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Date Last Updated: February 5, 2025
Since their start, services like Uber and Lyft have become a popular way to get around. Ideally, rideshare services should be safe to use. Drivers are required to be licensed and pass background checks, including a screening of their driving record. However, this doesn’t guarantee rideshare users total protection from car accidents.
Rideshare accidents caused by negligent drivers can cause physical injury, emotional trauma, and even death. All of these losses lead to steep costs for individuals and families. The rideshare accident attorneys at Shamieh Law fight for full compensation for victims of rideshare accidents. Contact us for a free and confidential case review.
Why Choose Our Rideshare Accident Lawyers in Austin?
After a rideshare accident, you need an experienced, trustworthy attorney to advocate for your best interests. At Shamieh Law, our reliable Austin rideshare accident lawyers handle personal injury cases with professionalism, diligence, and care. Our “Winning With Awareness” philosophy guides every part of our holistic approach to legal representation. We treat our clients like family—you’re never just a file number to us. We take pride in helping people through the personal injury claims process from beginning to end.
Our commitment to our clients sets us apart from other personal injury firms. We’re dedicated to championing our clients’ interests, understanding their challenges, and providing world-class service. Shamieh Law is ready to fight for you if you’ve been hurt in a rideshare accident. Reach out today to learn about your legal rights and options.
What Damages Are Available for Rideshare Accidents?
If you’ve been hurt in a rideshare accident, two types of damages are available: economic and non-economic. Economic damages compensate rideshare accident victims for the financial impact of their injuries, such as medical bills and lost wages. Subjective losses that can’t be easily replaced with money, such as pain, suffering, and lost enjoyment of life, count as non-economic damages.
The damages you may receive vary significantly based on the severity of your injuries. Rideshare accidents can result in major injuries and permanently disabling conditions. An experienced Austin rideshare accident lawyer can help you determine the potential value of your case before you proceed with a lawsuit.
Does Insurance Cover Injuries Incurred in Rideshare Accidents?
Insurance coverage for rideshare accident injuries depends on when the accident occurs.
Texas law requires that rideshare drivers, known legally as transportation network company (TNC) drivers, be covered by insurance while logged into their rideshare app and while engaged in a prearranged ride. This coverage may be through the driver’s insurance or insurance maintained by the rideshare platform on the driver’s behalf.
Rideshare providers like Uber and Lyft must maintain insurance that applies while their drivers are logged on and have rides in progress. While drivers are logged on and available for a trip, both platforms provide $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per person ($100,000 per accident) and $25,000 in property damage coverage. While rides are in progress, they provide $1 million in third-party liability coverage.
If a rideshare driver is not logged on at the time of an accident, their personal auto insurance applies. Rideshare drivers are generally required to carry personal auto insurance as a condition of driving for rideshare platforms, as well as to comply with Texas law.
Wrongful Death Damages for Families of Rideshare Accident Victims
If the victim of a rideshare accident passes away from their injuries, their family may be eligible to receive wrongful death damages. Economic wrongful death damages cover costs such as funeral bills and medical treatment before death. Non-economic wrongful death damages include things like loss of companionship and the deceased’s pain and suffering due to their fatal injuries.
Timelines for Rideshare Accident Cases in Austin
The Texas personal injury statute of limitations normally gives two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Filing early is always in your best interest. Many forms of evidence, such as witness statements and footage of the scene, are best collected as soon as possible after the accident. Crucial evidence often disappears or deteriorates over time, making it more difficult to win your case.
After you file, your attorney will begin working on your suit, including calculating your damages, preparing a demand letter, and filing necessary documents. A good rideshare accident attorney won’t keep you waiting to start this process. At Shamieh Law, we pride ourselves on promptly getting to work after we agree to represent our clients.
Who Is Liable for Damages in a Rideshare Accident?
