Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney — Dallas, TX

Whether it’s fans heading to AT&T Stadium (formerly Cowboys Stadium), tourists venturing around Uptown, or residents on their daily work commute, ridesharing vehicles are prominent in Dallas, TX. In addition to the already high volume of motor vehicles on the road, ridesharing from Uber and Lyft has become more frequently utilized throughout the city. As a result, this has increased the number of Texas car accidents, with nearly 16,000 serious injury crashes occurring in 2021.

If you or a loved one were harmed in a rideshare accident due to someone’s negligence, you are entitled to compensation. However, it can be difficult to determine who is responsible for damages. The Uber/Lyft driver? The company providing the rideshare service? Another reckless driver?

Your case will receive personal attention from our Dallas personal injury attorney at Alpha Accident Lawyers. We maintain a 99% success rate in settling cases with rideshare companies. We will identify all liable parties and help you recover financial compensation. Schedule a free consultation with our Dallas Uber accident lawyer to learn more. 

Laws Surrounding Lyft and Uber Accidents in Dallas, TX

Lyft drivers and Uber drivers must follow the same laws as all other drivers on the road. Therefore, per Texas state law, each rideshare driver owes a duty of care to operate their Uber or Lyft vehicle in a safe manner and not endanger others.

In relation, the ridesharing companies are obligated to follow certain regulations, as well. In 2017, House Bill 100 was passed, requiring transportation network companies (TNC) in the state to adhere to new laws. As explained in the Bill, a rideshare company must have a statewide permit in order to operate, conduct criminal background checks for all applicants, and possess liability insurance coverage with a minimum of $1 million. 

These newer implementations are meant to protect injury victims from businesses that offer rideshare services. If a rideshare accident does occur, any of the following victims can file an insurance claim for financial compensation:

• Uber/Lyft passengers
• Pedestrians
• Bicyclists
• Other drivers
• Uber/Lyft drivers who were affected by another driver's negligence

In the event of a Dallas Uber/Lyft accident, ensure you seek immediate medical treatment and check for injuries, regardless if you believe you are injured or not. Any medical expenses can be compensated by the liable party's insurance company.

Alpha's Uber/Lyft accident lawyers will help you recover compensation. However, in order to be awarded full financial recovery, liability must be determined. Schedule a free case review, so we can begin providing the legal help to make your case a success.

Liability and Rideshare Company's Insurance Coverage

There could be multiple victims involved in a ridesharing accident, as well as multiple liable parties. If multiple parties are partially responsible for the car crash, then each would take a percentage of the blame.

This is why Lyft and Uber’s insurance policy is typically available to passengers and other victims who are injured in a crash with one of their drivers. However, coverage only applies under specific circumstances, such as:

1. Rideshare drivers were logged into the Lyft/Uber app, parked or operating their vehicles while waiting to accept a ride from a passenger when the crash occurred
2. Rideshare drivers were logged into the app, accepted a ride, and were in transit to pick up the passenger(s) when the crash occurred
3. Rideshare drivers were logged into the app and were transporting the passenger(s) when the crash occurred

The exception to eligibility is when the driver is not logged into the rideshare app. If a Lyft or Uber accident occurs when the driver is not logged on the rideshare app, then only the rideshare driver’s personal auto insurance coverage would go into effect. 

In some instances, the rideshare driver’s car insurance will be utilized until it maxes out, at which point the rideshare company's insurance will kick in to cover the remaining balance. Ultimately, liability will come down to who is at fault for causing the crash.

Proving Negligence in Dallas County

When determining if a ridesharing company was negligent in causing a car crash, the courts will consider if Uber or Lyft breached a duty of care. Although the latest state laws should be followed, they are not always properly executed.

While all drivers must be screened for their driving history and if they have a criminal record, these pre-hiring steps are not always processed correctly. If a ridesharing company failed to follow its duty of care, then the company acted negligently. Therefore Uber/Lyft could be found liable for the accident.

Like any other accident, reckless driving also contributes to Uber accidents and Lyft accidents. Whether it’s the Lyft/Uber driver or another motorist, driving recklessly has major ramifications. Recklessness can be exhibited as distracted driving, drunk driving, speeding, and other forms of careless behavior.

