In recent years, rideshare services like Uber and Lift have surged in popularity across Texas. With nearly anyone able to sign up as a driver, the convenience of getting a ride wherever you need to go has become a staple for many. However, the increase in rideshare drivers on the road also brings a higher incidence of accidents.
When a rideshare vehicle is involved in an accident, figuring out who is responsible can be
complex. Generally, there are two primary sources of compensation for injured passengers: the driver’s personal auto insurance and the additional liability coverage maintained by the rideshare
companies. For example, companies like Uber typically have policies often around $1
million that cover outstanding claims, protecting passengers and even bystanders injured
during a rideshare incident.
If you’re injured in a rideshare accident, you have multiple avenues to pursue compensation. The first is through the rideshare driver’s personal insurance policy, which all drivers are required to carry. If that coverage isn’t enough to fully compensate for your losses, the rideshare company’s
liability insurance can provide additional support. Given that Texas law allows only two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, timely legal action is critical. An experienced rideshare accident attorney can help ensure that you meet all deadlines and protect your rights. They also serve as a buffer against
insurance companies, ensuring that all communications and negotiations are handled through legal counsel preventing you from inadvertently undermining your own claim.
In a rideshare accident case, compensation can include both:
● Economic Damages: These cover tangible costs such as property damage, current and future medical expenses, lost wages, and diminished future earning capacity.
● Noneconomic Damages: These address more subjective losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, disability, disfigurement, and a reduced quality of life.
Texas follows a modified comparative fault system, meaning that if you are found partially at fault for the accident, your total recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are determined to be more than 50% responsible, you may be barred from recovering any damages. An adept rideshare accident attorney can work to challenge any claims of partial fault, ensuring that you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Yes, all rideshare drivers must maintain personal auto insurance, and rideshare companies
provide additional liability coverage for further protection.
Victims can recover both economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, etc.) and
noneconomic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, etc.).
Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury
lawsuit under Texas law.
If you are found partly at fault, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of
fault. If you are more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovery altogether.
An experienced attorney can protect you from insurance companies’ tactics, ensure
timely filing of your claim, and work to secure the full compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in Texas, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our trusted attorney referral partners for a free consultation. They can evaluate your case and help
you explore your legal options so that you can focus on getting your life back on track.
