Austin Rideshare Accident Lawyer

You have a right to expect that when you hail an Uber, Lyft, or use another rideshare service, your trip will be safe. You also have the right to expect rideshare drivers to exercise adequate care and caution when you’re sharing the road with them in your own vehicle.

Unfortunately, the many rideshare drivers on Austin roads mean that some are reckless or irresponsible. If you’ve been injured in a rideshare crash, building a claim for compensation caused is challenging. The policies instituted by the massive tech companies responsible for rideshare services make an already difficult process even more convoluted. That’s why you need an experienced Austin car accident lawyer.

Whether you were a motorist hit by a rideshare driver or a passenger injured in a rideshare crash, if you’re the victim of a collision involving a rideshare driver, you might be entitled to compensation for medical bills, property damage, lost income, and the pain and suffering you’ve endured. At Loewy Law Firm, our experienced rideshare accident lawyers can help you pursue the significant compensation you deserve.

How Are Rideshare Accidents Different from Regular Crashes?

In some ways, rideshare crashes are similar to every other crash. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft don’t require any special licenses or any special qualifications for their drivers. As long as the driver has a clean driving record and a state-issued driver’s license, they can drive for Uber and Lyft.

On the other hand, the claims process after a Lyft or Uber accident is much different. Whether you were injured as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft or were hit by an Uber or Lyft driver, navigating these companies’ intricate insurance policies is far more complicated and challenging than filing a claim against a private driver and their insurer.

You might have to interface with multiple insurance companies, but that’s just the start. Factors such as who was injured, how many passengers were involved, and the driver’s status at the time of the accident might affect your settlement. Luckily, we’re prepared to make the whole process simple for you.

Who Is Responsible If I Am Injured as a:

Determining whose insurance pays compensation for damages is complicated rideshares are involved. It can depend on the at-fault driver’s identity, which could be the Uber driver or another driver entirely.

Passenger in an Uber or Lyft

If you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft accident, Uber and Lyft are required to provide coverage to uninsured or underinsured drivers. Your personal insurance provider might also provide coverage if you are seriously injured. Determining who to make a claim against can be tricky, so working with an experienced Austin attorney is vital.

Motorist hit by an Uber or Lyft driver

If you were in a vehicle hit by a rideshare driver, multiple entities could be responsible for damages. If the driver was off the clock, you would file a claim against the driver’s personal insurance policy. If the driver was working but hadn’t accepted a ride before the collision, then Uber and Lyft’s limited coverage might cover some or all of the damages, depending on the severity of the accident. If a driver accepted a ride request before the accident, then the rideshare company’s coverage is much higher. You’ll need a lawyer to negotiate with the insurance adjusters. They’ll avoid paying a fair settlement if they can.

At Loewy Law Firm, we can investigate to determine fault, which insurance coverages apply to your crash and injury, and file the appropriate claims in a timely fashion.

Uber and Lyft Insurance Policies

Uber and Lyft offer insurance to both drivers and passengers, but these policies are limited and vary based on the circumstances of the accident.

Liability insurance provided by the rideshare company – Both Uber and Lyft offer insurance coverage to their drivers but limit this coverage. Uber’s insurance policy (and whether you can make a claim) depends on a specific set of circumstances. If an Uber driver causes a collision while not signed into the app and working, then Uber’s insurance policy will not cover any resulting damages. Uber and Lyft’s policies cover up to $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and just $25,000 in property damage if the rideshare driver was logged into the app. The coverage would increase to $1 million if the driver had accepted a ride request at the time of the crash. It’s crucial to determine the driver’s status before filing a claim.

Uninsured/underinsured rideshare motorist coverage – Rideshares must offer liability coverage to their drivers, and they’re also required to cover uninsured or uninsured passengers. Contact an attorney to find out if this applies to you.

Sometimes, drivers who work for rideshare companies obtain special coverage from their personal insurance companies. In some cases, those entities could be responsible for damages.

Injuries Caused by Uber and Lyft Accidents

Some of the most common injuries sustained in rideshare traffic-related accidents include:

Traumatic brain injury. Brain injuries are often caused by blows to the head. This serious injury can cause permanent, life-altering damage.
Whiplash. Whiplash occurs when the head jolts back and forth violently in a collision. Whiplash can present months after an accident, so it’s important to monitor your condition. If left untreated, it can cause long-term pain and other issues.
Broken/fractured bones. Broken and fractured bones can take months to heal and require surgery and extensive physical therapy.
Spinal damage. The spine sends messages from the brain to other areas of the human body. If the spine is transected, it can cause paralysis below the site of the injury.
Paralysis. Paralysis occurs when the spine is transected, or severed, because of an injury. Paralysis is a life-altering and often permanent disability that can affect every area of a person’s life.

Compensation for Rideshare Accidents

If you’ve been injured in a car crash involving a rideshare through no fault of your own, you deserve fair compensation. Navigating the process can be stressful and challenging if you try it alone, which is why it’s important to have a skilled attorney on your side to determine who should pay.

Like all insurance companies, rideshare insurance adjusters will use every tool in their kit to minimize the payout. And while Uber and Lyft offer specific amounts of coverage, other rideshare companies that operate in Austin have different policies. You and your attorney will need to review the specific insurance policy of the rideshare company involved.

Other factors could also affect the amount of compensation you receive. Personal injury claims cover the economic and non-economic damages you suffered. If treating your injury was expensive, and so is your ongoing care, your compensation will be higher than a relatively minor injury. Factors like pain and suffering and mental anguish can vary widely depending on your collision and injury. Speak with a lawyer to find out what you might be owed.

How an Austin Rideshare Accident Lawyer Can Help

At Loewy Law Firm, our Austin rideshare accident lawyers understand how overwhelming it can be to seek compensation if you’re injured in a collision involving an Uber or Lyft. When this happens, know that you’re not alone, and we’re here to help.

We can identify the at-fault parties, determine who is responsible for paying you, and work to build a strong claim that maximizes the amount of compensation you receive.

If you’ve been in a rideshare-related accident, contact our personal injury lawyers by phone or online for a 100% free and confidential consultation.