Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident? Here’s What’s Next

Nowadays, it’s not unusual to wonder what happens if you’re injured in an Uber or Lyft accident. Ridesharing is a convenient and affordable way to get around town. It allows you to hail a driver with the press of a button on your smartphone and manage your trip from there.

But what happens when that driver—or someone else on the road, for that matter—causes an accident, leading to significant injuries?

This can be a complicated situation for a variety of reasons, including the employment status of rideshare drivers, the various insurance coverage rules that may apply, and whether or not the driver was “on the app” at the time of the accident.

The good news is that you likely have options. However, determining what those options are and how to choose the right path forward takes a close examination of your accident and the details surrounding it.

Here, we review some of the most important things to keep in mind when injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Houston. To get more advice specific to your situation, we recommend getting in touch as soon as possible with a Strategic. Meticulous. Merciless. Houston commercial vehicle accident attorney at Patrick Daniel Law.

We provide FREE consultations and serve accident victims in Houston and throughout Texas. Call today at (713) 999-6666.

Uber & Lyft Accident Insurance Coverage: What Happens If You’re Hurt?

The most important factor determining what happens after an Uber or Lyft crash is the driver’s status at the time of the accident.

Both Uber and Lyft have similar policies that lay out three scenarios:

• When the driver is offline: If the driver is not actively “on the app” when the accident occurred, their own insurance coverage kicks in. Drivers are required to carry personal insurance with mandatory minimum limits.
• When the driver is online and available: If the driver is “on the app” but is not actively heading to a passenger or on a trip, then the rideshare company’s third-party liability insurance would apply, providing up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for injuries and $25,000 in property damage per accident. Additional coverage may apply in hit-and-run accidents and for further damages, such as lost wages. It’s important to understand the company’s policies and state laws that could apply to how your claim is handled.
• When the driver is en route or on a trip: If the driver is transporting a passenger, or on the way to do so, insurance coverage of at least $1,000,000 for property damage and injuries to riders and third parties kicks in. Again, additional coverage can apply depending on the specifics of the accident and local laws.

This coverage is available regardless of who was at fault for the accident, so it helps to be aware of what coverage applies and to take the proper steps following an accident.

Steps to Take After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Houston

The moments immediately following an accident can be confusing and overwhelming. However, what you do in them could affect your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve for your damages.

The most important steps to take after a rideshare accident include:

• Calling 911 to ensure a police report is filed
• Reporting the accident to the rideshare company
• Seeking immediate medical attention for your injuries
• Documenting the scene of the accident, including vehicle damage and injuries
• Saving all of your trip data by taking screenshots of the route, ride receipt, and driver profile to be safe
• Collecting contact information from the drivers and any witnesses who saw the accident take place

You should also avoid early conversations with insurance adjusters who may try to offer a low-ball settlement. They will do whatever they can to minimize how much compensation they pay out, so be very careful with what information you share and how quickly you consider their offers.

Instead, we recommend getting in touch with an experienced rideshare accident lawyer who can evaluate the details of your claim and ensure your rights are protected.

Who’s Responsible If You’re Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident?

There are several parties who could be held responsible for a Lyft or Uber accident. The driver, of course, is often the first party to look at. If they caused a car accident due to distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence (DUI), they could be held responsible.

Other parties that could be held liable include:

• The rideshare company, if the driver was on duty when the accident occurred
• Other motorists on the road
• Vehicle or parts manufacturers, which may be grounds for a product liability claim
• Government entities, if the accident was caused by poor road conditions or confusing or missing signage

While the rideshare company’s insurance coverage may be enough to compensate you for your damages, establishing liability can still be very important, especially when it comes to catastrophic injuries and wrongful death.

Can You Sue Uber or Lyft After a Houston Rideshare Accident?

Since rideshare companies are not technically employers of their drivers, you typically can’t sue them directly like you could sue a trucking company in a truck accident claim. Instead, you would submit a claim through their commercial insurance policy, which rideshare companies are required to carry under Texas law. However, it ultimately depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.

How Much Compensation Do Rideshare Accident Passengers Get?

How much compensation a rideshare accident passenger can recover depends primarily on two things:

1. Damages sustained
2. Insurance coverage limits

Generally speaking, you are eligible for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover financial losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and more.

It’s vital to be thorough in your calculations, considering not just immediate economic losses but also long-term losses. If you deserve more than the policy limits allow, you may also be able to pursue additional methods of recovering compensation, including a lawsuit against another party.

Do I Need a Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney If I’m Injured in an Uber or Lyft?

While rideshare companies provide a much-needed avenue for recovering compensation, the insurance companies that carry their policies are not eager to pay out. They will do whatever they can to pay as little as possible, including undermining your side of the story and finding ways to question your injuries or treatment.

The greatest benefit of working with a commercial vehicle accident lawyer on your Uber or Lyft claim is that they level the playing field. Our job is to help ensure your rights are understood and protected, and that every opportunity for recovering the compensation you need and deserve is explored.

The laws and policies surrounding rideshare companies, drivers, and accidents are complicated, and navigating the best path forward can be complex. We’re here to help simplify the process for you and help you reach a just outcome.

Contact Patrick Daniel Law Now for a FREE Case Review

At Patrick Daniel Law, we understand how frustrating it can be to face the trauma and uncertainty of a serious accident. We also believe that when drivers and the companies they work for make mistakes that result in accidents, they should be held responsible.

If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, we encourage you to contact us today. Let’s discuss the specifics of your rideshare accident over a FREE, no-obligation consultation with our Houston commercial vehicle accident attorney.