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Houston Rideshare Accident Attorney

Helping Accident Victims Get the Compensation They Deserve

The invention of rideshare services has changed how people get around Houston. Instead of calling for a taxi or using public transportation, many people are using rideshare apps for quick, one-way trips. Uber and Lyft are two of the most well-known ridesharing apps. Through the rideshare apps, you can arrange a ride, pay your driver, and rate the driver quickly and conveniently. However, rideshare accidents are becoming more common as more people use the rideshare services. Some studies indicate that traffic fatalities increased by three percent with the introduction of rideshare apps. Other sources report increased motor vehicle accidents, pollution, and traffic accidents since rideshare services were introduced. If you were injured in a rideshare accident, you might be entitled to compensation. Contact The Alfred Firm at (713) 489-1875 for a free consultation with an experienced Houston rideshare accident attorney.

Who is Responsible for a Houston Rideshare Accident?

Passengers in rideshare accidents do not have control over the vehicle. Therefore, rideshare passengers are generally not liable for an accident unless the passenger’s actions directly led to the cause of the crash, such as grabbing the wheel or distracting the driver. However, this is rarely the case. In most instances, a rideshare accident in Houston is caused by the rideshare driver or another driver. Determining the cause of the accident is a high priority for our Houston rideshare accident lawyers. Only the parties responsible for the cause of the crash can be held liable for your damages.

What Damages Are Typically Included in a Rideshare Accident?

Many Uber accident victims want to know how much money their accident case is worth. This is a complex question because every case is different. The value of your unique personal injury claim depends on many factors, including your insurance coverage, who the at-fault party was, and the extent of your injuries. An Uber/Lyft accident lawyer can give you the best chance of recovering any damages, including:

  • Past and future medical bills
  • Past and future lost income and benefits
  • Decreased income-earning capacity
  • Past and future physical pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD related to the accident
  • Rehabilitation costs, such as physical therapy and chiropractor visits
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Disability and permanent impairments
  • Catastrophic injuries
  • Personal care and in-home health care
  • Travel expenses and other out-of-pocket costs
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Wrongful death
  • Funeral and burial expenses (to a certain degree)
  • Punitive damages
  • Property damage

The Lyft accident lawyers at The Alfred Firm have significant experience handling rideshare accidents throughout Houston. We have the resources necessary to investigate crashes and knowledge of the law to maximize your chance of full compensation for your injuries, losses, and damages. Lyft accidents can cause victims to suffer for years after the accident occurs. Don’t rely on insurance coverage to compensate for all the past and future expenses associated with your Uber/Lyft accident. Contact an Uber accident lawyer like those at our law firm to maximize the compensation and negotiate a fair deal with the insurance company.

How Do Insurance Disputes Impact Rideshare Accident Claims?

Rideshare drivers are independent contractors. They use their personal vehicles to transport passengers. When ridesharing first became popular, there were disputes regarding who was liable for damages caused by a rideshare driver. The rideshare driver’s personal insurance company denied coverage because personal automobile insurance policies exclude accidents involving paid fares. Uber and Lyft also denied coverage based on the argument that the drivers were independent contractors and not company employees. Unfortunately, that left accident victims with no legal recourse to seek compensation for their injuries and losses.

What Are Uber’s & Lyft’s Insurance Policies?

Today, Uber and Lyft provide insurance for their drivers when they are transporting passengers. Therefore, if a rideshare driver causes an accident, the accident victims may recover compensation from the rideshare company. However, it is not that easy. Uber and Lyft contract with insurance companies to provide coverage for their drivers. Therefore, accident victims face the same problems and issues as those in any type of motor vehicle accident. The insurance companies deny valid claims and underpay claims. As with other accident claims, the insurance company wants to pay as little as possible for the claim.

How Can Hiring an Experienced Houston Rideshare Accident Attorney Help?

