Home » Don’t Panic: 4 Steps to Take After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Texas
Were You in an Uber or Lyft Accident?
If you or a loved one were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, you might be entitled to compensation. A personal injury lawyer can help determine whether you are owed for damages that resulted from someone else’s negligence, including hospital bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Get your free consultation today.
Rideshare (Uber or Lyft Accident) Injury Scenarios
Though it feels like they’ve been around forever, Uber and Lyft are still relatively new in the grand scheme. That can make navigating Uber or Lyft accident accidents confusing and frustrating.
Additionally, there are many different possible Uber and Lyft accident scenarios:
- You are a Lyft or Uber driver, and you were injured in a collision caused by another driver’s negligence.
- You were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft, and you were injured in an accident caused by the Uber or Lyft driver’s negligence.
- You were in your own car and injured by an Uber or Lyft driver’s negligence.
- You were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft, and you were injured in an accident caused by another driver’s negligence.
When you call Thompson Law, a rideshare attorney will review the details of your case. Once they’ve collected the necessary information, your lawyer will help you understand your legal rights and determine whether you have a personal injury case.
4 Steps to Take After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Texas
1. Ensure Your Safety – call 911 if injured, move to a safe location, and turn on hazard lights.
2. Gather Information – driver and insurance details, take pictures, and note important details.
3. Report the Accident – to the ridesharing company and insurance provider.
4. Consult with an Attorney – for legal guidance and compensation negotiation.
If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, it’s important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. They can help you navigate the complex legal process and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. An attorney can also help you negotiate with the ridesharing company’s insurance provider and any other parties involved in the accident. Call Thompson Law to ensure you have a knowledgeable attorney.
What to Do After any Car Accident
If you or a loved one were involved in a car accident (Uber and Lyft accidents included), follow these steps.
- Call 911 and wait for emergency responders in a safe location
- File a crash report, even if it’s just a “minor” accident
- Collect as much information as you can, including the other driver’s license, insurance, witness contact info, and photos of the road, cars, injuries, and damages
- Don’t say you’re sorry because this can be used against you
- Seek medical treatment even if you don’t see or feel injuries
- Call a rideshare car accident lawyer
- Don’t post anything about your crash on social media
Knowing what to do in the moments and days after an accident can save you a lot of heartache and expense. Before speaking with the insurance companies, call Thompson Law to ensure you have a knowledgeable attorney.
Uber and Lyft in Texas: A History
Uber and Lyft have been available since 2009 and 2012, respectively. But both Uber and Lyft have a history in Texas that caused them to pull out of the state for a while. The competitor companies banded together and spent millions to campaign against fingerprint background checks for their drivers.
Uber and Lyft refused to comply with Texas law over mandatory driver fingerprint checks, stating that their checks were thorough enough. Lyft and Uber dipped out of Texas in 2016, returning in 2017 when Governor Greg Abbot signed legislation allowing the rideshare companies to operate without fingerprint checks.
Texas Car Crash Statistics
Car accidents are common in Texas. As for Uber or Lyft accidents, they make up a decent percentage of the total on Texas roads. Chances are, you’re sharing the highway with multiple Uber and Lyft drivers on most excursions.
There are currently around 1 million Uber drivers in the United States and about 1.4 million Lyft drivers in the United States and Toronto. Many drivers work with both companies, and the number of Uber and Lyft vehicles is expected to see continued growth.
There are several different potential crash scenarios involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle. If you were injured in a rideshare accident, call Thompson Law to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Fault in an Uber or Lyft Accident
So whose insurance will cover a rideshare accident? It depends on the unique circumstances of your case. These accidents can be complex, but a rideshare attorney can help you navigate the confusing details. For example, Uber and Lyft cover different amounts depending on whether the driver was active but waiting for a ride request versus driving a passenger. And if a Lyft or Uber driver wasn’t using the app at the time of the accident, you’ll be going through their personal car insurance.
As with any car accident, it’s always best to let a personal injury attorney handle the legal aspects. Determining liability can be tricky, and dealing with a rideshare company’s insurance adjusters is never easy. Let Thompson Law advocate for you after a rideshare accident.
Filing a Lawsuit Against Uber or Lyft
If you were in an Uber or Lyft car accident, your rideshare attorney can help determine whether your case is against the driver or the rideshare company itself. In some circumstances, you might have a case directly against Uber or Lyft.
These instances could include:
- A rideshare driver assaulted you
- Your damages exceed the limits of your Uber or Lyft driver’s policy
- Uber or Lyft was careless in hiring, training, or retaining your Uber or Lyft driver
If you think you might have a case against Uber or Lyft, call Thompson Law today. During your free consultation, we’ll discuss the details of your experience and determine the best path forward together.
Common Personal Injuries
At Thompson Law, we know that every personal injury case is unique. Our dedicated team takes the time to learn the extent of your damages and injuries so we can help you get fair value for your claim. With a Texas personal injury attorney on your side, you can focus your time and energy on recovering.
Common types of rideshare personal injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Whiplash injuries
- Joint injuries
- Burn injuries
- Broken bones
- Amputation injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis injuries
A Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, Thompson Law can help. We’ll ensure you know your rights and develop a strategy for obtaining the financial compensation you need. Whether you’re dealing with hospital bills, lost wages, emotional distress, or physical pain, our rideshare attorneys are here to support you with a free consultation.
Call Thompson Law today to speak to an Uber or Lyft lawyer about your case. After an accident, you shouldn’t have to face the negligent party or their insurer alone. We’ll handle the complex legal aspects of your case so you can focus on getting the care and treatment you need.
Rideshare Accident Lawyer FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I sue Uber for injuries or wrongful death?
Yes. You could be a passenger in an Uber, a pedestrian hit by an Uber, or a passenger in another vehicle hit by an Uber. If your injuries or someone’s death were caused by an Uber driver’s negligence, you could sue for damages. A rideshare accident attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Can I sue an Uber driver if I’m injured in an accident?
Whether you sue Uber or the Uber driver will depend on the unique circumstances of your case. Your rideshare attorney can get to the bottom of liability in your accident and will help you understand your rights after an accident.
What are some common causes of car accidents in Texas?
Common causes of car accidents in Texas include drunk driving, texting or talking while driving, speeding, tailgating, and aggressive driving or road rage. While drivers are often tempted to multitask, even a few seconds of distraction can cause a severe or even fatal crash.
How can a personal injury attorney help?
A personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights under Texas law. They can gather evidence, documentation, and testimonies that support your claim of physical and emotional pain and suffering. Ultimately, they will work to help you collect fair compensation for the injuries you experienced as a result of your accident.
Do I need a lawyer if I am injured in a rideshare accident?
Things can get complicated quickly after an Uber or Lyft accident. You could deal with lost wages, injuries, and emotional pain and suffering. A skilled rideshare attorney is essential if you hope to avoid paying out of pocket for someone else’s negligence.