Since Uber’s arrival to Dallas in 2012, it and similar rideshare services have only grown their presence in the city. In the past several years, these services, also including Lyft, Yellow Cab via Curb, Alto, Get Me, Wingz, BeMyDD, and the older more established airport shuttles and DART Vanpool program, all show that the consumer desire for on-demand, personalized transportation is strong.
However, the city of Dallas has grown concurrently with these companies, and the entire DFW metroplex is a more densely populated place that it was when these industries were just burgeoning.
With the positive changes of growth have come downsides, such as increase to infrastructure strain and more automobile accidents due to higher traffic. Rideshare accidents occur regularly in Dallas, and like any motor vehicle collision, can cause severe injury, trauma, and even catastrophic loss.
If you have experienced a serious ride share accident and need help, reaching out to Thompson Law as your Dallas rideshare accident attorney is the best first step. The expert and compassionate team of accident attorneys at Thompson Law is at your service with a wealth of knowledge and expertise to fight for every dollar of your deserved compensation.
After a frightening accident in your Uber or Lyft, take your power back, and get Thompson Law on your side. Call Thompson Law‘s Dallas rideshare accident attorneys today for a COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION.
The boom in ride-hailing and similar services certainly represents a wave of change in the way that people and goods move through our cities. Nationally, ridesharing is a $25 billion dollar market, and predictions for 10 years out nearly quadruple this figure. This explosion delivers good and bad effects to users.
In many ways these rideshare services like Uber, Lyft, Alto, and others can make roads safer. Deterring drunk drivers, cutting back on heavy congestion and traffic, and efficiently using our road and vehicle resources are all benefits that users gain.
But in some ways, these providers make things more dangerous. We live in a delivery economy now where Uber Eats cars and Amazon vans deliver the most minor conveniences on a moment’s notice. This explosion of transportation on demand and subscription delivery may offer some benefits and convenience to our area on one hand and increase risk and accident on the other.
Common causes of accidents in ridesharing or delivery drives have much in common with any automobile wreck. However, the elevated usage of technology during the drives does escalate this risk of accident.
Drivers need to stay available on the phone monitoring their current ride and arranging their next pickups. Additionally, since their customers are given a point–to–point transportation experience, drivers are frequently dependent on GPS directions to guide their exact route and location details, further dividing their attention away from the road.
Moreover, drivers are not trained by Uber and Lyft, and many work long, irregular hours, all factors that contribute to greater likelihood of accident. Some examples of cause for accident include:
Even if there are slight differences in the main causes of these accidents, the results are very much like any disastrous motor vehicle crash, resulting in possible rollovers, rear-end crashes, head-on collisions, t-bones, sideswipes and single or multi-vehicle crashes. Any of these outcomes can result in tragic injury or even death. Call Thompson Law‘s Dallas rideshare accident attorneys today!
In many ways, the law is still working to catch up to the ridesharing industry and its new technology. One of the main complications to assigning liability in Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare accidents, is definitively confirming whether the rideshare vehicle driver was operating on behalf of the rideshare company (i.e. en route to a passenger pickup, carrying passengers on board), or operating the vehicle as an individual (i.e. going home after completing all their rides).
These delineations are marked in a driver’s travels by their use of the app that monitors and offers their routes, communicates with customers, and operates payment functions. Based on this information, the wronged party can take steps to receive insurance payout from the company’s insurance policy or the driver’s individual policy.
Still, much of the process of determining liability is similar to other accident types. The details of the accident are recorded by participants and police, and determinations and further investigation into additional liability can be investigated after reporting is done and fault is determined.
Working with your accident attorney at Thompson Law to unravel the complications of liability in these accidents brings enormous benefit. Expert litigators have the experience and resources to investigate and understand the full scope of all parties’ responsibilities and work on your behalf for your highest rightful compensation.
If you were hurt in a rideshare crash, call our Dallas rideshare accident lawyers today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.
We offer committed and determined legal representation for victims of rideshare car accidents, guaranteeing that you receive a fair settlement for your claim. Our team of Dallas rideshare accident attorneys will construct a robust case backed by compelling evidence to help you obtain the compensation you rightfully deserve.
