Houston Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers

The popularity of ridesharing services is increasing across the country, and Uber and Lyft are now both available in the Houston area. All you have to do is download an app, save your credit card information, and then you can request a driver at any time. While there are many benefits to Uber, Lyft, and other ridesharing services, these cars are simply vehicles driven by regular people. Despite being for-hire drivers, Uber and Lyft drivers do not have additional training or qualifications. They are at risk for causing an accident or being a victim of an accident like any other motorist.

Unfortunately, if you are injured in a ridesharing accident, whether you were an Uber or Lyft driver, passenger, or in another vehicle, recovering compensation for your injuries can be complicated. You will need the help of an experienced Houston car accident lawyer to determine who is at fault and who is ultimately liable for your financial recovery.

Call The Krist Law Firm, P.C. today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your rights. We can be reached at 281-283-8500 .

Common Causes of Ridesharing Accidents

Ridesharing accidents are not particularly special or unique. They are an auto accident like any other, commonly caused by:

• Speeding above the posted speed limit
• Speeding above what is appropriate for the weather, road conditions, and traffic
• Street racing
• Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Distracted driving
• Failing to yield the right of way
• Failing to obey traffic signals and signs
• Inexperienced or unqualified driving
• Fatigued driving

Distraction a Major Factor in Ridesharing Crashes

Distraction is an extremely common problem for ridesharing drivers. Uber, Lyft, and other ridesharing service drivers are often paying attention to their phones and GPS programs while driving. They may also be focused on conversing with their passengers. All of these actions can take a driver’s eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and mind off the task at hand. Every time a ridesharing driver looks down at their phone or reaches over to take a different look at the route, they drastically increase the risk of an accident.

Who Was At-Fault For the Crash?

If your Uber or Lyft was involved in an accident, or a ridesharing vehicle hit you while you were driving your own car and you were hurt, you have every right to seek compensation for your physical, psychological, and financial injuries. The first step to obtaining said compensation is to contact an attorney familiar with the law and nuances of ridesharing accidents. Next, your legal team will help you determine who was at fault for the accident. This includes gathering evidence, cooperating with law enforcement, and hiring experts who can provide testimony that will strengthen your case.

Whether you were the driver, ridesharing customer, another motorist, passenger, or pedestrian, you should speak with a lawyer about how one of the vehicles involved in an accident being an Uber or Lyft affects the situation. In certain situations, these business’s insurance may not be involved at all. In many cases, however, Uber or Lyft’s insurance will be liable for the accident and possibly cover damages in excess of another insurance policy’s limit.

Seeking Compensation for Your Injuries

How you pursue compensation may be different if your ridesharing driver caused the accident compared to if another motorist caused the crash. When an Uber, Lyft, or other for-hire driver causes an accident and your injuries, then your legal team works with the company that driver works for to recover the compensation you are owed. When another personal motorist is responsible, then you need their personal contact and insurance information to move forward with a personal injury claim against their auto policy. There are also times when you may file claims against both another motorist’s and the ridesharing company’s policies. In this case, which policies are primarily and secondarily liable depends on a number of factors.

No matter who you seek to recover compensation from, you can ask compensation to cover your:

• Medical costs
• Loss of earning capacity
• Physical limitations
• Physical pain
• Mental anguish
• Disfigurement
• Property damage

Recovering Compensation After an Accident in an Uber

Uber has a significant insurance policy to cover passengers when its drivers cause crashes
. If you are injured by your Uber driver’s actions, then you can file a claim against Uber’s policy, which has a $1 million total liability coverage limit. Even if you suffered catastrophic injuries, you should be able to obtain an appropriate insurance settlement from Uber.

If you were the ridesharing driver and not the passenger, you may still be able to recover compensation under Uber’s policy. Uber’s auto insurance covers you while you are on the clock, including while you wait for a ride request, are going to pick up passengers, and have passengers in the vehicle. However, the type and limits for the insurance depend on what you were doing at the time. If you are simply available and were just waiting for a ride request, then coverage is lower. If you are headed toward customers or have passengers in the vehicle, then you may have access to the $1 million policy.

Recovering Compensation After an Accident in a Lyft

Lyft has similar insurance policies. If you were a ridesharing driver on duty at the time of the accident, Lyft’s contingent liability policy may cover you up to $100,000, depending on the specific facts of the accident. As a driver or passenger, Lyft has a $1 million policy that goes into effect once a driver has accepted a rider’s request and when passengers are in the vehicle.

Let Our Lyft and Uber Accident Attorneys Represent You

If you were involved in a car crash involving an Uber, Lyft, or other ridesharing vehicle, contact The Krist Law Firm, P.C. today. Your legal options and rights depend on the specifics of the accident, including whether you were the ridesharing driver, a passenger, or in an entirely separate vehicle. No matter your position, we are here to fight for your right to compensation under the law.

Contact us online, or call us at 281-283-8500 to schedule a free consultation.