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Texas Ridesharing Accident Lawyer

Only Alaska and California outrank Texas in size and population. With 268,596 square miles, Texans have a lot of ground to cover when they want to get from one location to another. Most people would agree that road travel is safe, but serious accidents occur from time to time.

Dealing with legal issues after a car accident can be challenging enough, but ridesharing accidents can be infinitely more complex. If you were in an Uber or Lyft accident, you may soon realize that getting due compensation will require some expertise.

Fielding Law’s auto accident attorneys are dedicated to winning maximum compensation for our clients. Did you know you can learn your rights without any cost or obligation? Get started today by scheduling your free consultation at (877) 880-4090. 

Learn About Ridesharing Companies in Texas

In Texas, you will find many types of rideshare companies. Some services, facilitated by apps and websites, are similar to those provided by taxis. Riders pay set fees to be dropped at their destination by a driver.

Other companies offer carpooling services for strangers headed in the same direction. Drivers might pick up and drop off multiple passengers on the way to a destination. Rideshare service is not universally available in Texas, but some of the most common providers around are:

  • Uber
  • Lyft
  • Fare
  • Via
  • Wingz 
  • Curb
  • Zum

In general, rideshare drivers are independent contractors that connect to passengers via cellphone apps and websites. All must have valid driver’s licenses, but the screening and training vary from company to company.

Driver Errors that Lead to Accidents 

In the Uber and Lyft apps, you can rate your driver according to his or her performance. Many have perfect scores based on excellent driving and customer service skills.

Yet, not every Uber or Lyft driver is as careful as he or she should be. In 2020, just under 205,500 people were injured in Texas motor vehicle crashes. A rideshare accident could result from negligent driving practices, including the following examples.

Distracted driving

Uber or Lyft operators could find it tough to keep their attention on the road. For example, they must follow their GPS directions to arrive at their pick-up and drop-off locations. Passengers might want to chat or ask their drivers to adjust the stereo or temperature controls. 

Yet, Uber and Lyft chauffeurs must resist the temptation to focus on distractors inside or outside their vehicles. In just one year, 368 people lost their lives in distracted driving crashes

Impaired driving

Impaired driving means operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Under Texas law, a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 is illegal for any driver. Yet, motorists break the law anytime drugs and alcohol affect their driving, regardless of their BAC.

Each rideshare company sets its own rules for its drivers. For instance, Uber drivers and delivery people are barred from using “drugs, alcohol, or any other substance that impairs their ability to safely operate a vehicle” while on duty.

Speeding

You can travel up to 80 mph on some sections of Interstates 10 and 20. Other Texas highways range between 65 and 75 mph. Therefore, Uber or Lyft drivers might feel comfortable traveling at high speeds as long as they do not go over the posted limit.

Yet, according to the Texas Department of Transportation, the posted speed could be unsuitable in certain situations. A safe driver might drive slower than the limit if he or she encounters:

  • Heavy traffic
  • Construction zones
  • Rain or fog
  • Snow or ice
  • Damaged pavement
  • Potholes
  • Stalled vehicles
  • Cars with flashing hazard lights
  • Intersections
  • Pedestrian or animal crossings
  • Railroad crossings

The conditions listed above are only a sampling of what could happen during Uber and Lyft rides. Accidents can be complex, and they rarely arise from a single factor. A personal injury lawyer will be able to investigate what went wrong in your ridesharing experience.

Complete our brief contact form to reserve your free consultation today. 

How Rideshare Accidents Differ 

Uber and Lyft contractors must carry insurance in case of an accident. For instance, here are some of the insurance requirements for Lyft drivers:

  • The driver’s personal auto insurance coverage applies when the app is off
  • While the driver is waiting for ride requests, Lyft’s third-party liability insurance covers accidents not paid for by the driver’s personal insurance
  • While the driver is picking up passengers and during rides, Lyft insures rideshare accidents; their coverage includes uninsured and underinsured motorists and car repair costs where applicable

With differing coverage for on- and off-app activities, rideshare accident victims face the possibility of juggling the demands of more than one insurance company. If you think that sounds like a nightmare, you are not alone.

