Getting around our thriving metropolis is often much easier when you let someone else do the driving. Many residents and visitors rely on apps like Uber and Lyft to get home safely from a night out or to avoid parking near busy places like Minute Maid Park and Discovery Green. However, as the number of rideshare vehicles on our roads increases, so does the risk of a serious collision. If you were hurt in a crash involving an Uber or Lyft, the Houston rideshare accident lawyers at AP Law Group are ready to help you pursue the compensation you need to move forward.
We understand how stressful a collision can be, but our team is here to support you with compassionate and dedicated advocacy. Call us today to discuss your case for free.
Why Choose AP Law Group for Your Houston Rideshare Accident Case?
Selecting the right legal team can make a significant difference in how your case unfolds. At AP Law Group, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional service and fighting hard for the people of our community. We handle the complex legal steps so you can focus entirely on feeling better.
When you work with our team, you can expect the following benefits:
- Personalized attention to our clients: You will work directly with our staff. We take the time to understand your unique situation and treat your case with the individual focus it deserves.
- A strong commitment to your case: Your case is not just a file number to us. We are deeply committed to your well-being and are passionate about fighting for your rights.
- No upfront fees: We operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you only pay us if we win your case, allowing you to seek justice without worrying about out-of-pocket legal costs.
- A proven track record in motor vehicle accident cases. We have secured significant results for our clients, including settlements reaching into the millions for trucking and collision cases.
- Extensive local knowledge: As a local firm, we understand the specific challenges within the regional legal landscape. We know the local courts, the judges, and the traffic dynamics of our city.
Having a dedicated team by your side means you have advocates who genuinely care about your physical and financial recovery. We want to make a positive difference in your life by holding negligent parties accountable.
What Makes Rideshare Accidents Different?
A standard car accident usually involves two private drivers and their personal auto insurance companies. When an Uber or Lyft is involved, the situation becomes much more complicated. These companies classify their drivers as independent contractors rather than traditional employees. This distinction allows the companies to distance themselves from direct liability when a crash happens.
Because of this independent contractor status, getting fair compensation requires a deep understanding of multiple insurance policies. Rideshare drivers carry their own personal auto insurance, but these personal policies often deny coverage if the driver was using the vehicle for business purposes.
To protect the public, Texas law requires rideshare companies to provide supplemental insurance. However, this corporate insurance only applies under very specific conditions. Knowing which insurance policy applies depends entirely on what the driver was doing on the app at the exact moment of the collision. The insurance companies representing the driver and the rideshare corporation will often point fingers at each other to avoid paying your claim.
Our Houston rideshare crash attorneys know how to investigate these details and pinpoint exactly who is responsible for your injuries.
Understanding Texas Rideshare Insurance Laws
The State of Texas has specific laws that dictate how much insurance coverage an Uber or Lyft driver must have. These laws outline the requirements for three distinct phases of the rideshare process. Understanding these phases is critical to figuring out where your compensation will come from.
Here is how the insurance coverage breaks down:
- Phase 1 (App is turned off): If the driver is driving for personal reasons and the app is off, their personal auto insurance applies. The rideshare company provides no coverage during this time.
- Phase 2 (App is on, waiting for a request): If the driver is logged into the app but has not accepted a ride yet, the rideshare company provides a lower level of liability coverage. This includes $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
- Phase 3 (Ride accepted or passenger in the car): From the moment the driver accepts a match to the moment the passenger exits the vehicle, the rideshare company must provide a $1 million liability insurance policy.
Sorting through these phases is a complex process. The corporate insurance providers will often look for any reason to argue that the driver was in a phase with lower coverage. We work to uncover the electronic app logs to prove the exact status of the driver, making sure you have access to the maximum possible coverage.
Steps to Take After a Houston Rideshare Crash
The days following a serious traffic collision are often painful and confusing. Once you have received emergency medical care and are safely back home, you might wonder what you need to do next. Taking a few organized steps can greatly protect your health and your legal rights.
Consider taking the following actions when you are ready:
- Follow your doctor's orders: Take all prescribed medications, attend your follow-up appointments, and participate in physical therapy if recommended. Skipping appointments gives the insurance company a reason to argue that you are not truly injured.
- Organize your paperwork: Gather all documents related to the crash. This includes discharge papers from the clinic, prescription receipts, the police report number, and any information you exchanged with the drivers.
- Report the crash to the app: If you were a passenger, report the safety incident directly through the Uber or Lyft app. Stick to the basic facts and avoid giving a recorded statement about your physical condition.
- Stay off social media: Do not post photos of your injuries or updates about the collision on platforms like Facebook or Instagram. Insurance adjusters often search social media to find posts they can use against you.
- Consult a legal professional: Reach out to an experienced local law firm to discuss your situation. A legal team can take over communication with the insurance companies so you do not accidentally say something that harms your case.
Handling a claim on your own can lead to costly mistakes. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts and will try to settle your claim quickly before you realize the full extent of your injuries. Reaching out to a Houston rideshare accident law firm early on gives you a protective barrier against these aggressive tactics.
