The use of a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft is not uncommon throughout Texas, and every time you step into one of these vehicles, you expect to be safe. When that does not happen, and you have injuries as a result, hiring a rideshare accident lawyer in Grand Prairie should be a priority.
At The Texas Law Dog, we have proven experience fighting back against these companies to recover fair damages for victims. Schedule a free consultation to talk to our Grand Prairie car accident lawyer now.
Rideshare Accident Liability
One of the most complex aspects of a rideshare accident is knowing who is responsible for your injuries. Rideshare companies are unique in that most drivers are not employees of the company but rather independent contractors. As a result, your ability to seek damages against the company is dependent on what is happening at the time of the accident. Consider these examples.
- The driver is providing you with a service. You are a passenger in the vehicle. You booked your service through the rideshare company’s app, and the driver accepted the task. In this situation, rideshare companies such as Uber or Lyft are responsible for your injuries. Their $1 million liability insurance policy becomes accessible to you.
- The driver is not providing a service. If the rideshare driver is logged into the app but has not accepted a ride to provide service, they are not actually working with the company at that time. If a driver in this situation hurts you, you cannot seek damages against the company. You can seek a claim against the driver’s insurance policy, which is at least $100,000.
- Another person struck the driver. If another driver causes an accident while you are a passenger in an Uber or Lyft vehicle, the at-fault driver is responsible for your injuries and losses.
These situations can become confusing if you are unsure of what was happening at the time of the accident. That is where our legal team comes into play by providing a full investigation to establish liability. Expect our Grand Prairie personal injury lawyer at The Texas Law Dog to do all we can to maximize your ability to file a claim against those who caused your injuries.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents
The cause of an accident can play a role in your ability to seek compensation for your losses. Whether you are a passenger in a rideshare vehicle, a pedestrian, a bike rider, or a driver of another vehicle, you need to learn what your rights are under the law. Those rights require a full understanding of the cause of the accident, with common causes including:
- Distracted drivers
- Inexperienced drivers
- Fatigued drivers
- Mechanical failures
- Speeding or other reckless driving
- Poor weather or road conditions
- Intoxication of the driver
To determine the cause of the accident, our Grand Prairie rideshare accident lawyer will use the police report, evidence from the scene, videos from surveillance, and third-party expert testimony to build your claim. In some cases, just the driver is at fault.
At other times, we may also learn that the vehicle manufacturer, the city, or other third parties are also responsible.
Grand Prairie Rideshare Accident Lawyer Near Me (817) 775-5364
What Should You Do After a Rideshare Accident
When you are hurt in an accident like this, prioritize protecting yourself and your well-being. In nearly all situations, what you do now, in the moments after an accident, will determine if you can recover damages in your case and the value of them. Here are some steps our Grand Prairie rideshare accident attorney encourages you to take when possible.
- Call 911 to request help. Even if you think you are okay, having the police and medical teams arrive at the scene means evidence collection will take place. The police officer will gather evidence on the cause of the accident right away.
- Gather your immediate evidence. Because the details of the accident matter, you can help build a strong case by taking photos of the damage to the vehicles involved. Be sure to take photos of the surrounding area, as well as your injuries and debris.
- Avoid making statements of fault. It is natural for people to apologize for an accident, but it is not your fault, and you do not want to give the impression that you were at fault.
- Exchange information. You should obtain the name and contact information of the rideshare driver, as well as the company’s information regarding their working relationship, as well as the insurance and contact details of any other involved parties. This evidence may be beneficial later.
- Get medical care right away. Many of the most serious injuries from these accidents are not obvious right away. Internal bleeding, whiplash, and muscle damage may take some time to become evident. Going to the urgent care helps document what happened thoroughly.
Focus on your recovery, and, if you did not do so at the time of the accident, file a police report. You will also need to notify the rideshare company of the incident, which can be done through the app you used to book the trip.
However, do not file a claim just yet; instead, contact a Grand Prairie catastrophic injury lawyer to represent you throughout this legal process to protect your right to fair compensation.
Do Not Wait to Take Action
Do not assume other parties will file your claim or handle the accident reporting for you. Instead, hire a legal team to handle your case. Under Texas law (CIVIL PRACTICE AND REMEDIES CODE CHAPTER 16. LIMITATIONS), you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party, or you miss your opportunity to do so. Do not wait – call us now.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Rideshare Accident Attorney in Grand Prairie
You have injuries caused by those who were reckless and negligent when you trusted them to provide you with safe transportation.
The Texas Law Dog is ready to fight for you and become your advocate throughout the process of investigating, filing a claim, and negotiating a fair outcome. Set up some time to speak to a rideshare accident lawyer in Grand Prairie now. Let us get to work building your case.
