San Antonio Uber Accident Lawyer
Ridesharing services, like Uber and Lyft, have become a popular alternative to traditional taxis, which is great–until an accident occurs.
Car crashes involving negligent Uber and Lyft drivers or other reckless drivers complicate the claims process, as multiple insurance companies and liable parties are involved. This makes it very difficult for injured victims to recover the fair settlement they deserve.
If you suffered serious injuries in a San Antonio rideshare accident due to another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation, and Alpha Accident Lawyers can help.
A qualified Uber accident lawyer from our personal injury law firm can assess your case and advise you on the best legal options. To get started, schedule a free consultation; there is no obligation to hire us after the consultation.
No-Fee Guarantee and Free Consultation
To make our award-winning services available to all without fear of financial costs, Alpha Accident Lawyers operates on a contingency fee arrangement, never charging any upfront legal fees. We are not compensated for our services unless we can obtain a successful case outcome on your behalf.
START YOUR FREE CONSULTATIONUnderstanding Lyft and Uber Accidents
While rideshare drivers are often independent contractors, limiting the companies' liability, Uber and Lyft are required to maintain $1 million insurance policies to cover any damages sustained involving one of their drivers. However, the exact coverage depends on the cause and circumstances surrounding the crash, such as:
- Reckless or distracted driving
- Insufficient driver background checks
- Speeding
- Failing to follow traffic laws
- Fatigued driving
- Driving under the influence
- Negligence of third-party drivers
- Poorly maintained vehicles
- Uber/Lyft driver’s status on the rideshare app
The unique aspects of accidents involving Lyft or Uber vehicles, such as the presence of rideshare insurance and the involvement of multiple parties, make these types of personal injury cases so complex and require specialized legal assistance.
Alpha Accident Lawyers maintain a 99% success rate in securing maximum compensation for clients involving unique cases like Uber and Lyft accidents.
Why Accident Victims Need Legal Representation
While it’s not required to work with an Uber/Lyft accident lawyer to file a personal injury claim, it is greatly beneficial.
Alpha’s San Antonio legal team will thoroughly investigate the Uber or Lyft accident to identify the responsible party, gather evidence, examine the driver's phone records for distracted driving, and build a winnable Lyft/Uber accident case to recover compensation on our client’s behalf. This may include:
- Current medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
- Disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
We'll fight for a fair settlement that covers all losses, including economic damages and non-economic damages. With our experience dealing with major insurance companies, you can be confident that we will produce an optimal outcome.
Expertise in Lyft and Uber Accident Law
Because these types of rideshare accidents involve a unique set of laws, compared to a standard motor vehicle accident case, the legal experience of a law firm deeply involved in Ube and Lyft accident cases will be necessary.
Texas has enacted specific regulations governing ridesharing companies, referred to as Transportation Network Companies (TNCs). These regulations established a framework for TNC operation, mandating driver qualifications such as being at least 18 years old, possessing a driver’s license, and providing proof of registration and insurance.
Additionally, TNCs like Uber and Lyft must conduct a criminal background check on new drivers, reviewing their driving records and criminal history. All of these factors must be considered in an Uber or Lyft accident case, as disregarding state laws is a form of negligence and would deem the corporations liable.
Investigating Lyft and Uber Accidents
Ridesharing accidents can occur for many reasons, from distracted driving to fatigued driving to aggressive driving. Ultimately, these accidents are catalyzed by negligent actions, and “negligence” must be proven in order to recover damages. This can be exemplified by indicating:
- The defendant owed a duty of care to behave in a reasonable manner
- The defendant breached that duty of care by making a reckless decision
- The breach was a direct cause of the Lyft or Uber accident
- The accident resulted in the victim suffering injuries and damages
Our San Antonio personal injury law firm’s approach to investigating rideshare accidents begins with an in-depth investigation. This entails our legal team reviewing data from the rideshare app, interviewing bystanders, and working with accident reconstruction experts to scientifically assess how the crash happened.
How a San Antonio Uber Accident Lawyer Proves Fault
Assigning fault for ridesharing accident claims is more complex than in other personal injury cases. While rideshare drivers are typically required to maintain personal insurance policies, their coverage may not apply during all phases of a trip.
In some instances, the rideshare company itself may be liable under its commercial insurance policy. However, the specific circumstances surrounding the accident, particularly the driver's app status at the time of the collision, will be the determining factor.
Driver Logged Into the App
This accounts for when the rideshare driver is logged into the app and available to accept a ride request. The rideshare company's commercial insurance policy likely applies, offering broader coverage for injured parties, which may include:
- $50,000 in bodily injury per person
- $100,000 in bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 in property damage per accident
However, this coverage only applies after the at-fault party’s policy limit maxes out. The at-fault party may be the Uber or Lyft driver or another involved driver.
Driver Logged Into the App and Accepted a Ride
Rideshare companies often maintain contingent insurance coverage. Therefore, they may offer a more extensive policy once a driver accepts a ride request, consisting of the following:
- $1,000,000 in third-party liability coverage
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage
- Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage
This coverage applies to rideshare drivers who are either en route to pick up a passenger or are currently with a passenger.
Driver Logged Out of the App
The driver's personal insurance policy will be the primary source of coverage in this situation unless the other driver is at fault for the car accident.
Dealing with the Insurance for a Personal Injury Claim
Texas adheres to modified comparative negligence laws. Under this, a claim cannot be filed if a plaintiff is found to be more than 50% at fault for an accident, and an insurance company will be adamant in trying to evade liability and shift blame on another party, including the victim.
Generally, dealing with insurance companies following an accident is challenging. Insurance adjusters are known to use tactics to get victims to agree to less-than-fair settlements.
It is important to consult with a San Antonio rideshare accident attorney to understand how personal injury laws may impact a case. Working with an experienced law firm will also protect the case against deceptive insurance companies.
Understanding Your Rights After a San Antonio Uber/Lyft Accident
Whether a rideshare passenger or third party who was injured by negligent rideshare drivers, victims are entitled to a fair settlement to compensate for their losses.
If another party's negligence causes an accident, a claim can be filed to hold them accountable–Uber and Lyft included. Filing a claim entitles rideshare accident victims to recover damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.
Consulting with an attorney can help determine if filing a claim is the right course of action after a ridesharing accident.
Discover if You Qualify for Uber’s $1 Million Policy
Ridesharing accidents present unique legal challenges compared to traditional car accidents. Alpha Accident Lawyers specializes in these claims and understands the complexities of navigating the insurance policies of rideshare companies.
During a free consultation, we'll discuss your accident's specifics and assess compensation eligibility. With our experience, our San Antonio attorneys can determine the most effective path toward securing an optimal outcome.
Alpha Accident Lawyers — San Antonio, TX
Address: 118 Broadway Suite 534, San Antonio, TX 78205
Phone: (726) 610-3212
