Dallas, TX Ridesharing Accident Lawyer
Ridesharing companies have taken over the personal transportation industry, often pushing taxi companies out of business. However, the intricacies of this industry put passengers and other drivers on the road at risk. If you have suffered an injury in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle in Dallas, TX. You may be entitled to significant financial compensation. A Dallas ridesharing accident lawyer at Bennett Legal can represent you from start to finish in the legal process.
The first step that you need to take is to contact a Dallas ridesharing accident attorney at Bennett Law for a free initial consultation. You should do this as soon as possible after the accident to put you in a position to take legal action. It can take a considerable amount of time for you to deal with the insurance company to get the money you deserve. You generally have two years to file an injury lawsuit in Texas under the statute of limitations.
Rideshare Accidents in Dallas, TX
Dallas has experienced a significant increase in rideshare usage, with services like Uber and Lyft becoming integral to the city’s transportation landscape. However, this surge has also led to a rise in rideshare-related accidents, presenting unique challenges for passengers, drivers, and other road users.
Uber likes to claim that the overwhelming majority of the trips provided to customers end without any sort of safety incident.That provides you with little comfort if you are the rare passenger or motorist who suffered an injury in an accident with a rideshare driver.
You can suffer the following injuries in an Uber or Lyft accident in Dallas:
- Fractures and broken bones
- Cuts and lacerations
- Internal injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
Uber and Lyft accidents have the potential to cause serious injuries that can remain with you for an extended period of time. You may have the legal right to be fully compensated for these injuries.
Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents
Accidents involving Uber and Lyft drivers can happen for many reasons, often similar to those involving traditional vehicles. However, the unique nature of ridesharing—where drivers are on the road frequently and may be distracted by the app—can increase certain risks.
Remember that Uber and Lyft practically hire drivers off the street after performing only a background and traffic safety check (and even then, rideshare companies do not always follow these obligations). You never quite know who is behind the wheel and their level of care until your ride is already underway.
Here are some common causes of Uber and Lyft accidents:
- Distractions: Rideshare drivers often use their phones to navigate, accept rides, and communicate with passengers, which can divert attention from the road. This distraction increases the likelihood of rear-end collisions, failure to yield, or running red lights.
- Fatigue: Many rideshare drivers work long or irregular hours to maximize earnings leading to tiredness that impairs reaction times and decision-making.
- Speeding and aggressive driving: Drivers may feel pressured to complete rides quickly or reach surge pricing zones, leading to unsafe driving behaviors.
- Driving under the influence: Though less common, driving under the influence is a serious concern, as intoxicated rideshare drivers pose obvious dangers.
- Inexperienced or unfamiliar drivers: These drivers may cause accidents, especially when navigating busy urban areas or complex traffic situations.
Defendants in an Uber or Lyft Accident Case
The driver will be the one who you can sue in an Uber or Lyft accident case. They do not work for the rideshare company, so there is no employer who can be sued. The good news is that there is a corporate insurance policy to cover the driver and pay for the damages that the rideshare driver has caused. If you were a passenger in the rideshare vehicle involved in the accident, or you were driving another car, you would file your legal action against the individual motorist, who would be defended in the lawsuit by their insurance company.
The Uber or Lyft driver is not always going to be the defendant in the case. There are times when another motorist has caused the crash. In that case, you would file a lawsuit or claim against that driver. In some cases, both drivers share in the blame for the accident. Then, you will file claims against both of their policies.
There are some instances in which you can file a lawsuit against Uber or Lyft, although these are limited. If the company has failed to perform the proper background check, or they have failed to dismiss a driver who was deemed to be dangerous, they can be held liable for things like accidents and sexual assaults.
Insurance Requirements for Rideshare Drivers in Texas
In Texas, rideshare drivers for platforms like Uber and Lyft must adhere to specific insurance requirements that vary depending on their activity status. These requirements are designed to ensure adequate coverage during different phases of rideshare operations.
Period 0: App Off (Personal Use)
When the rideshare app is turned off, drivers are considered to be using their vehicles for personal purposes. During this time, they must carry the state’s minimum auto insurance coverage:
- $30,000 for bodily injury per person
- $60,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
This coverage is typically provided by the driver’s personal auto insurance policy.
Period 1: App On, Waiting for Ride Request
Once the driver activates the rideshare app and is available to accept ride requests but hasn’t yet accepted one, higher insurance requirements apply:
- $50,000 for bodily injury per person
- $100,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft often provide contingent liability coverage during this period, which may supplement the driver’s personal insurance if a claim is denied.
Periods 2 and 3: En Route to Pickup and During Trip
When a driver accepts a ride and is either en route to pick up a passenger or has a passenger in the vehicle, the following coverage is typically provided by the rideshare company:
- $1 million in liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage per accident
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage (if the driver has such coverage on their personal policy), usually with a deductible
It’s important for rideshare drivers in Texas to understand these insurance requirements and ensure they have appropriate coverage for each period of their driving activity. Consulting with an insurance professional can help drivers navigate these requirements and maintain adequate protection.
