Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare services, such as Uber, Lyft, and Via, are an integral part of travel and daily living. If you need to get from one side of the city to the other, then it’s simple and convenient to open the app and wait for a car to pick you up.

But there are potential drawbacks to using rideshare apps because of the risk of an accident happening on the road. Whether you are behind the wheel or sitting in the passenger seat, these accidents can be quite complex when you are seeking compensation for damages and injuries. Many parties are involved, which is why you need an experienced rideshare accident lawyer in McKinney to help with your claim.

At Wormington & Bollinger, our experienced team is here to assist. We have years of experience with these types of accident cases and help our clients get the compensation they deserve. Even though the situation can feel complicated and overwhelming for the victims, we know how to navigate these cases to help you get through the process as quickly as possible.

Whether you are the driver or a passenger, if you have been hurt in a rideshare accident then it’s time to seek legal assistance. Our team will make sure that justice is served and help you receive the support that you need during recovery. We’re here to fight for your rights.

What You Need to Know: Rideshare Companies and Coverage

The good news is that rideshare companies have insurance coverage to help with damages and medical expenses if anything happens during the ride. The financial coverage is different depending on the company and the phase of the ride.

So, if an accident happens, you need to provide evidence about the circumstances, including the exact time it happened and what phase of the ride you were in at the time. Each company is unique, but here’s an overview of how coverage typically works for each phase:

When The App Is Off

Whenever you are in the car, it’s essential to ensure that the app is on at all times. If the driver isn’t using the app, then it means that they are driving on their own, without the benefits and coverage that come through the rideshare app. In this situation, if an accident occurs then it means that the driver’s personal auto insurance is the only coverage that can be pursued.

When the App is On, But No Ride is Accepted

Rideshare drivers have times when they are in the car waiting for a ride request. Even when the app is open, there is limited coverage available during this time. Most rideshare companies offer something known as “contingent liability coverage,” which means that the rideshare coverage only kicks in if an accident happens and the driver’s personal insurance doesn’t cover the damages or medical bills.

This contingent liability coverage will have limits, and these limits vary depending on the rideshare company. The most common limits are:

• $100,000 per accident
• $50,000 per person (for bodily injury)
• $25,000 for property damage

When a Ride is Accepted or In Progress

When a ride request comes through and the driver accepts it, this is the point where the rideshare company’s full insurance coverage kicks in. The coverage is usually available when the driver is going to pick up the passenger, as well as the time that the passenger is in the car.

Most rideshare companies have commercial insurance coverage that pays up to $1 million in liability. This coverage is available for both the drivers and the passengers. It’s also common for rideshare companies to provide contingent collision and comprehensive coverage, but the extra coverage is only offered if the driver has this type of coverage through their personal policy.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Another type of insurance coverage that is available when the ride is in progress is uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Both drivers and passengers have additional insurance protection if another motorist is at fault and they don’t have sufficient insurance coverage for the accident.

For example, if you are in an accident with a rideshare driver who doesn’t have sufficient coverage, then Uber, Lyft, and Via usually have insurance protection that kicks in to provide compensation for the damages and injuries.

As you can see, insurance coverage varies and it can be challenging to navigate these types of personal injury cases without professional support. You deserve maximum compensation for your injuries, which is why it’s essential that you call a Texas rideshare accident lawyer as soon as possible. Our team at Wormington & Bollinger is always here to help.

Texas Rideshare Laws and U.S. Rideshare Laws

When hiring an attorney, make sure they have experience with these types of personal injury accidents. You need a legal team that not only knows the details of rideshare laws Texas, but also understands related federal laws and how they apply to personal injury cases involving vehicles.

In Texas, House Bill 100 regulates rideshare companies like Uber, Lyft, and Via. These governing laws have clear rules that must be followed by all rideshare companies and drivers throughout the state. The goal is to protect the safety of both passengers and drivers. Examples of the rules include:

• All drivers must go through background checks
• Regular vehicle inspections are mandatory
• Specific insurance requirements need to be met

On a federal level, rideshare companies are governed by more general guidelines relating to the classification of drivers. For example, rideshare drivers fall under the classification of independent contractors (not employees). So, certain benefits and protections that are available for employees, such as workers’ compensation or unemployment insurance, aren’t accessible for rideshare drivers.

Additionally, if an accident occurs, then this distinction of rideshare drivers being independent contractors means that the rideshare companies are less likely to be held responsible.

It doesn’t matter if you are a driver or a passenger: you need to hire a Lyft and Uber accident attorney in McKinney. You deserve to be working with someone who understands the nuances of the laws and knows the best strategies to protect your rights. Our team at Wormington & Bollinger is here to advocate on your behalf and ensure that justice is served.