Common Causes of Car Accidents with Uber and Lyft

Anyone negligently operating a motor vehicle can cause harm to themselves and others. This is not only evident with rideshare drivers. It applies to all drivers on the road, as well. When it comes to Uber and Lyft accidents, ridesharing drivers can be more prone to negligence, as they may be pressured to run a red light to meet a passenger’s drop-off time or speed to complete as many rides as possible and earn more money for that day.

Regardless, many drivers have been found guilty of these common causes of car accidents:

• Texting and driving
• Talking on the phone
• Looking down at the GPS
• Speeding
• Drunk driving
• Driving under the influence of drugs
• Not following traffic signs
• Driving while fatigued
• Unsafe lane changes 

Can I Sue the Insurance Company for Lyft/Uber?

If someone else caused your injuries, whether it was the rideshare driver, the ridesharing company, or someone else, you can file a lawsuit to recover damages from all of the at-fault parties. However, depending on who is liable in rideshare accidents, suing will not be a simple process. 

Because Lyft and Uber hold such high-valued insurance policies, seeking damages will be challenging. Also, the insurance companies will attempt to shift fault on the drivers. Because both Lyft and Uber drivers are hired as independent contractors, they are not considered employees. Therefore, a ridesharing company can avoid being sued, and the driver can be held liable for damages.

When attempting to recover compensation, it is not always necessary to file a lawsuit. In fact, many cases settle before going to court. However, before filing a personal injury claim against Uber or Lyft, it’s always beneficial to first consult with an experienced car accident lawyer. A rideshare accident attorney who has dealt with Lyft and Uber claims can evaluate the worth of your case and help establish liability.

Damages in Rideshare Accidents

Being compensated for damages in a Uber accident or Lyft accident is a legal right owed to injury victims. In order to get the most out of a personal injury claim, it must be determined whose insurance policy will cover the costs. 

Depending on how and when the Lyft/Uber accident occurred, both the driver and the rideshare companies can be found liable–regardless of the driver’s contract work status. Damages from this type of accident can consist of:

• Sustained injuries
• Current medical bills
• Expected future medical costs
• Property damage
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Scarring
• Disfigurement
• Wrongful death

When individuals sign on to be rideshare drivers, their insurance policies often change. This is because an insurance company does not want to provide the same coverage for someone who will be on the roads much more frequently than the average person. As a result, these contracted drivers typically do not possess coverage that is equipped to fully compensate victims.

If a driver’s insurance company cannot fulfill the full costs of damages, then Uber/Lyft will sometimes have to cover the remaining balance. However, seeking out the remaining costs must be demanded, and oftentimes, victims are unaware of these policies and are left being under-compensated. 

How a Dallas Lyft/Uber Accident Lawyer Will Help

At Alpha Accident Lawyers, our knowledgeable attorneys and experienced legal team navigate the complicated insurance and claims process, helping our clients recover maximum compensation. Working with experience makes all the difference.

Additionally, our personal injury law firm will identify all liable parties and work to build claims against each. We will handle negotiations moving forward and fight to get you the best settlement possible, as well as represent you in litigation if necessary. Other benefits we offer:

• Contingency payment structure, meaning you don’t pay if your case is not a success
• In-depth knowledge in personal injury cases, maintaining a 99% success rate
• Assistance with medical treatment with the top providers in Texas
• Working with expert witnesses and personal investigators
• 24/7 support to address all inquiries at any time of the day
• Free consultation with no contracts to sign in order to meet with an attorney

Alpha has the experience and resources to take on billion-dollar companies, like Uber and Lyft. Our proven success and dedication are why we’re one of the top law firms in Dallas. To learn more about our team and how we can help you with your personal injury case, schedule a free case assessment today. 

Contact Alpha Accident Lawyers in Dallas, TX

Our Dallas rideshare accident lawyers help victims who were injured due to another party's negligence. Our law firm has a 99% success rate and has recovered maximum compensation from large corporations like Uber and Lyft. 

To learn if you have a case, schedule a free consultation with our Dallas law firm. We will evaluate your case and provide legal advice so that you can make a more informed decision about your legal options.