Houston Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Were you injured in an Uber or Lyft? Were you hit by an Uber or Lyft driver? Contact Molina Law Firm to discuss your case for free.
The two biggest rideshare companies, Uber and Lyft, employ thousands of contracted drivers. Who is financially responsible if you have an accident while a passenger or if you get into an accident with one of their drivers? When you need a Houston Uber Accident Lawyer-Call Molina Law Firm. It is important for you to understand how fault and responsibility are determined in Houston and in Texas.
What makes us different
The Molina Law Firm has been representing car accident victims for over 20 years, helping them navigate the sometimes complex legal fight against insurance carriers. Remember that when you retain Attorney Rick Molina, you pay nothing upfront and we only collect a percentage of the compensation you receive when we have won your case. Don’t go against the insurance carriers alone. Attorney Rick Molina will aggressively represent you and fight on your behalf. We have the knowledge, resources, and experience to get you all the compensation you deserve for your loss, pain, and suffering.
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Rideshare Accident Statistics
Although ridesharing is a relatively safe way to travel as compared to other forms of commuter transportation, there has been an uptick in accidents involving Uber and Lyft drivers.
In 2014, Uber offered 140 million trips annually. In 2019, Uber trips increased to 6.9 billion. Some statistics include:
- In 2017 and 2018, Uber reported 97 fatal crashes for a total of 107 deaths.
- The fatalities are evenly divided between riders and drivers involved in an accident with a rideshare vehicle.
- An increasing number of accidents occur at the drop-off or pick-up location.
What Are Some Different Scenarios Where Uber or Lyft Accepts Responsibility For The Accident?
Uber and Lyft drivers turn on their app when they are ready to work. The individual drivers own their own vehicles and each service requires their contracted drivers to carry their own individual insurance. Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors and are not employees of either Uber or Lyft. These issues can be complex and involve an analysis of insurance policies.
Each driver also is required to carry liability insurance but some insurance carriers require that the driver report that they are using the vehicle as a rideshare. This may increase their policy cost so some drivers do not mention that they are using their vehicle in a business capacity so some insurance companies may deny coverage. Even more reason to hire a personal injury attorney like Attorney Rick Molina to fight on your behalf.
Uber’s coverage activates only when the app is in driver mode and the driver is accepting fares.
What To Do After A Uber or Lyft Accident
Whether you are a passenger in the rideshare or you were hit by an Uber or Lyft driver, the steps you take after an accident are very similar. Make sure you get medical attention to document your injuries.
Get help on the way
If you cannot, get someone to call 911. This will get EMS and police on the way. Get medical attention. Even if you think you may be fine, a medical evaluation is critical.
Gather information
Take photos, get the other drivers information, get witness information. Try and get as much info as possible.
Get a case number
The police will talk to everyone involved and possibly issue citations. They should provide you with a case number that is needed to obtain the crash report.
If you have been seriously injured, it is important that you get an experienced personal injury attorney to help you. Time is important. Contact us.
Free Accident Case Review
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in an accident, fill out the form below to start your free case review.
Common Types of Auto Accidents in Houston
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rideshare Accidents
Lyft and Uber both have liability coverage that changes depending on the stage of driving. Also, Uber and Lyft often change their insurance limit requirements.
Between the time of turning on the app and accepting a ride, there is coverage of up to $50,000 for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for damaged property. Between the ride matching and dropping off the passenger, there is primary liability coverage of $1,000,000 per accident.
Drivers may also carry their own insurance policies which may provide more coverage during the times when they’re not using the app to actively drive a passenger or drive to meet them.
Uber and Lyft drivers have personal insurance coverage and company coverage. As a passenger, it’s important to know that you’re not at fault in this situation. The driver’s insurance through the company should cover the damages, but your claim may get complicated depending on the nature of the accident and how fault is determined.
If you’re involved in an accident with a rideshare driver, you may be able to sue Uber or Lyft, but the requirements for doing so would depend heavily on the case and the accident. Uber and Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors by both companies, but the legal definition of “independent contractor” may not apply 100% to drivers as we’re now finding out. To learn more, we encourage you to get in touch.
In accidents without a passenger, the driver’s personal insurance covers that portion of the drive.
