Rideshare services have become an integral part of daily transportation in Houston, but that means an increase in rideshare-related accidents. If you’ve been involved in such an incident, our Houston rideshare accident lawyers can help you get the most from your accident claim.
Determining who was at fault and which insurance policies were active at the time of the crash is critical. A Houston car accident lawyer from Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys can do this for you and pursue compensation on your behalf while you focus on recovery.
Whether you were a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian, our team is here to fight for your rights and ensure you receive full compensation. Our firm has earned millions of dollars for accident victims just like you. Let our family help your family get what you’re owed.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer After a Rideshare Accident?
Rideshare accidents can be far more complicated than standard car accidents due to the involvement of multiple parties, insurance policies, and legal nuances.
Here’s why hiring a Houston personal injury lawyer is essential to protect your rights and secure the compensation you need:
Insurance Intricacies
Rideshare accidents involve tiered insurance coverage based on the driver’s status at the time of the accident (offline, waiting for a ride, or actively transporting a passenger).
Determining which policy applies and how much coverage is available can be confusing. A lawyer has the knowledge and experience to handle these often complicated issues, ensuring you access the correct insurance coverage.
Identifying Liable Parties
Liability in a rideshare accident isn’t always straightforward. Potentially responsible parties may include:
- The rideshare driver
- Another driver involved in the crash
- The rideshare company (e.g., Uber or Lyft)
A rideshare accident lawyer in Houston will conduct a thorough investigation to identify all liable parties and build a strong case to hold them accountable.
Maximizing Compensation
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts to accident victims by offering low settlements or disputing claims. An experienced rideshare accident lawyer in Houston will:
- Accurately calculate the full extent of your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and future expenses.
- Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you’re entitled to.
Accessing Critical Evidence
Rideshare companies store valuable data, such as:
- The Lyft or Uber driver’s app status at the time of the accident
- Trip details (e.g., location and time of the ride)
- Driver and vehicle safety records
This information is crucial in proving liability, but can be difficult to obtain without legal intervention. A personal injury attorney knows how to request and use this evidence effectively.
Protecting You from Insurance Tactics
Insurance adjusters may pressure you into accepting a quick, lowball settlement or use your statements against you to reduce your claim. An experienced lawyer will:
- Handle all communications with insurance companies on your behalf.
- Ensure you don’t unknowingly waive your rights or accept less than you’re entitled to.
Preparing for Litigation if Necessary
While many rideshare accident claims are resolved through negotiations, some cases require litigation. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, a lawyer will:
- File a lawsuit and represent you in court.
- Build a compelling case with evidence, expert testimony, and legal arguments to fight for full compensation.
Handling the Stress for You
After an accident, dealing with medical treatments, financial pressures, and legal processes can be overwhelming. An experienced Houston rideshare accident attorney takes the burden off your shoulders by managing every aspect of your claim, allowing you to focus on recovery.
When Should You Hire a Lawyer?
You should contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a rideshare accident to:
- Preserve evidence before it’s lost or destroyed.
- Avoid making mistakes that could harm your claim.
- Protect your rights from the beginning.
Rideshare Accident Response Steps
If you’re involved in a rideshare accident, follow these steps to protect your health and legal rights:
- Ensure Safety: Move to a safe location, turn on hazard lights, and call 911 for serious injuries.
- Call the Police: File a police report, which serves as crucial evidence.
- Seek Medical Attention: Get checked, even if injuries aren’t immediately visible, and keep all medical records.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the vehicles, injuries, road conditions, and other details.
- Exchange Information: Collect driver/rideshare details and witness contact info.
- Notify the Rideshare Company: Report the accident via their app or customer support.
- Avoid Admitting Fault: Stick to the facts and don’t apologize.
- Contact an Experienced Attorney: A lawyer can fight for fair compensation using their thorough knowledge of the legal process.
- Track Expenses: Keep records of medical bills, lost wages, and repair costs.
- Avoid Quick Settlements: Don’t accept offers without consulting a lawyer.
What Damages Are Available After an Accident?
Victims of rideshare accidents may be entitled to compensation from negligent drivers or the rideshare company. The damages you claim are what the insurer will pay you for if you win. Here are the main damages that Lyft and Uber accident victims may be eligible to claim:
- Medical Expenses: This includes costs for emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical care related to your injuries.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim compensation for lost income, including potential future earnings if you’re unable to return to your previous job.
- Pain and Suffering: This covers physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the accident and your injuries.
- Property Damage: If your personal property, such as your vehicle or personal belongings, was damaged in the accident, you can claim repair or replacement costs.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from enjoying hobbies or activities you once participated in, you may be able to claim compensation.
Every rideshare accident case is unique, and insurers will try to give you a lowball offer, hoping you’ll take it early. Don’t fall for it. Instead, allow a rideshare accident lawyer in Houston to evaluate it. Once you accept a settlement, you cannot demand more later if it isn’t enough to cover everything you’re owed.
