The rideshare industry has boomed in the past five years. An estimated 2.5 million motorists now drive for a ridesharing platforms in the United States. The most popular, of course, are Uber and Lyft and have a strong footprint in the Dallas area.
The boom in the rideshare economy has not come without consequences. According to the most recent University of Chicago study, the rise of rideshare drivers speeding to deliver more rides has resulted in a 3% increase in overall car accident fatalities across the country over the last decade.
Being injured in a ridesharing accident can have serious consequences for a person’s life. If you have been seriously injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, you will need strong legal representation to help you navigate through this new area of complex laws. Contact MR Civil Justice today to schedule a consultation with our Dallas rideshare accident lawyers who will evaluate your claim for free today.
People can be injured or even killed when a negligent driver operates a vehicle. This is also true for Uber, Lyft, and other ridesharing drivers.
The main difference between a rideshare driver’s habits and those of someone who is simply driving to work, dinner, or running errands is that the speed at which they pick up, drop off, and secure the next rider increases their revenue, potentially making them more likely to cut corners when it comes to vehicle safety. There is a natural incentive to drive faster than usual for ridesharing drivers.
The leading causes of rideshare accidents are largely the same as the leading causes of regular crashes in America. Among these are:
If you were injured while riding in an Uber or Lyft vehicle, or if you were hit by a negligent rideshare driver, our Dallas lawyers can help you determine who was at fault and which legal strategy is the best to pursue the financial recovery for your specific needs
Regardless of the cause of your rideshare accident, the first thing you should do is consult an attorney. Rideshare accidents are handled differently than regular car accidents, and consulting with a lawyer who has handled these types of accidents before will increase your chances of receiving fair compensation.
In particular, filing an insurance claim for an Uber or Lyft accident is different from filing for a regular motorist. Technically, rideshare accidents are typically occurring during the course of work as a rideshare is “on-the-clock”. While Uber/Lyft has made their insurance coverage policies more stringent in recent years, the reality is that they still will fight to prevent paying out the claims of a passenger, unless the accident is a clear-cut at-fault case that might result in public backlash. But even then, as with any claim, Uber/Lyft presents an employer step to litigation and claim recovery that can be convoluted with evolving laws as to whether drivers are employees or contractors.
Uber and Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors, which is great for people who want to be their own boss but not so great for those who are injured in these types of accidents. Both Uber and Lyft provide their drivers with $1 million in liability insurance. This sounds impressive, but the amount of coverage provided is determined by the driver’s “period.”
Whether you’re a rideshare passenger or the driver of a vehicle that collides with a rideshare vehicle, liability will generally be determined by who is at fault for the accident.
To establish that someone was at fault (i.e. negligent) in a car accident, three elements must be established:
Determining fault in a rideshare accident case is similar to determining fault in a car accident. What distinguishes rideshare accidents is the role insurance plays when the injured party seeks compensation from the at-fault party.
A Uber or a Lyft is a common form of transportation in the modern era, but the drivers and the ridesharing companies should still be held accountable for negligent actions. While these cases may be complex, our Dallas rideshare accident attorneys will make sure you get the best representation you deserve.
Contact us today at MR Civil Justice for your free evaluation and start to feel confident that you will get the compensation and justice you deserve.
"◆" indicates required fields