Instead of taking on a huge rideshare company and its insurance provider alone, you should consider hiring a Houston rideshare accident attorney. Our lawyers understand the challenges of recovering full compensation for a rideshare accident claim. They understand how the insurance companies operate and the tactics they use to cheat victims out of the compensation they deserve. When you hire a Lyft/Uber accident lawyer, you get the following benefits and more:

  • Legal counsel based on decades of combined experience
  • Personalized advice for your unique personal injury claim
  • Honed negotiators who can get you a fair settlement through your own personal auto insurance or the driver’s insurance company
  • Help holding negligent rideshare drivers responsible for their actions
  • Excellent legal representation if your case goes before a judge
  • Assistance in maximizing your compensation for injuries in an Uber or Lyft vehicle accident

Contact The Alfred Law Firm today to learn more about how we can help.

What Are Some Common Tactics Used by Insurance Companies to Deny Rideshare Accident Claims?

Unfortunately, many insurance companies don’t provide adequate compensation for crash victims in Uber and Lyft accidents. The insurance agent is often watching out for the company’s best interest rather than those injured in the Lyft accident. Some common tactics these companies use to avoid paying victims according to their insurance coverage include:

  • Disputing that the rideshare driver was at fault for the crash
  • Claiming that the victim had pre-existing conditions that are the underlying cause of the claim
  • Claiming that the insurance policy did not cover the rideshare driver at the time of the crash
  • Alleging that the accident victim’s injuries are not as severe as the victim claims
  • Claim that another insurance policy covers the accident and takes priority
  • The insurance company did not provide coverage as of the date of the accident

Navigating an insurance claim through a rideshare insurance policy can be challenging. The companies often make the process difficult by encouraging victims to give up and accept a lower settlement. Do not give up. Fight back by hiring a Lyft accident lawyer like those at our rideshare accident law firm. Our legal team is passionate about fighting for justice for our clients. We will not stop until we exhaust every legal avenue to get you the money you deserve after being injured in a rideshare accident in Houston.

What Should You Do After an Uber Car Accident?

Whether you are a passenger, another driver, bicyclist, or pedestrian, call 911 to report the crash. Do not allow a rideshare driver to convince you to settle the matter between the two of you. Contact the police and request assistance. While waiting for police to arrive, document the accident scene by taking photographs and making a video with your cell phone. If possible, ask everyone involved in the accident, including any witnesses, for their names and contact information. As soon as possible, see a doctor. Documenting your injuries through medical records is crucial. Insurance companies use delays in medical care to allege that the accident did not cause your injuries. You can use the rideshare app on your cell phone to report the crash to the rideshare company. However, avoid talking to the rideshare company or an insurance company until you have a chance to meet with one of our Houston rideshare accident attorneys. Most conversations with insurance providers and rideshare companies are recorded. What you say after an accident can significantly impact the outcome of your claim.

How Much Can I Recover for a Rideshare Accident Claim?

Uber and Lyft have significant insurance policies covering their drivers. However, the amount you might receive for an Uber or Lyft accident depends on numerous factors. The insurance companies are usually unwilling to hand out large settlement claims, even when victims deserve that money. Hiring a lawyer can give you an edge. Your lawyer understands what is necessary to prove fault and liability. Your lawyer also knows how to maximize your recovery. Factors that impact the amount of money you might receive for a rideshare accident claim include:

  • The severity of your injuries
  • The amount of your financial losses
  • Who is responsible for the cause of the crash
  • How long it takes you to recover from your injuries
  • Whether you hire an experienced attorney to handle your claim

Some damages that could be covered in a personal injury claim include past and future medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, property damage, punitive damages, and more. The insurance coverage may not include these damages, even though they are crucial in making a full financial recovery. A Lyft accident lawyer like those at The Alfred Firm can help you get full and fair compensation after your car accident. You can talk to a lawyer about your rideshare accident at no charge. Learn about your legal rights and how our legal team can help you with your claim.

Should You Hire Our Houston Rideshare Accident Lawyers?

You can get answers about your rights following an accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver by speaking with our talented legal team. We promise to answer your questions and address your concerns in terms you can understand so you can make the best decision for your situation. Our rideshare lawyers accept injury cases on a contingency fee. You don’t pay our attorneys’ fees until we recover money for your claim. Contact our attorneys at The Alfred Firm at (713) 489-1875 to schedule a free consultation with a rideshare accident lawyer in Houston.