At our law firm, our personal injury lawyers understand the difficulties unique to rideshare accidents. Our goal is to ensure our clients take advantage of the protections of Texas law.

How Texas Rideshare Accident Attorneys Help

Some law firms have a shallow knowledge of many practice areas, but at Fielding Law, we prefer to focus on personal injury law. As our client, you will benefit from our deep understanding of car accident cases which we developed over years of successful outcomes. 

Act with confidence

Insurance companies make the most money when they minimize what they pay in claims. Accepting a settlement without speaking to a rideshare attorney could mean settling for less than you deserve. After our free case review, you can make informed decisions because you will know how much your claim is worth. 

Get faster results 

When you start an Uber or Lyft claim, you might be surprised at how much paperwork is involved. You will need to provide documents such as police reports and medical records. You will also need to fill in forms accurately while meeting non-negotiable deadlines.

Keeping track of everything while you recover is no easy task. If you make a mistake or turn something in late, you could jeopardize your compensation. Besides insurance regulations, the State of Texas also limits how long you have after a rideshare accident to file a claim.

Why take the risk? At Fielding Law, our whole team is willing and ready to prioritize your needs. We have the resources and know-how to get everything done on time.

Round-the-clock access

We know that an accident can affect your peace of mind. At the bottom of your screen, you will see a “Live Chat” button. By clicking, you can start chatting to a member of our team anytime you have a question. 

Getting Compensated for Ridesharing Accidents 

At our law firm, we believe that the at-fault party should take responsibility. A rideshare accident attorney can win compensation for your damages. 

Economic losses

Economic losses are based on tangible costs associated with accident injuries. In your claim, these may be:

  • Medical expenses: You may have incurred costs during diagnosis, treatment, and aftercare. Examples include hospital stays, tests, prescription drugs, and assistive devices.
  • Lost wages: Recovering lost wages for missed work is essential for most injured workers. Ask your lawyer about future lost earning potential if permanent disabilities will affect your ability to make a living.
  • Property damage: If your car was hit by a rideshare vehicle, property damage should be a part of your claim. Your attorney can advise you about fair repair or replacement values. 

Non-economic losses

Non-economic damages compensate for how your accident affected your emotions, mental condition, and lifestyle. Some examples include:

  • Physical pain: Pain is difficult to endure, especially if it becomes a part of your daily life. Pain can feel sharp, but also it might include burning, aching, or throbbing sensations.
  • Emotional trauma: Trauma is often the result of adverse events. It can affect a victim’s beliefs about the future (i.e. loss of hope), social interactions, and ability to work. Reactions to trauma might include fatigue, depression, anxiety, and insomnia.  
  • Changes in life enjoyment: You may experience life differently after a severe injury comes along. For instance, an athlete might never find the same pleasure in sports if an injury limits his or her ability to participate. 
  • Punitive damages: These damages aim to punish a wrongdoer for intentional misconduct or gross negligence. They also discourage others from committing similar illegal acts.

Wrongful death damages

If you lost a loved one in an accident, it is only natural to miss his or her companionship, support, and love. A rideshare accident attorney can pursue damages for the financial and psychological losses that accompany preventable death.

These may include:

  • Loss of household income
  • Loss of services provided by the deceased
  • Mental anguish
  • Loss of a marital relationship
  • Loss of inheritance

To determine whether you qualify to claim wrongful death losses for a loved one, reach out to our law firm at (877) 880-4090. There is no cost to learn about your legal options from one of our compassionate team members.

You Can Count on Us

When you are injured, you have a lot weighing on your mind. Medical bills and lost wages may strain your finances. There is so much to get done, but where to start? And how can you get everything done on time?

At Fielding Law, we want to change uncertainty and fear to peace of mind. Our lawyers stand ready to take on your case. When we do, our skilled legal team will work quickly and efficiently to ensure you receive your compensation as soon as possible.

Immediate, one-on-one attention awaits you. Your initial consultation is free, and our phone and chat options are available 24/7. Call (877) 880-4090 or start chatting now with a live agent online.