Types of Compensation Our Houston Rideshare Accident Attorneys Pursue
When someone else's carelessness causes you harm, you have the right to seek financial recovery for your losses. The legal term for this financial recovery is "damages." Every case is completely unique, and the value of your claim depends heavily on the severity of your injuries and how they impact your daily life.
Our team pursues multiple types of compensation, including the following:
- Medical expenses: This covers the cost of ambulance rides, emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, and prescription medications. It also includes the projected cost of future medical care if you need long-term treatment.
- Lost wages: If your injuries force you to miss work, you can seek recovery for the paychecks you lost. We also pursue compensation for a loss of earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous line of work.
- Pain and suffering: This compensates you for the physical pain and discomfort you endure because of the crash.
- Emotional distress: A severe collision can cause lasting mental trauma, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. You have the right to seek compensation for this emotional toll.
- Property damage: If you were driving your own car and were hit by a rideshare driver, you can pursue funds to repair or replace your vehicle.
We take the time to calculate all your current and future losses accurately. The initial settlement offer from an insurance company rarely covers all these categories. We review all your records and advocate fiercely to secure a settlement that reflects the true impact the crash has had on your life.
Who Can File a Claim After an Uber or Lyft Crash?
Rideshare collisions can involve a wide variety of people. Because these vehicles are constantly moving through busy areas near the Galleria or local residential streets, anyone sharing the road is at risk. You do not have to be a paying passenger to file a claim.
We represent many different individuals hurt in these collisions, including:
- Rideshare passengers: If you were riding in an Uber or Lyft and the driver crashed, you are almost always entitled to compensation. As a passenger, you carry no fault for the collision.
- Occupants of other vehicles: If an Uber or Lyft driver runs a red light and strikes your personal car, you and your passengers can pursue a claim against the rideshare driver and the corporate insurance policy.
- Pedestrians and bicyclists: Rideshare drivers looking at their phones often fail to see people walking or biking. We help pedestrians and cyclists who are struck by distracted app-based drivers.
- Rideshare drivers: If you were driving for Uber or Lyft and another negligent driver hit you, we can help you pursue compensation from the at-fault driver's insurance.
No matter how you were involved in the crash, establishing fault is the key to a successful case. Our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers gather evidence like traffic camera footage, witness statements, and police reports to clearly show who caused the collision. Our goal is to protect your rights and help you secure the funds necessary to heal properly.
How a Local Rideshare Accident Attorney Builds Your Case
When you reach out to us after a rideshare accident, we get to work right away. Here is what you can expect from our process:
- A free, no-pressure consultation where we listen to your story and explain your options in plain language.
- A thorough investigation into the accident, including gathering rideshare trip data, police reports, medical records, and witness statements.
- Identifying all responsible parties and insurance policies to make sure no potential source of compensation is overlooked.
- Handling all communication with insurance companies and corporate legal teams so you can focus on healing.
- Aggressive negotiation or litigation to pursue the full compensation you deserve. If the insurance companies will not offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to court.
We believe every client deserves a legal team that is honest, responsive, and committed to their well-being. That is the standard we hold ourselves to on every case.
FAQs Answered by Our Houston Rideshare Accident Lawyers
We frequently hear from people looking for answers after an Uber or Lyft crash. Here are a few common questions we receive about these specific cases.
What should I do if the rideshare company denies my claim?
If the corporate insurance company denies your claim, do not give up. They often deny claims by arguing the driver was not actively on the app or that you were partially at fault. We can review the denial letter, gather the electronic app data to prove the driver's status, and fight back against their decision using concrete evidence.
Can I sue the Uber or Lyft driver directly?
Yes, you can file a claim against the driver's personal auto insurance. However, personal policies often have a "business use exception" that kicks in when a driver uses the car for profit. If their personal insurance denies the claim, we then pursue the supplemental coverage provided by the rideshare corporation.
How long do I have to file a claim in Texas?
Under the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, you generally have two years from the date of the collision to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this two-year deadline, you will likely lose your right to pursue compensation forever. It is always best to start the legal process as soon as possible to preserve evidence.
Does it cost money to speak with your legal team?
No, it does not cost you anything to discuss your case with us. We offer free initial consultations to hear your story and explain your legal options. Furthermore, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only collect a fee if we successfully recover financial compensation for you.
Will my personal car insurance cover me if I was a passenger?
If you have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your own auto policy, it might provide secondary coverage if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance. However, the rideshare company's $1 million policy is usually the primary source of compensation when you are an active passenger in their vehicle.
Contact Our Houston Rideshare Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation
Healing from a sudden injury takes time, patience, and financial resources. You should not have to pay out of pocket for medical bills and property damage caused by someone else's reckless driving. At AP Law Group, we work to make a positive difference in the lives of those harmed by negligence and wrongdoing. We are ready to stand up to the big rideshare corporations and their insurance providers on your behalf.
If you or someone you love was injured in a collision involving an Uber or Lyft, reach out to us today. Our Houston rideshare accident lawyers will listen to your story, explain your rights, and help you determine the best path forward. Contact AP Law Group now to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.