Which Companies Provide Insurance for Rideshare Drivers?
Several major insurance companies in the U.S. offer rideshare-specific policies to help fill the coverage gap between a driver’s personal insurance and the commercial insurance provided by companies like Uber and Lyft. Not all personal auto policies cover driving for a rideshare platform, so it’s important for drivers to have coverage that explicitly includes rideshare activities.
In Texas and other states, popular insurance companies that provide rideshare coverage include:
- GEICO – Offers a hybrid rideshare policy that replaces a standard personal auto policy and covers both personal and rideshare use.
- State Farm – Provides a rideshare driver endorsement that can be added to a personal auto policy, extending coverage during Period 1 (app on, no ride accepted).
- Progressive – Offers rideshare insurance that works alongside the commercial policies provided by Uber and Lyft.
- Allstate – Provides a rideshare endorsement called Ride for Hire, which adds additional protection while the app is on.
- Farmers – Offers a rideshare add-on in many states that bridges the gap between personal and commercial coverage.
These companies do a large volume of business with companies like Uber and Lyft. They see a massive amount of claims, and they do not want to pay what you deserve because it means that they keep less of the premiums themselves.
The Challenges of Dealing with an Insurance Company in an Uber or Lyft Claim
Filing an insurance claim after an accident involving Uber or Lyft can be more complicated than a typical car accident claim. While rideshare companies do carry insurance coverage for drivers, navigating the layered policies and dealing with insurance companies can present several challenges for injured passengers, drivers, or third parties.
One of the biggest obstacles is determining which insurance policy applies. Uber and Lyft provide varying levels of coverage depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident—whether the app was off, the driver was waiting for a ride request, or the driver was actively transporting a passenger. If the driver wasn’t logged into the app, their personal insurance may apply, which may not cover commercial use of the vehicle.
Even when a rideshare company’s insurance does apply, insurance adjusters often look for ways to minimize payouts. They may downplay the severity of injuries, question liability, or delay claim processing to pressure victims into accepting lower settlements.
Additionally, multiple parties and policies may be involved, including the rideshare driver’s personal insurer, Uber or Lyft’s insurer, and other drivers’ insurance. Coordinating between these insurers can be frustrating and time-consuming.
Victims often face challenges in proving damages, especially when it comes to pain and suffering, lost income, or long-term medical needs. These are subjective elements, and the insurance company will challenge anything you claim that can potentially cost them more money. Insurance companies may offer settlements that fall short of full compensation to see what you may accept.
The Dallas rideshare accident attorneys at Bennett Legal have successfully navigated these challenges on behalf of their clients. We know the tricks that insurance companies use to avoid or minimize payouts, and we are prepared to counter them at every step. When insurance companies see that you have come to the table with an experienced ridesharing accident attorney from Bennett Legal, they may treat you differently.
What Can You Do When the Insurance Company Will Not Fully Pay You in an Uber or Lyft Accident Claim?
If the insurance company refuses to fully compensate you after an Uber or Lyft accident, you still have options. First, don’t accept a low settlement offer without reviewing it carefully. Insurers often try to minimize payouts by undervaluing injuries or disputing liability. Politely decline and request a detailed explanation of how the offer was calculated.
Next, gather strong documentation to support your claim. This includes medical records, accident reports, photos, witness statements, and any communications with Uber, Lyft, or the insurance company. The more evidence you have, the harder it is for them to deny your rightful compensation.
If the insurance company continues to push back, consult a personal injury attorney experienced in rideshare accidents. An attorney can evaluate your case, negotiate on your behalf, and ensure you pursue the correct insurance policy—whether it’s the driver’s personal coverage or Uber/Lyft’s commercial policy. If necessary, your attorney can file a lawsuit to pursue full compensation in court. Then, the jury will be the final decision maker of how much compensation you can get if the insurance company will not fully pay you.
Remember, you are not obligated to accept an unfair settlement. By standing your ground and seeking legal help, you can protect your rights and increase your chances of receiving the compensation you truly deserve. The experienced Texas rideshare accident lawyers at Bennett Legal can help you take an aggressive legal approach to secure every dollar of compensation you deserve.
Contact a Dallas, TX Ridesharing Accident Lawyer Today
If you have been involved in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle, whether you were a passenger or driver, the Uber and Lyft accident attorneys at Bennett Legal can help. We can conduct a comprehensive review of your case to determine both whether you can seek compensation and who may be obligated to pay you. The first step that you should take is to contact us to schedule a free initial consultation. You can reach our Dallas personal injury lawyers by visiting our website or by calling us today at (972) 972-4969 You never owe us anything for our time and services unless you receive money in connection with your injuries.
Call A Dallas, TX Ridesharing Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a ridesharing accident in Dallas, don’t face the legal challenges alone. Contact Bennett Legal today at (972) 972-4969 to schedule a consultation. Our experienced team is ready to fight for your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve after an Uber or Lyft accident.
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