Rideshare Injuries ‘Uber/Lyft’

After an accident while riding as a passenger or driving for Uber/Lyft, who is liable for your injuries? This question is not always easy to answer and has even led to several lawsuits against ride-sharing companies for misclassifying their drivers. It also depends on the fact that the Uber/Lyft driver was on the clock. Usually, Uber and Lyft drivers drive their vehicles for personal and commercial purposes, and it is very important to figure out whether the driver had their Uber or Lyft application on during the accident. It is also important to know whether the driver had any passengers in the vehicle during the accident. This is all because, in Texas, rideshare drivers are currently independent contractors. This means they technically work for themselves, not for Uber or Lyft. While this would typically safeguard rideshare companies from liability for the actions and behaviors of their drivers, this is not necessarily the case.

Accident victims – including contracted drivers – can seek recovery from Uber’s or Lyft’s insurance policy in certain situations. Both companies maintain $1 million in insurance policies to pay for victims’ damages in the event of ride-sharing accidents. This coverage will kick in to supplement the drivers’ primary insurance coverage if the driver is on duty at the time of the collision. By comparison, most taxi and limousine services only carry around $750,000 in liability insurance for passengers.
Ride-sharing is growing in popularity every single day, and the laws are evolving as well. It is very important to contact a lawyer if you are involved in a rideshare accident. The Law Office of Abrar & Vergara will ensure that your rights are protected, and we will work tirelessly to get you just compensation.

If you have been in a rideshare accident, there are a few important steps you should take.

01

STAY SAFE
If the driver does not immediately remove the vehicle to a safe area or cannot move it to a safe area, be sure that you remove yourself to a safe area if you can.

02

CALL THE POLICE
It is also important that you quickly contact the authorities. Even if the driver is also contacting the police, there should be a record that you also have called in the accident too. This information will go on a police report of the accident and could be useful later in court.

03

GET EVIDENCE
You will also want to start collecting evidence as soon as possible. If you can, take pictures or videos of the damaged car, any other cars involved and your injuries.

04

CONTACT A LAWYER
If you were injured, it is of the utmost importance that you contact a lawyer. This is the only way to fully understand all of your legal options in this type of situation.