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What Are the Potential Causes of Rideshare Accidents?
Rideshare accidents entail collisions involving vehicles from companies such as Lyft and Uber. The collisions can happen at various trip stages, such as when the driver is on the way to pick up a client or when dropping them off at their destination. Texas injury lawyers explain that the most common causes of such accidents include the following:
- Distracted driving by the rideshare driver, such as texting while driving
- Driver negligence, such as speeding, disregard for traffic rules, or reckless driving
- Driving while drowsy, intoxicated, or tired
- Poor road or weather conditions
- Negligent behavior of other road users
Whatever the cause of a rideshare accident, the aftermath can be devastating. You may sustain life-long injuries that can alter the course of your life forever. If you were injured in a rideshare accident, consult skilled car accident attorneys in Houston. They can look into your case and help you collect compensation for the damages you suffered.
Who is to Blame for a Rideshare Accident?
Determining liability for rideshare accidents is often complex because of the unique nature of the services and the multiple parties involved. Uber and Lyft drivers often work as independent contractors rather than employees of these companies, raising questions about who should bear responsibility for a collision.
Possible parties that could be found liable based on the accident investigation include the following:
The Ride-Share Driver
Rideshare drivers must operate their vehicles responsibly and safely when transporting passengers. If they get into an accident due to recklessness, misconduct, or negligence, they may be held personally liable for the accident.
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, distracted driving, failure to obey traffic rules, or speeding are factors that can increase a driver’s exposure to liability. Houston car accident attorneys can investigate your case to determine whether your rideshare driver was at fault and bring a compensation claim against them.
Other Motorists
Rideshare accidents may involve multiple cars, extending liability to other drivers who may have contributed to the collision. Evidence is crucial in demonstrating that the other parties had a role in causing the accident.
Proving the liability of other drivers can be daunting, but experienced Houston car accident lawyers know how to navigate the intricacies. They can provide legal support to help you build a solid case to increase the likelihood of obtaining fair compensation.
The Ride-Share Company
Rideshare companies are mandated to provide commercial insurance coverage for drivers who get into accidents while actively working during a ride. A company’s insurance policy may kick in to compensate you for damages if a crash occurs during a ride.
However, the process may be more complex, as you must prove the company’s liability. The company’s insurance provider may not readily agree to compensate you, and it may engage in a lot of back and forth to frustrate you out of the claim. Let skilled injury lawyers in Texas represent you and help you fight for what you rightfully deserve.
Government Entities
If an accident was caused by poor road conditions or inadequate traffic signage, you could hold the responsible government entity liable for your injuries. Suing government entities is often complex, as many nuances are involved, such as a shorter statute of limitations.
Additionally, your case could take longer to resolve due to government bureaucracy. Your chances of recovering compensation are higher if you have representation from aggressive personal injury lawyers.
Vehicle Manufacturer or Service Providers
A rideshare vehicle could get into an accident due to a malfunctioning part or lack of proper maintenance. Your lawyers can collect the necessary evidence to prove that the manufacturer or maintenance service provider failed on their part to ensure the vehicle was in good working condition. The manufacturer’s negligence led to the accident; hence, they should be held liable.
How is Liability Determined in Rideshare Accidents?
Houston car accident lawyers highlight that much goes into determining liability based on the legal theory of negligence and recklessness. In arguing your case to prove a party’s liability, you must demonstrate the following crucial elements:
- Duty of care: You must show that the negligent party owed you an expectation of reasonable safety. The defendant should have acted to uphold your safety and other road users.
- Breach of duty: You must show the court that the defendant didn’t uphold this duty of care by acting negligently or recklessly.
- Causation: The breach of duty directly connects to the resulting injury. In other words, you must demonstrate that the accident wouldn’t have happened without the defendant’s reckless actions.
- Damages: Your lawyers will help you present a reasonable claim based on the extent of your injuries. The damages are the monetary loss suffered due to the accident.
These elements may be challenging to prove, so engage skilled injury attorneys in Texas to help you establish your case.
A Skilled Injury Lawyer Helping You Determine Liability in a Rideshare Accident
Determining liability in rideshare accident cases can be complex because multiple parties can be at fault. Many factors also come into play, such as state laws, agency laws, insurance coverage, and company policies. The process can be demanding, and you need the help of legal experts who understand the system to be successful in your claim.
The Alfred Firm hosts experienced car accident lawyers in Houston. Our team is sold out to helping car accident victims make a full financial recovery. We understand how traumatizing the aftermath of a rideshare accident can be, and we can offer the legal support you need during this moment to fight for a favorable outcome. Call us at 713-489-1875 to schedule a FREE consultation.