What Are the Texas Rideshare Insurance Requirements?
Texas has specific insurance laws that apply to rideshare drivers and companies like Uber and Lyft. These laws are designed to ensure that adequate insurance coverage is in place at all times when rideshare drivers are operating.
However, the coverage varies depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. Here’s a breakdown of the key insurance requirements for rideshare services in Texas:
Driver Offline – Personal Insurance Only
When the driver is offline and not using the rideshare app, their personal auto insurance is the only coverage that applies. In this situation, the rideshare company has no responsibility for providing coverage, as the driver is not actively working for the platform.
Driver Available for Rides – Limited Coverage
If the driver has the app open and is waiting for a ride request, the law requires that the rideshare company provide liability coverage in addition to the driver’s personal insurance. This coverage includes:
- $50,000 for bodily injury per person
- $100,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
This limited coverage applies only if the driver’s personal insurance does not cover the accident or is insufficient to meet these minimums.
Driver En Route to Pick Up a Passenger or Actively Transporting a Passenger – Full Coverage
Once the driver accepts a ride request and is either en route to pick up a passenger or actively transporting a passenger, the rideshare company must provide higher levels of coverage:
- $1 million in third-party liability coverage (Texas Insurance Code Sec. 1954.053.)
- Contingent collision and comprehensive coverage (if the driver has this coverage on their personal policy)
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which protects passengers and drivers if the other party in the accident lacks sufficient insurance
This is the most comprehensive coverage tier and applies during the time the driver is actively engaged in a trip.
Coverage Gaps and Challenges
Despite these requirements, gaps in coverage can still occur, often leading to disputes between the rideshare company, the driver’s personal insurer, and accident victims. For example:
- A driver’s personal insurance may deny a claim if they were logged into the app, arguing that the rideshare policy should apply instead.
- Determining when a driver switched between statuses (offline, waiting, or actively driving) can complicate claims.
Understanding these laws is critical for anyone involved in a rideshare accident. Knowing which policy applies to your situation can help you secure the compensation you’re entitled to for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and more.
These coverage gaps and disputes are why it’s crucial to work with an experienced rideshare accident attorney in Houston.
What is the Statute of Limitations for a Rideshare Accident in Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a rideshare accident is typically two years from the date of the accident. This means you must file a lawsuit within two years, or you risk losing your right to recover compensation for your injuries and damages.
About the Statute of Limitations
- Applies to All Personal Injury Claims: The two-year time limit applies to claims involving injuries to passengers, rideshare drivers, pedestrians, or other motorists.
- Property Damage Claims: If your vehicle or property was damaged in the accident, the same two-year limit applies for filing a claim to recover repair or replacement costs.
- Wrongful Death Claims: If a loved one passes away due to injuries from a rideshare accident, surviving family members generally have two years from the date of death (not the accident) to file a wrongful death claim.
Why Acting Quickly is Important
- Preservation of Evidence: Over time, key evidence like eyewitness accounts, vehicle damage, and app data may become harder to obtain. Acting quickly helps preserve this vital information.
- Insurance Deadlines: Rideshare companies and insurers may have their own internal deadlines for filing claims, so prompt action is essential to avoid losing coverage.
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Why Choose Omega Law Group for Your Rideshare Accident Case
Omega Law Group stands out as a premier choice for rideshare accident representation. Here’s why you should go with our rideshare accident attorneys in Houston:
Unparalleled Experience
With decades of combined legal experience, our team has successfully handled many injury claims, including numerous rideshare accident cases.
Proven Track Record
We’ve recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients. Our success in rideshare accident cases demonstrates our ability to help you get the most from your accident.
Fearless Advocacy
Our trial attorneys are not afraid to take your case to court if necessary. While we strive to settle cases favorably, we’re always prepared to fight for your rights in front of a judge and jury if that’s what it takes to secure fair compensation.
24/7 Availability
We understand that accidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule. That’s why we offer communication 24/7. When you have questions or concerns about your rideshare accident case, we’re always just a phone call away.
No Win, No Fee
We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no fees unless we win your case. This arrangement allows you to pursue justice without financial risk and ensures that our interests are aligned with yours.
Choose Omega Law Group, and you’re choosing a team that combines extensive experience, a proven track record, fearless advocacy, round-the-clock availability, and a commitment to your financial security.
Contact Omega Law Group Now for Rideshare Accident Representation
If you have been in a car accident while riding in an Uber, if you’re a rideshare driver, or if your car was hit by a Lyft or Uber vehicle, we can help. Let us put our experience to work for you in your rideshare accident case. If you need help after you’ve been in an accident with Uber, Lyft, or any other rideshare company, we invite you to lean on our dedicated, experienced team.
Contact the Houston rideshare lawyers at Omega Law Group now by calling us or filling out the contact form on your website.
