Houston Rideshare Accident Lawyers

Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Houston

Rideshare accidents in Houston can result from various factors, including:

• Distracted Driving: Focusing on phones for ride management or GPS navigation rather than the road.
• Driver Errors: Struggling to stay in lanes, losing control, or failing to communicate with other drivers.
• Excessive Speeding: Driving too fast, especially on unfamiliar roads or areas with heavy foot traffic.
• Nighttime Visibility Issues: Challenges from bright lights, busy venues, and the complexities of driving after dark.
• Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Accidents caused by faulty components or inadequate upkeep.
• Hazardous Road Conditions: Weather-related risks, road debris, or poorly maintained streets.
• Driver Fatigue: Drowsiness from long or irregular working hours.
• Traffic Jams: Navigating through congested areas with heavy rideshare activity.

Accidents stemming from these causes can lead to devastating injuries, including rollovers, rear-end crashes, head-on collisions, and T-bone impacts. Victims often face serious injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens.

If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident, don’t handle the aftermath alone. Thompson Law’s Houston rideshare accident attorneys are here to help. Call us today for expert legal support and pursue the compensation you deserve.

What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in Houston

Protect your rights and strengthen your claim by carefully documenting the incident. Key steps include:

• Call 911: Report the accident and request emergency services if there are injuries.
• Gather Information: Obtain details from all parties involved, including drivers, passengers, vehicles, and witnesses.
• Cooperate with Law Enforcement: Ensure the accident report accurately captures all details.

Proper documentation is crucial for securing justice and fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

Insurance Coverage in Houston Rideshare Accidents

Insurance plays a pivotal role in resolving rideshare accident claims. Below is an overview of how coverage works for Uber and Lyft in Houston:

Uber Insurance Coverage in Houston

Uber’s insurance coverage depends on the driver’s status within the app:

When the app is off, only the driver’s personal insurance is in effect. Drivers must adhere to Houston’s minimum insurance standards, which include:

• $30,000 for each injured person,
• $60,000 per accident for injuries involving multiple individuals,
• and $25,000 for property damage.

If the app is online but no ride is accepted, Uber offers third-party liability insurance that covers:

• $50,000 per person for bodily injury,
• $100,000 per accident for bodily injury,
• and $25,000 for property damage.

Additional coverage options, such as uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) protection and personal injury protection (PIP), may also be applicable based on Houston’s regulations.

When en route to pick up a passenger or during a trip, Uber’s insurance provides enhanced coverage, including:

$1,000,000 in third-party liability for injuries and property damage,

as well as comprehensive and collision coverage for vehicle repairs up to the car’s cash value, with a $2,500 deductible, provided the driver’s personal policy includes this coverage.

There may also be additional coverage options like UM/UIM protection and PIP. While Uber’s insurance policies are comprehensive, specific terms and conditions apply. It’s advisable to consult with a legal expert to clarify the process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Lyft Insurance Coverage in Houston

Lyft’s insurance policies function in a similar manner, with coverage differing based on the driver’s status:

App On but No Ride Accepted:

Lyft offers third-party liability coverage:

• $50,000 per person for bodily injury.
• $100,000 per accident for bodily injury.
• $25,000 for property damage.

En Route to Pick Up or During a Ride:

Lyft provides more extensive coverage:

• $1,000,000 in third-party liability coverage.
• $250,000 in UM/UIM bodily injury coverage.
• Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage, up to the vehicle’s cash value, with a $2,500 deductible, as long as the driver’s personal policy includes comprehensive and collision coverage.

Grasping these policies is crucial, but exceptions and conditions can complicate the claims process. Reach out to Thompson Law’s knowledgeable attorneys for expert assistance.

While Uber and Lyft have clear coverage limits, exceptions and restrictions can complicate the claims process. The driver’s status – whether they are active on the app, en route to a passenger, or off-duty – determines how insurance coverage is applied. Furthermore, the driver’s personal insurance policy may also be relevant.

Contact our Houston rideshare accident attorneys for help navigating the intricacies of rideshare insurance claims. Call us at (844) 308-8180 for expert assistance. We are here to support you every step of the way.

What Compensation Can I Get for a Rideshare Accident?