The role of insurance in negotiating and litigating rideshare accidents is uniquely complex. The standard private individual car accidents, or even wrecks with more traditional commercial vehicles (e.g., 18 wheelers, delivery vans, construction vehicles) that we see in the personal injury space are highly regulated by existing state and federal laws, and legal precedent surrounding these events has a rich history stretching back decades.
The newness of the rideshare industry, coupled with the developmental technology that it utilizes, presents new scenarios and resulting questions about the finite limitations of coverage in a given incident. The way that insurance coverage works for rideshare vehicles is a little complicated. Uber and Lyft are the most common providers of this service in the nation, so looking at their arrangement is a good example to show the insurance variables you may be facing after the accident.
Uber and Lyft have very similar requirements for their drivers’ insurance policies, with a couple key differences:
Base Coverages:
Base Coverages:
Restrictions and exceptions apply to these coverages, so reach out to us at (844) 308-8180 for help navigating your claim and case.
Although it may sound impressive that Uber and Lyft both provide $1 million in liability coverage for their drivers, the coverage varies depending on which “period” the driver is in. Uber and Lyft’s insurance policies are also contingent, so they will only apply if you have made a claim on the driver’s policy first.
In Lyft’s insurance coverage arrangement, a driver’s time is divided into 4 different periods:
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare vehicle, contact our Dallas rideshare accident attorneys today for a FREE CONSULTATION.
Injuries from rideshare vehicle accidents are similar to injuries seen in other types of automobile accidents. Even in a seemingly minimal fender bender, passengers can suffer whiplash or cuts and bruises from seatbelts and object flying through the car. Certainly, injuries can be much more severe, especially when the intensity of the crash is greater.
The possibility of severe injury in ride-hail crashes may also be increased due to people often using the services during high–risk times: after drinking, late at night, in areas of concentrated attractions and traffic, etc. These factors mean that Uber & Lyft drivers are navigating challenging roadways rife with visibility and DUI concerns. If they are not operating the vehicle carefully and with their full attention, their passengers can sadly suffer the consequences.
If this tragic misfortune has happened to you, do not hesitate to take care of yourself and fight for your deserved compensation. Contact Thompson Law’s Dallas rideshare accident attorneys right away if you have been involved in an accident with a rideshare service driver.
Our skilled team is prepared to take your call 24/7/365, and we can get to work guiding your treatment and negotiations processes right away. Our accident attorneys are passionate about fighting for justice for our clients, and have helped people with motor vehicle accident injuries including, but not limited to:
Contact our Dallas rideshare accident lawyers today if you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident.
After a ride share accident, it is essential to make sure the event is documented:
This information after all motor vehicle accidents is essential to ensuring justice is served and victims receive just compensation for their losses.
It is also good idea to be represented by an accident attorney after any car accident. Based on the information we know about complications to liability and insurance in rideshare accidents, these events are a particularly critical time to engage the assistance of a rideshare lawyer.
If you have been hurt in an accident by an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare, delivery or commercial driver in Dallas, the time to seek help from Thompson Law’s rideshare accident attorneys is now. Call us today for a free consultation.
Navigating the aftermath of a rideshare accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance companies that may not have your best interests at heart. At Thompson Law, our Dallas rideshare accident attorneys are prepared to guide you through this complex process. We leverage our expertise and resources to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Rest assured, with our Dallas rideshare accident attorneys at Thompson Law on your side, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the complexities of your case and fight for your rights.
The Dallas rideshare accident lawyers at Thompson Law work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we do not receive a penny unless you do for your rideshare injuries. You will pay nothing upfront, and we only earn a percentage of the compensation that you are awarded.
We want to help you get back on your feet, and our bilingual staff is always on hand ready to help. We offer support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and are ready to represent you from the minute you are injured until the minute you have a settlement in hand.
If you need a Dallas rideshare accident attorney today, give us a call let us do the fighting with the insurance company for you. Hopefully, you never need an attorney for a rideshare crash, but it never hurts to have one saved in your phone so you are not searching for “rideshare accident attorney in dallas tx” when you most need one. It does not matter whether you live in Dallas or were just visiting Dallas when your accident happened – we can help.
If you are injured in any type of accident, your first priority should be to seek immediate medical attention, even if you are not certain that you are injured. Seeking immediate medical treatment does two things: 1) it ensures injuries you sustained are diagnosed and treated; and, 2) it helps eliminate any doubt by the insurance company that your injuries were caused by the accident.
