a car accident that results in a victim’s injuries, the negligent driver is liable to pay for the financial damages. In other words, you will need to show that the driver acted negligently by failing to use reasonable care to recover compensation. Your attorney will be able to investigate and gather evidence proving that the defendant acted negligently or recklessly.
Suing Uber or Lyft for Negligent Hiring
In Texas, rideshare drivers are also considered independent contractors, making it more difficult for victims to bring legal claims against Uber and Lyft. In 2017, the governor of Texas signed a law requiring rideshare companies to implement fingerprint background checks for their drivers. As a result, Texas is one of the few states to regulate Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies.
Rideshare drivers have to obtain a state permit, show proof of insurance and have an up-to-date registration. They will also have to undergo a background check. You may be able to bring a lawsuit against Uber or Lyft for negligent hiring. When Uber or Lyft fails to ensure a driver meets relevant requirements under Texas law, the driver goes on to cause an accident. Uber and Lyft have significantly more assets than most rideshare drivers, so pursuing a lawsuit against them may be your best option.
Discuss Your Case with a Dallas Rideshare Accident Attorney
Recovering compensation after an Uber or Lyft accident can be challenging, especially when multiple negligent parties and insurance companies are involved. When you work with Rochelle McCullough, you can rest assured that we have the experience and resources necessary to investigate and pursue car accident claims successfully. We will handle every aspect of your claim for you while communicating all of the developments in your case so you can make informed decisions. Contact Rochelle McCullough today to schedule a free case evaluation and learn more about your legal rights and options.