Victims of rideshare accidents may pursue the following types of compensation:

• Medical Expenses – Coverage for treatments related to injuries, including emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing rehabilitation.
• Lost Wages – Reimbursement for income lost due to temporary or permanent inability to work caused by accident-related injuries.
• Property Damage – Compensation for the cost of repairing or replacing damaged personal vehicles or other property.
• Pain and Suffering – Monetary compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life resulting from the accident.
• Punitive Damages – In cases involving extreme negligence or misconduct, damages intended to punish the at-fault party and discourage similar behavior.
• Rideshare Insurance Coverage – Depending on the driver’s activity at the time of the accident—whether they were en route to pick up a passenger or actively transporting one—the rideshare company’s insurance may provide additional compensation beyond the driver’s personal policy.

Thompson Law’s attorneys will help you pursue the compensation you deserve based on your case’s specifics.

Contact our Houston rideshare accident attorneys to explore your options and make sure you get the assistance you require.

Common Injuries Suffered in Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare accidents can cause injuries from minor to life changing. Even minor collisions can cause whiplash, seat belt injuries or cuts from unsecured objects in the vehicle. In more severe accidents, injuries can be devastating and change a person’s life forever.

The likelihood of severe injuries in a rideshare accident is often increased by the circumstances in which these services are used. Many rideshares happen late at night, in heavy traffic or after passengers have been drinking. These conditions can make it harder for the driver and increase the risk of an accident. If the driver is careless or distracted, the passenger is often the one who gets hurt.

If you’ve been hurt in a rideshare accident, get medical attention and call Thompson Law’s Houston rideshare accident lawyers today. We are available 24/7 to help you, from managing your medical care to dealing with insurance companies.

We have assisted clients in obtaining compensation for a wide range of injuries, such as:

• Cuts and bruises
• Whiplash
• Head injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Broken bones
• Spinal injuries
• Paralysis
• Neck injuries
• Spinal disc injuries
• Back injuries
• Sprains and strains
• Muscle, ligament, and tendon injuries
• Joint injuries and trauma
• Internal injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Amputations
• Dismemberment
• Wrongful death

Why You Need a Lawyer After a Rideshare Accident

Rideshare accidents present unique legal challenges. If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident involving Uber, Lyft, or another commercial vehicle, Thompson Law is ready to help. Contact us at (844) 308-8180 for a free consultation and take the first step toward securing the compensation you deserve.

No Upfront Fees Unless We Win

Call Our Houston Rideshare Accident Attorneys Today!

At Thompson Law, our Houston rideshare accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t have to pay anything upfront, and we only receive payment if we win compensation for you. If we don’t succeed in your case, you won’t owe us anything.

We are committed to helping you recover and move forward after your accident. Our bilingual team is available 24/7, every day of the year, to offer assistance and guidance. From the moment you’re injured until you receive your settlement, we are here to provide the dedicated representation and support you need.

Houston Rideshare Accident FAQs

What should I do if the rideshare driver refuses to cooperate after an accident?

If the driver is uncooperative, remain calm and try to collect as much information as possible on your own. Make sure to note the vehicle’s make, model, license plate, and any visible rideshare logos. Report the incident to the rideshare company via their app, as well as to law enforcement and a Houston rideshare accident attorney to ensure your rights are protected.

Can I still file a claim if the rideshare driver was off-duty when the accident happened?

Yes, you can file a claim but it will likely be with the driver’s personal insurance instead of the rideshare company’s insurance. Determining whether the driver was on-duty or off-duty is key to determining which insurance applies. An attorney can help you figure out liability and make sure you’re filing the right claim.

What if my injuries don’t show up immediately after the accident?

It’s common for some injuries like whiplash or soft tissue damage to show up days after an accident. Get medical attention as soon as you notice symptoms and keep detailed records of your treatment. Those records will be key to your case and proving the accident caused your injuries.

Can I file a claim if I was injured as a pedestrian or cyclist in a rideshare accident?

Yes. If a rideshare vehicle hit you while you were walking or cycling, you may be entitled to compensation. Whether the driver was using the app will determine which insurance applies. A Houston rideshare accident attorney can help you with the claims process and get you fair compensation.

What happens if multiple parties are at fault for the accident?

Texas is a modified comparative negligence state, which means you can still recover if you’re not more than 50% at fault. Fault can be divided among the rideshare driver, another driver or even third parties like vehicle manufacturers or municipalities. An attorney can help figure out liability and make sure all responsible parties are held accountable.