Legal Options for Injuries Sustained in Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have changed how we view and use taxis. However, while they changed how we travel by offering convenience and accessibility, they are not immune to accidents. The more people use rideshare vehicles, the more collisions there will be.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for every additional 100 rideshare trips originating within a taxi zone hour, the odds of having an injury crash increase by 4.6%. If you suffer injuries in a rideshare accident, there are legal options you can explore, including filing a taxi accident injury claim.

This blog explores the legal options for injuries sustained in rideshare accidents. Our rideshare accident lawyer at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law can help you understand what your legal options and rights are and get compensation for your injuries. Contact us now at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 to get a free and confidential initial consultation.

Why Choose Our Rideshare Accident Attorneys to Represent You?

Selecting the proper legal representation can make all the difference in the aftermath of a rideshare accident. At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, our car accident lawyers have the experience and knowledge to handle taxi accident claims arising from rideshare collisions. We understand the complexities of these cases and will handle your claim with precision, taking a personalized approach.

We have a successful track record of securing favorable outcomes for our clients. We will relentlessly pursue justice, ensuring your rights and interests are protected when negotiating with insurance companies or advocating in the courtroom. With us representing you, you can focus on your recovery while we fight aggressively for the best possible outcome, so do not hesitate to contact us.

Your needs are our top priority, and our attorneys will listen to your story, answer your questions, and develop a strategy to maximize your compensation.

What Should You Do After a Rideshare Accident?

Rideshare accidents can lead to minor or severe injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones. The moments after the crash can be confusing and overwhelming, but what you do at that time makes a significant difference in your taxi accident compensation claim. Therefore, we recommend doing the following after a rideshare accident:

• Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed. Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent, so it’s essential to get checked out by a medical professional.
• Speak to the police officers at the scene, providing them with accurate accident details, but do not speculate or admit fault.
• If you can, take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and traffic signals. If you are a passenger, get the names, contact information, and insurance details of all drivers involved, including the rideshare driver.
• If there are eyewitnesses, ask for their names and contact information. Their statements are vital to establishing liability.
• Notify the rideshare company about the accident through their app or customer service line. They may require you to provide details and submit a report. If they do, stick to the facts and do not embellish the report.
• Consult our experienced rideshare accident lawyer. We can help you navigate the claims process, determine the taxi driver’s negligence, and fight for fair compensation.

Acting quickly after a rideshare accident will help you gather the evidence and legal support you need for a successful claim.

What Makes Rideshare Accidents Different From Other Car Collisions?

Rideshare accidents involving services like Uber and Lyft differ significantly from typical car accidents.

Involvement of Rideshare Companies

Unlike standard car accidents, rideshare collisions involve a commercial entity with specific policies and practices. Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies maintain insurance coverage for their drivers, but determining when and how this coverage applies depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.

Different Layers of Insurance Coverage

Rideshare companies provide insurance that supplements or replaces the rideshare driver’s auto insurance, but the level of coverage varies depending on the following:

• Offline Mode: The driver’s insurance policy will apply.
• App On, But Waiting for a Ride: Limited insurance from the rideshare company will apply, mainly covering liability only.
• En Route to Pick Up or Transport a Passenger: Higher coverage applies, including liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) protection, and collision coverage.

We understand how rideshare accidents differ from other traffic collisions and use this knowledge to help you navigate the claims process and come out on top.

Multiple Parties

Different parties are often involved in rideshare accidents. As such, the taxi driver’s negligence is not the only thing you need to consider. Rideshare accidents could involve:

• The rideshare driver
• Passengers in the rideshare vehicle
• Other drivers, passengers, or pedestrians
• The rideshare company.

Each party may share varying degrees of liability, complicating claims and legal proceedings, but we can help you identify liable parties and hold them accountable.

What Are Your Legal Options After Sustaining Injuries in a Rideshare Accident?

If you sustained injuries in a rideshare accident, you must understand your legal options to make informed decisions. The following are your legal options:

Filing a Claim Against the At-Fault Party

If the rideshare driver caused the accident, you can file a claim with their auto insurance company or that of the rideshare company, depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. However, if you are a ride-sharing vehicle passenger and another driver caused the accident, you can file a compensation claim against them.

Suppose both the rideshare and the other driver involved contributed to the accident. In that case, you can file a claim against both of them. The compensation you’ll receive from each depends on their percentage of fault.

Filing a Claim Against the Rideshare Company

Again, depending on the driver’s status during the accident, you can sue the rideshare company. Rideshare companies provide up to $1 million in liability coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, and, in some cases, collision coverage. There are also limited rideshare insurance policies, up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury.

Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit

The ideal choice for most injured persons is to take a settlement from the at-fault party or rideshare company insurer. However, when negotiations fail, or the insurance company denies your claim, you can file a personal injury lawsuit. You can add all possible liable parties to the suit, and the court will determine how much each person will pay as compensation.

You have a right to seek legal assistance after a rideshare accident. Not only does this help you focus on your recovery, but it increases your chances of proving the negligence of the rideshare company or taxi driver and succeeding in your claim.

Were You Injured in a Rideshare Accident? We Can Help You Recover Maximum Compensation

No injury claim is easy, but the process is better with an experienced legal team. Our team at  Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law remains committed to giving their all to our clients and getting them maximum compensation. Call us right now at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 for a free and confidential case evaluation.