Some victims in rideshare collisions are unsure how to collect damages or who to hold responsible. These crashes are more complex than most passenger car accidents because these drivers are independent contractors using their cars for business. This can affect the way their insurance covers crashes. However, rideshare companies generally provide some coverage, too. You likely have options for seeking compensation.
If you were in a crash involving an Uber or Lyft in Laredo, a rideshare accident lawyer from Loncar Lyon Jenkins can help identify liable parties, assign a value to your case, and pursue the damages you deserve. Our Dallas car accident lawyers know how these cases work, and our law firm offers free consultations for victims.
What Damages Can You Receive After an Uber or Lyft Accident?
Although Uber and Lyft crashes differ in some respects from other car accidents, the damages you can receive are the same. If someone else’s irresponsible actions led to your injuries, you could be entitled to compensation for any of the following:
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost income
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium (companionship)
- Diminished earning capacity
- Reduced quality of life
We will consider economic and non-economic losses when calculating what fair compensation would look like in your case. Our personal injury lawyers have the experience, knowledge, and resources necessary to accurately estimate how much a fair settlement might be based on your losses, costs, and intangible damages.
If you lost a loved one to a rideshare accident, you can pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim or lawsuit. Our Lyft and Uber accident attorney handles these cases, as well. Let us review your options with you for free today.
When Pedestrians Are Involved
Rideshare accidents don’t only impact people in vehicles. According to U.S. News and World Report, crashes have increased at Uber and Lyft pick-up and drop-off locations, putting pedestrians at risk for injuries. Distracted driving is a frequently cited culprit since rideshare drivers may be too focused on an app or GPS. Searching for passenger prospects or drop-off locations can be dangerous distractions.
Pedestrian accidents naturally result in more serious injuries. Your compensation should be proportionate to what you have suffered. For example, we can pursue recovery for:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Back or spine injuries
- Lost limbs
- Surgeries
- Medical equipment
- Specialists
- Rehabilitative therapies
- Funeral costs
- Pain and suffering
If you were a pedestrian injured by an Uber or Lyft, learn more from our team during your free consultation. We provide personalized attention to each case.
877-239-4878Available 24/7 | 356 Days | se habla español
Who is Liable After a Rideshare Crash?
The most challenging aspect of rideshare cases is knowing who to hold responsible. While it is the at-fault driver in most collision cases, it may be different if that driver was working at the time of a collision. In most cases, the liable party is typically among the following:
- The Lyft or Uber driver
- The rideshare company
- A third party
When one of our Uber or Lyft rideshare accident lawyers handles your Laredo crash case, we will investigate several pieces of evidence to determine fault and liability. This often includes:
- The rideshare driver’s app activity
- Eyewitness accounts
- Photos and video footage
- Equipment or mechanical failures
- Road conditions
- Police reports
- Accident reconstruction
- Expert consultation and testimony
Armed with the information this investigation provides, we can establish a clearer picture of the negligent action that led to the crash and who was at fault. From there, we can determine who to hold liable.
When Rideshare Companies Avoid Responsibility
Like crashes with commercial trucking companies or professional transportation services, rideshare collisions involve a parent company. In some cases, that means we can pursue compensation from the company’s insurance provider on your behalf.
However, unlike trucks or taxis, Lyft and Uber do not technically employ their drivers, and their insurance coverage may have loopholes that help them avoid liability. Whether we pursue the rideshare company or the driver depends on if the driver was:
- Logged into the app
- Waiting for ride requests
- Transporting or en route to pick up a passenger
Neither Uber nor Lyft provides accident insurance for drivers not logged into the app. Those who are logged in and waiting for ride requests have contingency company coverage, and drivers picking up or transporting passengers are usually fully covered, with up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage.
Even then, these companies try their hardest to avoid liability, characterizing themselves as akin to matchmaking services rather than transportation services, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This makes it difficult to sue and win a case against Uber or Lyft. However, it is not impossible.
If a rideshare company is trying to avoid responsibility, a lawyer with Loncar Lyon Jenkins can help hold them accountable. Our personal injury attorneys understand how to handle these insurance claims, which policy likely applies, and how to demand fair compensation or take the involved parties to trial.
When You Must Pursue the Driver Directly
If the rideshare company avoids liability, such as when the driver was not logged onto the app, you can pursue the driver’s personal insurance for damages. Unfortunately, insurance companies also have tactics to avoid liability for rideshare accidents. For example, some policies do not cover crashes that occur when the driver is conducting business. They may consider being an Uber driver as a violation of their agreement and refuse to pay.
Our team knows how to deal with this and other concerns related to these cases. We can help with:
- Assigning a value to your case
- Understanding insurance agreements and loopholes
- Reviewing and negotiating settlement offers
- Speaking with insurance adjusters and lawyers
- Researching the driver’s background
- Investigating other negligent parties
When Another Third Party is Responsible
We can also determine if another third party played a role in your accident. For instance, a road defect could have contributed, leaving a municipality liable. Likewise, car design or maintenance issues can influence a crash.
Another driver may even have been involved. We investigate these avenues to potentially recover compensation from more than one party.
Act Quickly to Protect Your Rights
If you do have to bring an Uber or Lyft driver or a third party to court, you do not have an unlimited amount of time to do so. For both personal injury and wrongful death, you have two years to file a lawsuit to receive those damages, per Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003.
If you miss these deadlines, you may see your case dismissed by the court. We can help you abide by the statute of limitations to protect your rights to pursue compensation. Negotiations with insurers can take time, though, so call as soon as possible.
877-239-4878Available 24/7 | 356 Days | se habla español
We Offer Free Consultations
If you are unsure of who you can hold liable for your injuries and how much your case may be worth, you can discuss your accident during a free consultation with our team. We can help you determine your legal options, and there is no obligation to hire one of our lawyers.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
The Strong Arm Can Support Your Rideshare Case
The Loncar Lyon Jenkins team always prepares to take a case all the way to trial if necessary. We serve accident victims and their loved ones by offering personalized attention and keeping them updated on the status of their cases.
While you rest and recover from your injuries, let our team get to work on your case and protect your right to pursue compensation. Call our office today.
