Houston Uber & Lyft Accident Attorney
Rideshare Accident Claims in Texas
Rideshare companies, like Uber and Lyft, forever changed the way we travel. Now, you no longer have to drive or rely on public transportation to get where you need to go. However, while these apps are convenient, they are not always the safest option.
Data shows that the onset of rideshare companies has been correlated with a two- to three-percent increase in traffic fatalities since 2011. Even reports from Uber and Lyft themselves have shown that rideshare accidents not only happen but are fairly common.
If you or your family member was involved in a rideshare accident, whether in an Uber or Lyft, you could be entitled to financial compensation. These are very complex cases, much more complicated than most standard car accident claims. We strongly recommend that you reach out to an experienced attorney, like those at The Law Offices of Omar Khawaja, PLLC, for help seeking the fair compensation you are owed.
Lyft’s Insurance Coverage Rules
Like Uber accident claims, Lyft accidents are challenging due to how the insurance coverage is structured in these cases. While Lyft requires its drivers to have insurance coverage, the company also provides insurance policies that extend to passengers in certain scenarios. Like Uber, Lyft offers up to $1 million in coverage, depending on the circumstances.
Below is a general overview of Lyft’s insurance coverage:
- When the Lyft Driver Is Not Logged into the App: This driver is not operating on behalf of Lyft, which means that you must file a claim through the driver’s private auto insurance company. Lyft does not offer any insurance coverage in this scenario.
- When the Driver Is Logged into the App and Waiting for a Ride Request: In this situation, there is more limited coverage of up to $50,000 in bodily injury liability per person and up to $100,000 in bodily injury liability per accident, as well as $30,000 for property damage.
- When the Driver Has Accepted a Ride Request but Has Not Picked Up the Passenger Yet: Once the Lyft driver is en route to pick up a passenger, he or she is covered by Lyft’s $1 million policy. Note that this coverage only applies after maxing out the benefits under the driver’s insurance.
- When the Driver Is Transporting the Passenger to His or Her Destination: Lyft’s $1 million policy is applied during this service stage. It provides compensation for personal injury, wrongful death, and property damage to passengers and Lyft drivers.
Numerous factors make the Lyft accident insurance claim process more complicated than standard motor vehicle claims. There may be multiple parties at fault, insurance claim denials, and other legal issues that make it more challenging for injured parties to recover the money they need. The Law Offices of Omar Khawaja, PLLC is ready to conduct a full investigation of the facts and build a powerful case on your behalf. Our goal is always to help you secure the maximum compensation you are owed.
Common Causes of Uber & Lyft Accidents
Accidents involving rideshare vehicles are not uncommon. Rideshare drivers are not professionally trained; most are ordinary people simply trying to earn money. Simply put, while they must have reasonably good driving records under both Uber and Lyft’s hiring policies, there is no guarantee that rideshare drivers are good drivers or that they won’t make a mistake.
Just like other motorists, rideshare drivers can be negligent. Examples include:
- Texting or using a cellphone while driving
- Using a GPS device while driving
- Driving while distracted (whether by a cellphone or something else)
- Making sudden, unexpected driving maneuvers
- Stopping suddenly or parking illegally
- Driving aggressively or recklessly
- Speeding, including driving too fast for current conditions
- Failing to yield the right of way to other drivers, pedestrians, or bicyclists
- Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
- Failing to conduct adequate vehicle maintenance
- Violating various traffic laws
- Running red lights, stop signs, etc.
- Making unsafe or illegal turns or lane changes
- Passing other vehicles unlawfully
Uber and Lyft drivers may also engage in willful or wanton acts of misconduct. Assault by rideshare drivers is relatively rare—but it does happen. If you were harmed by a rideshare driver, whether as the passenger of the rideshare vehicle or not, you are likely entitled to financial compensation.
Other factors beyond the driver’s control can lead to rideshare accidents, such as unsafe road conditions, heavy traffic, inclement weather, and defective manufacturing. The Houston rideshare accident lawyers at The Law Offices of Omar Khawaja, PLLC are fully prepared to investigate the cause of your accident and determine who is liable for your resulting damages.
Compensation for Uber & Lyft Accident Victims
When you get hurt in a rideshare accident, and another person is to blame, you typically have the legal right to seek financial compensation for your physical, economic, and future harm. Every case is unique, which means it is challenging to estimate your case’s value with an expert’s opinion. However, The Law Offices of Omar Khawaja, PLLC has years of experience in valuing rideshare injury claims and can help ensure that you fight for the full value of your case.
Our team of legal professionals has secured numerous settlements and verdicts for past clients, including compensation for the following damages:
- Current and future medical costs
- Current and future lost wages
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Lost enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death awards
- Punitive damages
We are prepared to fight tirelessly for you and the maximum compensation you are owed. While money is not a real source of vindication or relief, it can help you pay for the financial losses you incurred from another’s negligent actions.
We are proud to represent accident victims whose lives have been irrevocably affected by someone else’s negligent actions. Our lawyers are ready to help you and your family, regardless of whether you were a Lyft passenger, driver, or third party. If you were severely harmed in an accident caused by another person, you are protected by civil laws and should receive compensation that falls under these states.
Rideshare Laws in Texas
Rideshare drivers in Texas must meet certain requirements set by the rideshare companies and the state. These typically include having a valid driver's license, passing a background check, and meeting minimum age requirements.