Often, the shock and adrenaline of an accident can mask symptoms of injuries, so making the mistake of skipping a medical examination can have profound consequences. By seeking prompt medical treatment, you protect both your health and your ability to seek compensation for your injuries with the help of your attorney.
If you were in a motor vehicle accident we have also detailed here what to do after a car accident.
A skilled personal injury lawyer is necessary to get full and fair compensation for injuries you sustained in an accident. Most defendants, whether individual drivers or commercial vehicle operators, are covered by liability insurance. Those insurance companies are not obligated to protect or take care of you. Insurance companies exist to protect the defendant (their customer) who caused the wreck.
A personal injury attorney can help you obtain compensation for every category of damages to which you are legally entitled. These damages can include things like: medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain & suffering, punitive damages, loss of limb, diminished mental function, physical impairment, scarring or disfigurement, emotional or mental trauma, and loss of consortium (in wrongful death claims). Further, you may be entitled to future medical bills, future lost income, future pain and suffering, and other damages in severe injury cases.
The largest factor affecting your claim’s value is the severity or magnitude of your injuries. More severe injuries typically require more medical treatment. So it is essential to have all your injuries documented properly by seeking immediate treatment with doctors or hospitals, and continuing under the care and direction of your doctors as long as necessary to heal. Without prompt and consistent medical treatment and documentation, an injury claim becomes very difficult to pursue, let alone win.
Of course, other factors an also have an impact, and each and every case is different. Were you injured in a commercial vehicle wreck or truck wreck that totaled your car, or was it a fender bender that did very little damage? Was the other driver intoxicated or drunk, or speeding? A multitude of factors may play into your claim’s overall likely value. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to visit with you and talk to you more specifically about factors which may affect your particular claim.
In Texas, you usually have two (2) years from the date of incident to file a personal injury claim before it is barred by the statute of limitations. There are exceptions to this 2-year time limit in Texas, for minors and others. Further, other states have different time limits, and the limit that applies is typically for the state in which the accident occurred.
The safest course of action for someone injured in a car wreck, truck wreck, slip and fall, or any other type of accident is to consult with a personal injury attorney. This will help ensure that you do not miss the applicable limitations period. Moreover, it will ensure the right investigations are conducted, and the proper steps are taken to preserve the evidence, photos, witness statements, and records needed to successfully pursue your claim.
If you are injured in a hit-and-run wreck (and are unable to locate the driver) or are hurt in a collision where the other driver does not have insurance, you are not necessarily out of options in terms of financial recovery. You may still be able to recover for your personal injuries if your own policy has Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage or Personal Injury Protection (PIP). It’s a good idea to contact your insurance company to confirm what types of coverage you have on your policy before an accident, but if you have been hit be sure to ask these questions before finalizing your claim request. Even if you do not have UM or PIP, the attorneys and investigators at Thompson Law can work to track down the other driver in a hit-and-run accident. To do this, we rely on witnesses who may have captured a photo of the car or license plate and/or available surveillance camera footage that might have captured the wreck.
Typical damages you can recover in a personal injury claim include: medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and in some cases even punitive damages. In severe injury cases, other damages may be recoverable, such as: future medical bills, future lost income, future pain and suffering, loss of body member or mental function, physical impairment, disfigurement, emotional or mental trauma, and loss of consortium (in wrongful death claims).
Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage can help save the day if you are hit by an uninsured driver or if you are the victim in a hit-and-run collision. In short, UM coverage is an add-on coverage that drivers can add to their auto insurance policies that will protect them in the event that they are in an auto accident with a driver who either does not have insurance or cannot be located. You can contact your insurance provider to confirm whether your policy includes UM. If you do not have this coverage, the personal injury attorneys at Thompson Law recommend that you consider adding UM to your auto insurance policy today.
Knowing how comparative negligence works is vital if you live in a state that uses it. In simple terms, comparative negligence implies both drivers can share fault for an accident, but one driver can be more at fault than the other. For example, you are texting while driving when another driver runs a stop sign and hits your car.