Types of Protection Provided by Rideshare Companies

What kind of protection do you have if you are in a rideshare accident? It depends on whether you are a driver or passenger, who was responsible for the accident, and when the accident occurred. While rideshare companies provide insurance coverage, it doesn’t apply to every situation. So, the best thing you can do is hire a lawyer who can help with compensation for rideshare accident injuries.

As a driver, you may have insurance coverage, including liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist, and personal injury protection. But remember that you must have your own insurance coverage in addition to the coverage available through the rideshare company. Keep in mind that standard automobile insurance may not cover accidents that happen during rideshare activities, so you should consider getting a personal rideshare insurance policy as well.

As a passenger, it’s possible to receive compensation for an accident through the rideshare company’s insurance, including liability and uninsured motorist coverage. If you are injured during a ride, then it’s possible that rideshare accident insurance in Texas can cover your medical bills and more through the company’s policy.

Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents

While some rideshare accidents are similar to typical vehicle accidents, certain factors can increase the risk. When you get in the car with someone you don’t know, it’s possible that other things could be influencing overall safety.

Some of the most common causes of rideshare accidents include:

Distracted Driving: Rideshare drivers need to check their apps frequently to see the new pickups that are coming through, navigate using GPS, and communicate with the riders they are picking up. All of these things increase the risk of distraction when they are on the road.

Driver Fatigue: It’s common for rideshare drivers to work long hours. When they are driving throughout the day or night, it can lead to higher accident risks because they are fatigued. Rideshare companies often have limitations on the number of hours drivers can work to try to minimize this risk.

Driver Experience: You never know how much experience the driver has when they come to pick you up. It’s possible that the driver is lacking in training and experience, especially if they are driving in busy cities or heavy traffic.

Other Drivers: No one has control over the other drivers on the road. If there is negligence on the part of another driver in a different car, then both the rideshare driver and passengers can become victims in an accident. This situation can make it more complicated to determine liability.

Statute of Limitations for Rideshare Accident Claims

How much time do you have to hire a rideshare injury attorney in Texas? It’s essential that you keep the statute of limitations in mind so that you don’t miss the opportunity to file your claim.

In the state of Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. But you shouldn’t wait before moving forward with these legal processes. If you delay this process, then you might be putting your compensation at risk. The best thing you can do is hire an experienced attorney as soon as possible so you can start gathering evidence and building a case.

An experienced attorney will protect your right to compensation and help you navigate the complexities that come up with rideshare cases. Remember that insurance companies will try to minimize the amount of money that they will pay out, which is why you need a legal expert to assist.

Also, keep in mind that the statute of limitations can vary from state to state. Even if you are not a resident in Texas, but you were involved in a rideshare accident here, then you might be dealing with other statute of limitation rules. Your timeframe might be shorter or longer than two years. Make sure to hire a rideshare injury attorney who understands both Texas laws and the laws in your home state so that you can navigate all of the legal requirements successfully.

Compensation for Rideshare Accident Victims

When you are building your claim and collecting evidence, your Rideshare injury attorney in Texas can help you access various types of compensation, depending on the unique circumstances of your accident.

Medical Bills: With any type of accident, it can be challenging to keep up with all of the medical bills that start coming through. Insurance coverage can cover any medical costs relating to the accident, including immediate treatment, ongoing care, doctor’s appointments, surgery, rehabilitation, and more.

Lost Wages: Not only can you receive compensation for the time that you missed from work during recovery, but it’s possible that you might be entitled to additional money that covers long-term loss of income due to injuries.

Pain and Suffering: It’s hard to put a dollar amount on the physical and emotional trauma you’ve endured as a result of the accident. Your lawyer will help you determine the right amount to ask for in this category.

Property Damage: If you have any personal items, including the vehicle or high-value things in the car, then you can ask for compensation for the damaged belongings.

Wrongful Death: When a family loses a loved one in a rideshare accident, then they can file a claim for wrongful death. This compensation can cover funeral costs, loss of companionship, and more.

Why Choose Wormington & Bollinger for Rideshare Accident Cases?

When you need an Uber or Lyft accident lawyer in McKinney, why should you choose Wormington & Bollinger? Our legal team has an in-depth understanding of the industry. Since we’ve been serving personal injury clients for many years, we know the best strategies for achieving an optimal outcome.

Learn more about our law firm and you will see that we have a strong track record in helping rideshare accident victims receive the compensation they deserve. We are committed to the entire process, including thorough investigation skills and ensuring that all aspects of the case are handled properly. We gather all relevant information, including copies of the insurance policies, driver logs, and witness statements in order to maximize your compensation.

One of the benefits of choosing our team at Wormington & Bollinger is that we work on a contingency basis. This means that you don’t need to pay anything out of pocket. You will have no legal fees unless the case is won. Our team gets paid a portion of your settlement, so we are motivated to ensure that you are getting the money that you deserve.

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