The Rideshare Driver
If the driver of your rideshare vehicle caused the accident by driving negligently, the rideshare platform’s insurance will likely cover your injuries. Rideshare insurance applies when the driver is logged on to the rideshare app, en route to a passenger, or transporting someone.
If the accident occurs when the driver is not logged on to the rideshare app, the at-fault driver’s personal auto liability insurance will come into play. They may also be held liable in a personal injury lawsuit.
The Rideshare Company
Third Parties
Third-party liability in rideshare accidents arises when someone other than the rideshare driver or company causes the crash. This could involve a negligent driver, a municipality failing to maintain safe road conditions, or a vehicle manufacturer whose product defect contributed to the accident. In these cases, an injured party can pursue compensation from the responsible third party.
How Do You Prove Negligence in a Rideshare Accident in Austin?
Proving that the at-fault party is liable for damages caused by their negligence can be difficult. A successful negligence claim requires the plaintiff to prove that the defendant did not take reasonable care while driving, that their conduct caused your injuries, and that you suffered compensable damages, such as pain, suffering, vehicle damage, and medical bills.
Our Austin rideshare accident lawyers can collect evidence to build your personal injury case. Evidence you can use to prove negligence after a rideshare accident includes:
- Photos of the accident scene.
- Surveillance footage from nearby cameras.
- A police report documenting the incident.
- Witness statements about what happened.
- Rideshare app data showing trip details.
- Medical records proving your injuries.
- Repair estimates for vehicle damage.
Why Should You Hire an Austin Uber & Lyft Accident Attorney?
Hiring a lawyer after a rideshare accident is always in your best interest. Building a compelling case proving that another party was at fault is hard enough. Trying to do it alone while simultaneously recovering from your injuries can feel virtually impossible.
Our knowledgeable rideshare accident attorneys can handle your claim from beginning to end, working to maximize your case results while you focus on recovering. Our legal services include:
- Ensuring you know your full legal rights and options.
- Evaluating your case to determine whether you have a viable claim.
- Navigating complex legal processes and managing filing deadlines.
- Handling all communication with the opposing party and their insurers.
- Gathering evidence, such as photos, videos, witness statements, and police reports.
- Preparing you for deposition and trial.
- Representing you during settlement negotiations and court proceedings.
The rideshare accident lawyers at Shamieh Law have extensive experience handling every aspect of the legal process in personal injury cases. Our attorneys are able to determine your legal precise needs and help you every step of the way.
Schedule a Free Consultation with an Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer in Austin
Rideshare accidents can be devastating and traumatic. If you’ve been hurt in a rideshare accident, you need an experienced and skilled attorney to help you navigate your claim. Our skilled personal injury attorneys at Shamieh Law are here to help. Call (469) 813-7332 or contact us online for your free legal consultation.
Rideshare Accident FAQs
How Is a Rideshare Accident Different From Other Car Accidents?
Rideshare accidents differ from other car accidents primarily because they involve more complicated questions related to insurance coverage. Since rideshare drivers are only insured by the platform they drive for while logged on to their app, en route to a passenger, or transporting someone, the circumstances of your accident will significantly impact your routes toward compensation.
Can I Sue the Rideshare Company for My Accident Injuries?
It’s rare for rideshare companies to be liable for rideshare accidents. However, in some cases, the rideshare company could be liable for negligently hiring a driver. Our Austin rideshare accident attorneys can help you determine whether the rideshare company could be at fault in your case.
What Are the Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Austin?
Common causes of rideshare accidents include distracted driving, speeding, driver fatigue, and inexperience. Rideshare drivers often multitask with GPS navigation and their company app, increasing the risk of distraction. Long hours behind the wheel can also lead to fatigue, and tight schedules may encourage speeding. In general, inexperienced drivers are more prone to accidents.
If I Was a Rideshare Driver, Could I Still Have a Claim?
Yes, you could still have a claim against another driver or a third party if you were injured in a rideshare accident while working. A rideshare accident attorney can help you determine whether you have a case.