A jury finds that the driver who ran the stop sign is 80 percent at fault, but they believe you would have had a better chance of avoiding the accident if you were not texting at the time. They find you 20 percent at fault. You can only collect enough compensation to cover the other driver’s fault. In this case, you would get $8,000 if the jury thinks your case is worth $10,000.
Having the police respond to the accident scene is of paramount importance. Make sure that YOU call them and insist that they come and investigate the accident. When the police arrive, they will separate the drivers and witnesses from one another and take statements from everyone involved. Be cooperative, detailed, and firm in describing the accident. The investigating officer will usually determine fault based upon these statements, and it is essential that your version of the events is heard and believed. If you think that you may be injured, make that clear to the officer. If an ambulance or other medical professionals arrive on scene, get checked out. If not, make plans to visit an emergency room or doctor soon after you leave the scene. Before you do leave for this care, the officer will provide you with a report number and their contact information. Make sure this information is safely saved, as it will be very important in any auto accident injury claim you may have.
Call an attorney. Your first instinct might be to call your insurance company, but it’s best to seek legal council first so you don’t accidentally admit guilt or take responsibility for the accident. In many cases your attorney will call the insurance company for you to prevent that from happening.
Absolutely not. It’s important to leave the investigation to the professionals. They know exactly how to work a case to determine all of the facts and details.
In insurance terms, “totaled” or a “total loss” means that the cost to repair your vehicle to its pre-accident condition is more than the vehicle is worth. Each insurance company has a different threshold for determining if a vehicle is totaled, but generally, if it’s close, you want the insurance company to “total” your car. Following the determination that your car is a total loss, the insurance company will provide you with their assessment of the value of your car. An experienced auto accident attorney should review this estimate to make sure that you are truly receiving fair market value for your loss. You absolutely have the right to challenge their assessment, and a skilled attorney knows the best way to do so to maximize your recovery.
Typically, yes. If a family member is seriously injured or killed in an accident, or if the injured party is a minor child, then it may be appropriate under the law for a parent, spouse, relative, or legal guardian to file a claim or lawsuit on behalf of the injured or deceased party. These types of claims are complex, and usually depend on the type of relationship involved, as well as the individual facts and circumstances of the injury. Calling the experienced personal injury attorneys at Thompson Law is step one to explore filing a legal claim on behalf of your loved one.
Even if you are partially to blame for a car accident, you may be able to recover some of your damages from the other party. Under Texas’s proportionate responsibility system (also known as comparative negligence), unless you as the claimant/plaintiff are determined more than 51% at fault, you may recover legal damages that are reduced by the percentage you are determined at fault. For example, if you are determined to be 30% at fault, you can recover 70% of your damages from the other responsible party (you can’t recover the other 30% because that was the amount of liability that was determined to lie with you). The personal injury attorneys at Thompson Law can help you navigate this proportionate responsibility system – so reach out online or call anytime for a free consultation.
If you or a family member are injured in an automobile accident, you cannot afford NOT to hire the very best attorney available. Thompson Law works on a contingency fee basis. What this means is that you only pay legal fees IF we win for you and AFTER your case is settled. We understand that legal fees upfront are simply too much to deal with after a serious accident where you are dealing with property damage repairs, medical bills, missed work and lost wages. The fact that you owe $0 upfront is an added bonus when you hire great legal representation at Thompson Law.
If you were injured as the result of someone else’s negligence, there is a good chance we can help you out. We will look at the facts of your accident, whether a car wreck, truck wreck, motorcycle accident, or on-the-job-injury and examine whatever reports or records are available. If we believe that you were injured and it was someone else’s fault, it is likely to be a case we can take. The more information and documentation you can give us about your accident and your injuries, the quicker we can evaluate your case and let you know. Give us a call or reach out online anytime!
The best personal injury attorney has three major characteristics: Excellent customer service, cutting edge technology, and a willingness to take cases and win at trial. Ask your potential attorney about the client experience they offer, what kind of technology they use to make your life easier, and when was the last time they took a case to jury trial. Asking these types of questions will give you guidance on what kind of experience you can expect as a client and what kind of results you can expect at the end of your case.
Thompson Law has high ratings from clients for its emphasis on customer service, and its attorneys have achieved significant results on small, large, and complex cases alike. No matter if you have been involved in a minor car wreck or are dealing with catastrophic injuries from a rarer and more devastating event like a terrible workplace accident, dog bite, or an 18 wheeler wreck, Thompson Law can assist you.
