In recent years, rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft have skyrocketed in popularity, especially in major cities such as Austin. Almost anyone can become a driver, and in exchange, customers can get cheap rides wherever they need to go. However, with an increase in rideshare drivers on the road comes with it an increase in accidents. But who is liable in a rideshare accident, and as a passenger what options do you have for recovery? The experienced personal injury attorneys at DC Law have handled a number of cases involving rideshare drivers and can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
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Experienced Texas Auto Accident Lawyers Representing Victims of Rideshare Negligence
Insurance Coverage in Rideshare Accidents
The victim of a rideshare vehicle accident typically has two avenues to collect compensation for injuries sustained in an accident. The first involves collection through the rideshare driver’s insurance policy. All drivers for companies like Uber and Lyft are required to carry insurance. Second, if the driver’s policy does not fully cover the claims, the companies themselves carry coverage for every driver on the road. Uber maintains a $1 million policy to cover any outstanding claims, and other companies carry similar policies. This policy covers the passengers of their rideshare vehicles, drivers if they are not to blame for the accident, and bystanders that happen to get injured where a rideshare vehicle is involved.
It is important that you speak to a lawyer right away after a rideshare accident because Texas only allows two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for damages. In addition, hiring a lawyer can protect you from insurers trying to mitigate their damages by getting you to make a statement against your own best interests or admitting to some degree of fault in the accident. By hiring a lawyer, insurance companies are required to go through the attorney for all questions, statements, and settlement negotiations.
Compensation for Rideshare Accidents
Passengers injured in rideshare vehicles are entitled to economic and noneconomic damages for the harm caused by an accident. Economic damages include property damage, current and future medical expenses, lost wages, and the loss of future income and benefits. Noneconomic damages include payment for pain and suffering, emotional distress, disability, disfigurement, and the loss of enjoyment of life.
Texas operates as a modified comparative fault state, which means that if another party in the accident claims that you were partially at fault, the court will determine the degree of fault for every person involved in the accident and reduce the overall compensation by that amount. However, if a party is found more than 50 percent at fault for the accident, they are barred from recovery. An experienced personal injury attorney can fight any claims of fault in a rideshare accident and ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve for your injuries.
If you have been injured as a passenger in a rideshare vehicle, speak with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys about your legal options. Contact the office of DC Law in Austin today to schedule a free consultation of your case.