Rideshare Accident Attorney in Dallas, TX

uber driver picking up a passenger

Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft have fundamentally changed how people get around, particularly in major cities. But as convenient as these apps are, riding in an Uber or Lyft vehicle is not always safe. A crash involving a rideshare vehicle can leave innocent people with significant injuries, expensive medical bills, and emotional distress. Furthermore, navigating the complex insurance systems employed by rideshare companies can be an added stress for accident victims already suffering from serious injuries.

The rideshare accident attorneys at Kraft & Associates, P.C., can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and other losses. Our firm has served the Dallas and Fort Worth areas for over 45 years, advocating for the rights of injury victims and their families. We offer free consultations and handle our personal injury cases on a contingency basis, which means you don’t owe us anything unless we obtain compensation in your case. Contact our Uber and Lyft car accident attorneys online or at (214) 999-9999 to get started.

Uber and Lyft Car Accident Statistics

As the popularity of rideshare services increases, so does the number of traffic accidents involving Uber, Lyft, and similar services. Here are a few statistics about Uber and Lyft accidents to illustrate the scope of the problem:

  • In a recent report to investors, Uber indicated that its drivers handled about 1.95 billion trips during one fiscal quarter. That works out to about 21 million trips per day.
  • Uber’s most recent S. Safety Report says more than 100 deaths resulted from 91 fatal crashes involving Uber vehicles nationwide in one recent year.
  • A study published by the University of Chicago found that rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft may be responsible for a two- to three-percent increase in traffic fatalities nationwide over the past decade.

Rideshare Driver Requirements in Texas

Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services have specific requirements for drivers, which are similar across services. For example, to drive for Lyft in Texas, a driver must:

  • Have a personal auto insurance policy for their vehicle
  • Have valid registration for the vehicle
  • Have a smartphone that can run the Lyft app
  • Be at least 25 years old
  • Have a valid driver’s license
  • Pass a screening that includes a criminal background check and a review of the applicant’s driving history
  • Have a vehicle that is less than 15 years old
  • Have a vehicle with four doors and five to eight seats, including the driver’s seat
  • Have a vehicle that is not a taxi, limousine, or rental vehicle
  • Have a vehicle that is not titled as salvage, non-repairable, rebuilt, or any similar classification

Uber’s requirements for Texas drivers are similar to Lyft’s, with a few exceptions. Uber’s requirements that differ from Lyft’s include the following:

  • Drivers must meet the minimum age to drive in Texas
  • Drivers must have at least one year of licensed driving experience in the U.S. or three years if they are under 25
  • Drivers must have proof of residency in their city, state, or province
  • Drivers must have a vehicle in good condition with no cosmetic damage
  • Drivers must have a vehicle without commercial branding

Additionally, Uber has specific vehicle requirements depending on the trip the vehicle will be used for, such as UberX, UberXL, Uber Black, Uber Black SUV, and Comfort.

Rideshare drivers must also follow state and local laws. In Texas, rideshare vehicles must be inspected yearly to be registered. Furthermore, certain Texas counties require annual emissions tests. These counties include Brazoria, Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, El Paso, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Johnson, Kaufman, Montgomery, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Travis, and Williamson counties. Remember that texting while driving is illegal in Texas, including for rideshare drivers.

How Are Uber and Lyft Accidents Different from Other Car Accidents?

An accident involving an Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare vehicle may differ from a typical car accident involving non-commercial vehicles in the following ways:

  • Insurance may be more complicated– Several different insurance policies could be applicable when a rideshare driver is responsible for an accident, depending on what “phase” they were in at the time. Uber and Lyft both provide up to $1 million in liability insurance for injuries and property damage in an accident caused by an on-duty driver. However, if the rideshare driver was not on duty at the time or someone else caused the crash, you may need to file a claim with a different insurance policy.
  • Large corporations can be challenging– If you file an insurance claim against a company like Lyft or Uber and your claim is undervalued or denied, you may find that you are up against large corporations with substantial legal resources. You might need an experienced attorney to help you prepare a solid claim or file an appeal.

Steps to Follow After an Uber or Lyft Car Accident

Here are some steps you can take after an Uber or Lyft car accident to protect your rights:

  • Call the police– Even if the collision seems minor, you should summon the authorities to the scene. An official police report can be substantial evidence if you file a compensation claim.
  • Gather evidence from the crash scene– Use your phone to take pictures of any vehicle damage, injuries, debris, or skid marks on the road. Get the contact information of eyewitnesses and look for nearby surveillance cameras that may have captured the accident. Get the contact information of the rideshare driver and other motorists involved in the collision.
  • Seek medical treatment– If medical personnel do not take you to a hospital from the accident scene, see a doctor immediately. Even if you feel fine, you may have injuries that have not yet developed symptoms. It’s essential to have your injuries diagnosed, treated, and added to your medical record.
  • Do not speak to the insurance companies– Do not give insurance companies any statements about the accident until you have met with an attorney. If an insurer contacts you, tell them you have hired a lawyer.
  • Talk to a Uber / Lyft accident lawyer– Meet with an experienced lawyer immediately to get started on your case. An attorney can investigate the crash, determine who is at fault, and identify sources of compensation. They can also negotiate with insurers that might otherwise contest liability or seek to minimize payouts. A lawyer is also better equipped to take an insurer to court if it does not offer a fair settlement.

Who’s Liable in a Rideshare Accident?

The following parties or entities may be liable for a rideshare accident depending on the circumstances:

  • The rideshare driver could be principally liable for your injuries if their actions led to the crash
  • The rideshare company could also be liable if the rideshare driver was operating for the company’s benefit at the time of the accident
  • Another driver involved in the crash could also be to blame, in which case you would pursue compensation through their insurance policy or a lawsuit

Filing an Insurance Claim After an Uber or Lyft Accident

If you are involved in an accident caused by a rideshare driver, which insurance coverage applies will depend on the “phase” the driver was in:

  • En route or transporting a fare– A rideshare driver transporting a customer or on their way to a pickup will be covered by the rideshare company’s insurance policy, which offers up to $1 million in liability coverage.
  • App on, waiting for a request– A rideshare driver who has the app open but is waiting for a ride request when they cause an accident will be covered by either their own insurance or the rideshare company’s if their own insurance is insufficient. The rideshare’s insurance should cover $50,000 per person injured in the crash, $100,000 for all people injured in the collision, and $25,000 for any damaged property.
  • App is off– On the other hand, only personal auto insurance would apply if the app is off when a driver in a rideshare-marked vehicle causes an accident. In that case, you must file a claim with the rideshare driver’s auto insurance policy to seek compensation for your losses.

Hiring an attorney is crucial in a rideshare accident because determining whose insurance coverage applies can be difficult. A lawyer can investigate the circumstances of the crash, determine which party or entity is liable for your injuries, gather crucial evidence to prove responsibility, and help you file an insurance claim or civil lawsuit to seek maximum compensation. Let an experienced attorney keep track of deadlines and handle the necessary paperwork to file an insurance claim so that you can focus on recovering from your injuries.

Our Experienced Lawyers Are Ready to Guide You After a Rideshare Accident. Call Our Firm Today

If you were injured in an accident caused by a rideshare driver, you could be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. Navigating the complexities of rideshare insurance coverage can be challenging, but an experienced Dallas car accident attorneys can help. Contact Kraft & Associates, P.C., today for a free case review. Our Dallas, Texas, lawyers are ready to guide you after a rideshare accident.