A new era is arriving in the world of transportation, and the forefront is ride-sharing. In a city where parking can be impossible and public transportation isn’t very accessible, the ease and convenience of ride-sharing has created a boom for companies such as Uber and Lyft.
At Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson, LLP, our Austin Uber & Lyft Accident lawyers know that a significant danger lurks behind this impressive advancement in technology. Ride-sharing accidents cause injuries and take lives every year. As transportation services keep growing in popularity, these wrecks will become more common. Due to the complexities of ridesharing regulations and liability issues, it is crucial to hire an experienced Austin rideshare accident attorney. Specialized attorneys are essential for navigating insurance claims and ensuring victims receive the compensation they deserve after accidents.
Common Causes of Uber And Lyft Accidents in Austin, TX
Before summoning the next car, consider how car accidents are setting legal precedents and helping to define your rights in Austin, Texas, even when they occur all over the country. Reasons for ride-hailing accidents include:
Distracted driving: Rideshare drivers, such as those working for Uber or Lyft, must stay connected to a network not only to pick up riders but also to track their trips and receive payment. These drivers may not be familiar with the area they are navigating and often must rely heavily on their phones, which can mean they’re not watching the road.
Rushing: Ride-sharing drivers get paid for each ride. This provides a financial incentive to rush, attempting to fit as many rides as possible in each ride. In the same way that semi-truck drivers rush when paid by the mile, ride-sharing drivers take risks to increase their paychecks.
Self-driving cars: As we have learned from recent events, self-driving cars are not an infallible technology. Though they may appear to be a safer alternative to human drivers, these vehicles have also caused deadly accidents.
Erratic behavior: When the GPS notifies drivers that they have arrived, many simply stop at the curb and put on their emergency flashers, rather than pulling safely into a parking lot. If a rider is giving directions, drivers may also have a tendency to change lanes quickly and without proper notice, increasing the likelihood of a collision.
Tired drivers: A driver who stays on the road for too long or works late into the night could suffer from dangerous exhaustion behind the wheel. Since sleep deprivation can have effects on your body similar to those caused by drinking alcohol, accidents caused by tired drivers are always a possibility.
If you or your loved one were involved in a rideshare accident, call an Austin Uber & Lyft accident lawyer today for a free consultation.
How Are Uber or Lyft Accidents Different From Other Auto Crashes?
Rideshare accidents involving Uber or Lyft differ significantly from standard auto crashes primarily because a third party—the rideshare company—is involved. Unlike typical car accidents, which usually involve only the drivers, a rideshare or Uber accident brings in the company that facilitates the ride through its app. This creates added layers of complexity in determining liability and insurance coverage, making it crucial to understand the legal aspects and implications of such cases.
Insurance Coverage: Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft provide specific insurance coverage that applies only when the driver is logged into the app. This coverage is active when the driver is waiting for a ride request, en route to pick up a passenger, or transporting a passenger. Typically, this includes a $1 million liability policy, which is notably higher than most personal auto insurance policies.
Driver Status: The rideshare driver’s status at the time of the accident is critical. If the driver is logged into the app but not on an active trip, a lower level of coverage applies. If the driver is offline, their personal insurance becomes the primary coverage.
Statute of Limitations for Austin Rideshare Accident Cases
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit related to a rideshare accident is generally two years from the accident date. This timeframe applies to personal injury claims, including those involving Uber or Lyft accidents. Adhering to this timeline is crucial to preserving your right to seek compensation.
Who Is Liable for Damages in a Rideshare Accident?
Liability in rideshare accidents can involve multiple parties:
Rideshare Driver: If the driver is at fault, they may be held liable. However, the rideshare company’s insurance might cover damages if the driver was logged into the app and on a ride.
Rideshare Company: Uber or Lyft can be held liable under certain conditions, especially if the accident occurred while the driver was actively engaged in a ride. Consulting experienced Austin rideshare accident lawyers is crucial to navigating the unique legal considerations and potential compensation claims specific to these accidents.
Third Parties: If another driver caused the accident, they would typically be liable for damages. However, the rideshare company’s insurance might still cover some damages if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
Can You Sue Uber or Lyft if You Get in a Car Accident?
Suing Uber or Lyft directly can be complex because they classify their drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. However, it is possible to file a lawsuit against these companies under specific circumstances, such as when their negligence in hiring drivers or operating the app contributed to the accident. Legal guidance from an experienced Austin Uber accident attorney is often necessary to navigate these complexities, as rideshare accidents involve specific insurance policies and liability issues that differ from regular car crashes.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident
If you are involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, consider taking the following steps:
Ensure Safety: Move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries.
Call 911: Report the accident to the police and request medical assistance if needed.
Gather Information: Collect details from the rideshare driver, including their name, contact information, insurance details, and vehicle information.
Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
Report to the Rideshare Company: Use the app to report the accident to Uber or Lyft.
Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation.
Consult a Lawyer: Consider contacting a rideshare accident attorney to understand your rights and options for compensation.
Compensation in Rideshare Accident Cases
Compensation for rideshare accidents may include:
Economic Damages: Cover tangible losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
Non-Economic Damages: Address intangible losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.
Navigating the insurance claims process can be challenging, and having legal representation can help ensure you receive the compensation you may be entitled to.
Navigating Complexities in Uber and Lyft Accident Case
Uber and Lyft accidents grow complex quickly. Was another driver involved? As a passenger, you know you were not at fault, but does the fault lie with the other driver or your driver? How is fault determined and what impact does that have on your right to seek compensation?
These are all questions you’ll ask, perhaps even as you recover in the hospital and your medical bills start coming in, and you must have an experienced legal team to help you sort through all the specifics. Even when the fault is clear, these cases are typically vastly different from other car accidents.
Ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft carry substantial insurance policies. For instance, Uber has a total liability coverage that reaches at least $1 million. For you, the key is to work with a high-caliber legal team as early as possible. Protect your rights. Fight for justice. Seek the compensation you deserve. The transportation industry may evolve, but your rights remain the same, and they must be protected when negligence leads to serious injuries. Get in contact with our experienced Austin Uber accident lawyers and Lyft accident attorneys today for legal assistance.
Schedule a Free Consultation with an Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer in Austin
Has an accident left you with high medical bills, significant pain and suffering, and budget deficits after lost wages? We have been helping people just like you since 1959. Contact our experienced Texas Uber and Lyft accident attorneys today to start investigating your rideshare accident injuries. We are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us or call us at (512) 454-3751.
