Getting hurt in an Uber or Lyft crash can be confusing. Who pays for your medical bills? Is the driver’s insurance responsible, or does the rideshare company cover it? Talking to a rideshare accident attorney can help you figure out your next steps—and protect your right to compensation.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Rideshare Accident?
- Who Pays for the Damages?
- Why You Need a Rideshare Accident Attorney
- How Common Are Rideshare Accidents?
- What Should You Do After a Rideshare Crash?
- Do You Have a Case?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
What Is a Rideshare Accident?
A rideshare accident happens when you’re injured in a crash involving a service like Uber, Lyft, or another app-based ride company. These crashes can involve:
- Passengers riding in a rideshare
- Other drivers hit by a rideshare vehicle
- Pedestrians or bicyclists struck by rideshare drivers
Unlike regular car accidents, rideshare claims involve complex insurance policies and multi-party liability.
Who Pays for the Damages?
Uber and Lyft provide insurance for their drivers, but the rules are different depending on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash.
Why You Need a Rideshare Accident Attorney
Getting money after a rideshare crash isn’t always simple. A rideshare accident attorney can help you by:
- Collecting driver and rideshare company records
- Reviewing rideshare app logs
- Communicating with multiple insurance companies
- Making sure you get the full value of your claim
- Filing a lawsuit if the rideshare company refuses to pay fairly
How Common Are Rideshare Accidents?
Rideshare services have made transportation easier but have also increased traffic and crash rates.
What Should You Do After a Rideshare Crash?
If you’ve been in an Uber or Lyft crash:
- Get medical help right away. Even small crashes can cause serious injuries.
- Report the crash in the app and to the police.
- Take photos of the scene, car, and injuries.
- Get the driver’s name and insurance info.
- Contact a rideshare accident attorney to review your case.
Do You Have a Case?
In Texas, you may have a legal case if:
- A rideshare driver caused the accident
- You were injured while riding in a rideshare
- The rideshare app was active during the crash
Your attorney can help you file a personal injury claim or lawsuit. These cases often involve dealing with multiple insurance companies, and it’s easy to get shortchanged without legal help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Uber or Lyft responsible for my injuries?
A: It depends. If the driver was using the app when the crash happened, Uber or Lyft may be responsible through their insurance.
Q: What if the driver was waiting for a ride?
A: Uber and Lyft provide smaller insurance policies when a driver is logged in but hasn’t accepted a ride.
Q: Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly?
A: Usually, you file a claim through their insurance. Sometimes a lawsuit is necessary if the claim is denied or underpaid.
Q: How long do I have to file a claim?
A: In Texas, you have two years from the date of the crash.
Conclusion
A rideshare crash can leave you with serious injuries, high medical bills, and unanswered questions. A rideshare accident attorney can help you figure out who is responsible, deal with the rideshare companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Nelson J. Roach is a partner at the Roach Law Firm in Daingerfield, Texas. Over the last 30 years, Nelson has represented thousands of clients in many groundbreaking cases. Read more…
