Liability in Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accident cases require a thorough investigation to determine who is at fault. Liability can fall on the rideshare driver, another driver, or even a third party, such as a vehicle manufacturer or road maintenance company.
Proving fault involves reviewing police reports, witness statements, dashcam or surveillance footage, and accident reconstruction analysis. In Texas, proving negligence requires showing the at-fault party owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused damages directly related to the breach.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents
Uber and Lyft accidents often stem from driver negligence or unsafe practices. Common contributing factors include:
- Distracted driving due to navigation apps or passenger interactions
- Speeding to complete more rides and make more money
- Fatigue from long driving shifts
- Failure to yield, running red lights, or unsafe lane changes
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Poor vehicle maintenance leads to mechanical failures
Knowing the exact cause of the accident is key to building a strong case.
The Rideshare Accident Lawyer
An experienced rideshare accident lawyer handles every step of the process. Key responsibilities include:
- Conducting a thorough independent investigation
- Preserving and securing evidence before it’s lost or destroyed
- Communicating with insurance adjusters on behalf of the victim
- Determining all available insurance coverage, including Uber’s $1 million liability policy when applicable
- Calculating the full extent of damages, including medical bills, lost income, and non-economic losses such as pain and suffering
By handling these critical steps, legal counsel allows the victim to focus on recovery while their rights are protected.
Rideshare Insurance Coverage
Uber and Lyft have different insurance policies depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident:
- Driver Offline: Only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies.
- App On, No Ride Accepted: Contingent liability coverage of $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.
- En Route to Pick Up or During Trip: $1 million in liability coverage.
Knowing these differences is key to maximizing your compensation.
Proving Negligence Against the Irresponsible Driver
Holding the irresponsible driver accountable requires collecting evidence. Investigation may include:
- Electronic trip records
- Cell phone data showing distracted driving
- Toxicology reports if impairment is suspected
- Event data recorder (“black box”) information from the vehicles
- Expert testimony from an accident reconstructionist
This evidence is often the key to a good settlement or verdict.
Damages in Rideshare Accident Claims
Victims of Uber accidents may be able to recover for:
- Emergency medical care, hospitalization, and surgeries
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Future medical expenses for ongoing treatment
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Property damage or vehicle replacement costs
Calculating damages requires accurate documentation, medical records, and expert evaluations to make sure no loss is overlooked.
Litigation Tactics for Maximum Recovery
When insurers won’t settle fairly, experienced rideshare accident lawyers go to court. Effective strategies include:
- Filing lawsuits promptly to preserve evidence and meet statutory deadlines
- Using subpoenas to get the rideshare’s internal safety records and driver histories
- Presenting compelling visual evidence, such as accident reconstructions and medical illustrations
- Showing patterns of negligent behavior by the defendant driver
These tactics give you leverage in settlement negotiations and at trial.
Protecting Your Rights After a Rideshare Accident
Time is of the essence after a rideshare accident. Victims should get medical care, report the crash, get witness information, and consult a lawyer right away. Early legal intervention ensures that evidence is preserved, insurance companies can’t take advantage of procedural delays, and every possible avenue of recovery is explored.
Contact the Rideshare Accident Attorneys in Houston at Baumgartner Law Firm for Help!
Contact the personal injury lawyers at Baumgartner Law Firm for a rideshare accident injury consultation.
6711 Cypress Creek Pkwy, Houston, TX, 77069