Yes! Thompson Law is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide free consultations. If you have been injured in a truck wreck or car accident, hurt in a slip and fall incident, or otherwise injured from the negligence of another person or party, give us a call any time at 1-800-LION-LAW. We can speak to you over the phone, chat online through our website or social media outlets, or arrange an in-person meeting at your convenience. Our team is ready to help!
Thompson Law is available 24/7 to provide free consultations and to sign up new clients. We can sign you up over the phone or we can send one of our experienced licensed investigators to meet you at the hospital or at your home if you prefer. Whether you live in Arlington, Ft. Worth, El Paso, McAllen, or even outside of the state of Texas, we are always here to assist you and provide the resources you need at a difficult time. We do the hard work for you so that you can focus on healing from your injuries.
Being in a wreck, especially on the highway, can be a terrifying experience. Remember these 6 steps to make sure you are safe and to help preserve your legal case right from the start:
Yes! Passengers in auto accidents are entitled to make claims for their damages and injuries too. As a negligence-free passenger, who you make a claim against (one or both drivers and their insurance companies), and what coverages are available (third-party liability, first-party coverages, and/or personal injury protection), depends on the specific facts and circumstances of the car wreck. Injured passengers should call the personal injury attorneys at Thompson Law to assist in navigating these complex issues so that they may receive the fair compensation they deserve.
Under Texas law, “bicycles are entitled to all rights of the road that apply to a motor vehicle, including access.” Unfortunately, drivers often don’t respect the rights of cyclists, and bike accidents are increasingly common, causing severe injuries to the cyclist.
First, stay at the scene. As soon as it is safe, assess the situation and call 9-1-1 to report the incident.
Second, when help arrives, receive emergency medical attention. Get “checked out” even if you think you are okay—the trauma and shock of the collision can cause your body to block out pain and injury, and internal injuries often produce non-specific symptoms. Follow the medical advice of the emergency response team.
Third, with assistance from the police, exchange and obtain information, such as insurance information as well as the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all witnesses, passengers, and drivers. DO NOT discuss the facts and circumstances of the bike accident with anyone other than the investigating officer.
Fourth, document the scene. Make notes on paper or using your cell phone about the time of day; weather conditions; road or traffic conditions; lighting; location of the vehicles and involved parties; and any relevant road signs, traffic control devices (lights, stop signs, yield signs) etc. Also, make sure to get photographs of your bike, the driver’s car, and the scene.
Last, a lawyer to discuss your rights. The experienced personal injury attorneys at Thompson Law will help you investigate all applicable insurance coverages and fight to get the compensation to which you are entitled.
An insurance company will not pay medical expenses or other damages as they come due; rather, after they have accepted liability, the insurance company will make a one-time, lump-sum final payment only at the end of your case. Dealing with medical expenses, and obtaining the proper medical care, after an accident can be tricky. But it does not have to be! Call the personal injury attorneys at Thompson Law, who can explain how to deal with the “day-of” hospital bills, how to continue to receive the care you need, and ultimately how to recover an appropriate settlement that takes care of your bills from the incident as well as fair and just compensation for you.
Let’s be honest: this isn’t a legal show on TV and your case will not settle in the next hour – or even tomorrow. The true answer is: it depends. We find that most cases settle within 6-12 months from date of incident; but the timeline in your case could be shorter or longer depending on: the facts and circumstances of the accident; the length of time it takes you to complete medical treatment; and the character of the insurance company, or companies, involved in your case. In the event that your case cannot settle pre-litigation and it becomes necessary to file a lawsuit, the litigation process alone can take 1 to 2 years due to the court system and legal process necessary to prepare for trial. But because so much of the timeline depends on the facts and circumstances of your unique case, call Thompson Law today to discuss the personal injury claims process.
Thompson Law receives an attorney fee and you pay no legal fees as our client unless we pay you. Thompson Law has 350 years of combined experience in legal representation and has won over $1.8 billion dollars in cash settlements for our clients. We master the art of managing client cases with empathy, compassion, respect and, of course, prodigious skill. Contact us today for a free, risk-free consultation to discuss your accident and your options.
State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an auto accident. If you have been injured in an accident, call now to get the help you need.