As the popularity of rideshare services continues to grow in Houston, accidents involving Uber and Lyft drivers are increasing. Many causes of rideshare accidents are the same as regular car accidents. However, there are also some rideshare specific contributions to collisions.
The following are common causes of car accidents involving rideshare vehicles:
- Inattentive driving
- Driving over the speed limit
- Drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs
- Driver fatigue
- Failure to properly maintain the vehicle
- Ignoring traffic signals and signs
- Unsafe lane changes
- Tailgating
- Driving in inclement weather
- Aggressive driving
Some causes of rideshare accidents that may differ from a typical car accident include:
- New drivers. Rideshare drivers with little experience may not drive with due care and attention.
- Distractions. Rideshare applications can take a driver’s attention off of the road
- Driver fatigue. Rideshare drivers may work long, excessive hours which leads to driver exhaustion.
- A Houston Lyft accident attorney can explain the causes of rideshare crashes in more detail.
Car crashes can cause a variety of injuries – some of which are fatal or life-threatening. The type of injuries victims might sustain following a rideshare crash include:
- Bruising
- Cuts and lacerations
- Fractures
- Head injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Nerve injuries
- Paralysis
- Spinal cord damage
A Houston Lyft accident lawyer can establish the full extent of your injuries to determine how much compensation you may be entitled to.
It is more difficult to establish liability in a rideshare accident than in a typical car accident. This is because popular rideshare companies, like Uber and Lyft, carry car insurance that only covers certain driver situations. The amount of damages depends on the circumstances involved, such as how complex your injuries are. A Houston rideshare accident lawyer can value your case and explain what damages you can claim.
If you incur injuries in a rideshare accident, there are insurance policies that might cover your injuries. For example, Uber and Lyft offer policies that stipulate the following:
- If a third-party motorist caused the Uber accident, their car insurance policy is liable for your injuries.
- Uber has a $1 million liability policy effective any time there is a rider in the vehicle if your Uber driver is at fault for the crash.
- Uber has a $1 million uninsured/underinsured motorist policy if the driver who caused the crash did not carry liability insurance.
- Uber and Lyft riders can qualify for benefits under each company’s $1 million insurance policy for the duration of their rideshare trips.
- If the driver wasn’t signed into the rideshare app at the time of the accident, the driver’s auto insurance policy might cover the damages.
Don’t hesitate to call our Houston Uber and Lyft accident attorneys for more help.
Every rideshare accident is unique, but there are steps you should always take after a crash to keep yourself safe and protect your legal rights. So, if you’re in a rideshare crash in Houston, TX, here’s what to do.
- Call for medical help. Always seek medical treatment for any injuries, either at the scene or as soon as possible afterward.
- Call the police. An accident report is an important document to establish and provide details of an auto accident.
- Get pictures of the scene. If safe to do so, take pictures of any physical or property damage to help build evidence in your case.
- Take a screenshot of the rideshare app on your phone. This will support a personal injury claim for compensation by proving active rideshare at the time of the accident.
- Check for witnesses. If anyone saw or heard the crash, try to get their contact details. Their testimony could help your rideshare accident case.
- Notify your insurance company. Let them know that you were a passenger in a rideshare vehicle crash.
- Contact an attorney. A Houston Uber and Lyft accident attorney will assist in filing your claim and manage all contact with the insurance companies to ensure fair treatment.
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the harm sustained. At AK Law Firm, our Houston rideshare car accident lawyers have the knowledge and experience to help you secure the damages you deserve. We will carefully evaluate your claim, gather the evidence we need to help you build a strong case, and negotiate with the at-fault party on your behalf.
We will communicate with you through every step of your claim, and answer any questions you might have to help you make informed decisions regarding your case.
At AK Law Firm, we accept cases on a no win, no fee basis , meaning we don’t get paid unless we win your case. Our Uber & Lyft accident lawyers in Houston are ready and waiting to help you recover financial compensation for medical expenses, property damage, and more. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with an Uber accident attorney in Houston, TX.
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