Rideshare vehicles must meet certain safety standards set by the rideshare companies. These standards may include vehicle age limits, regular maintenance requirements, and insurance coverage.
Rideshare companies, such as Uber and Lyft, are required to conduct background checks on their drivers to ensure they have a clean driving record and do not have any disqualifying criminal convictions.
These companies must also take measures to ensure the safety of both drivers and passengers. This may include implementing safety features in their apps, providing safety training to drivers, and implementing policies to address safety concerns.
Keep in mind that Uber and Lyft drivers are generally classified as independent contractors rather than employees in Texas. This classification is important because it affects various aspects of the employment relationship, including taxes, benefits, and labor rights.
Can You Sue Uber After an Accident?
The most complicated aspect of negotiating or litigating an Uber accident is the issue of liability. In contrast to other motor vehicle accident laws, rideshare laws are still developing, which means there are fewer precedents and regulations around them. As technology and rideshare laws change, your case may face never-before-seen scenarios that raise questions on the redress and limitation of Uber accidents.
That being said, Uber generally classifies its drivers as “independent contractors,” not employees. Because of this, Uber is shielded from liability in many instances. In other words, it may be very difficult—if not impossible—to sue Uber directly, even if an Uber driver caused the accident that led to your injuries or the death of your loved one.
However, Uber does provide insurance coverage in certain scenarios. Depending on the circumstances of your case, including how and when the accident occurred, you may be entitled to this coverage.
Our Houston Uber accident attorneys can review your claim and determine if any of the following insurance coverages apply in your situation:
- Up to $1 million for injuries covered by Uber
- Up to $100,000 per accident
- Up to $25,000 for property damage
- Up to $250,000 for uninsured/underinsured accidents
- Up to $50,000 for bodily injury per person
If you are covered under Uber’s insurance policy, our team can help you file a claim and seek the maximum compensation you are owed. If your accident does not fall under Uber’s coverage limits, we can help you seek alternative sources of compensation, such as a third-party claim against an at-fault driver, auto manufacturer, or another party.
Contact us online or call (713) 561-5454 to schedule a free consultation with our Houston Uber and Lyft accident attorneys. There are no fees unless we win your case.
Who is Liable for the Rideshare Accidents?
In Texas, liability for accidents involving Uber or Lyft vehicles can be complex and depends on various factors such as who was at fault, whether the driver was on duty or off duty, and the insurance coverage in place at the time of the accident. The following are some of the potential parties who could be held accountable:
- Driver Liability: If the accident was caused by the negligence or recklessness of the Uber or Lyft driver, they can be held liable for damages. This includes situations where the driver was speeding, ran a red light, or was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Company Liability: Uber and Lyft can also be held liable under certain circumstances. They have a duty to ensure that their drivers are properly trained and qualified. If the accident was caused by a defect in the company's app, improper screening of drivers, or failure to maintain their vehicles, they may share liability.
- Third-Party Liability: In some cases, liability may also extend to third parties such as vehicle manufacturers (if a defect contributed to the accident) or road maintenance authorities (if poor road conditions were a factor).
- Insurance Coverage: Both Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage for their drivers, but the coverage varies depending on whether the driver was actively engaged in a ride or was between rides. As we mentioned before, if the driver was logged into the app and waiting for a ride request, but hadn't yet accepted one, a different level of coverage may apply compared to when they were actively transporting a passenger.
For more information, or to request a complimentary consultation with our rideshare accident attorneys in Houston, call (713) 561-5454 today.
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Dedicated & Experienced CounselOur team has handled thousands of cases and we have the skills, insight, and commitment to fight for the results you need and deserve. We are not afraid to go to trial and will work until we obtain justice on your behalf.
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Personal Touch to Personal InjuryAt The Law Offices of Omar Khawaja we pride ourselves on providing personalized attention to each and every one of our clients. We work to get to know you and your case to understand how we can best assist with your goals.
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Your legal rights are our priority. We give our utmost attention to every case with outstanding morals and work ethic. Our team commits ourselves to ALWAYS providing you and your loved ones with the highest quality legal service around.
How Our Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers Can Help You
Insurers are in the business to make a profit. Liable parties and others who stand to lose money may deny their responsibility for the accident. Opposing parties may even try to blame you for your injuries. Hiring a Houston rideshare accident lawyer helps ensure that someone is looking out for your rights and interests at every stage of the legal process.
At The Law Offices of Omar Khawaja, PLLC, we are ready to help you by:
- Communicating with leading injury experts as we establish your case theory
- Negotiating with insurance companies or third parties for a settlement
- Investigating your accident to establish the cause and identify the at-fault party
- Fighting to reduce your role if the defendant attempts to pin the blame on you
- File your civil court lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires
- Taking your case to a civil trial if necessary
Our primary legal objective is to get you the fair compensation and justice you deserve. We do not charge clients advance legal fees, so you do not have to worry about choosing between healthcare and justice. Instead, you only pay legal fees if/when we recover compensation for you, at which point, fees are paid via a percentage of your total recovery.
Our skilled attorneys, years of experience, and passion have made us one of the top law offices in Texas. When you have been injured, you need a team dedicated to giving you a voice. The Law Offices of Omar Khawaja is that team.
Let Us Be Your Voice
We Will Aggressively Exercise Your RightsEvery case is different and every client has unique needs. Contact us today to see if we are the right lawyers for you.