Pearland Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer
For many people, rideshare services offer a convenient and safe way to get around town. Unlike traditional taxicab services, however, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft rely on individual drivers who use their own vehicles to provide rides. Rideshare companies also tend to consider these drivers “independent contractors,” which means they are not treated as employees.
This can raise a number of complex legal issues in the event of an auto accident that injures a passenger or other third party. So if you have been seriously injured by a rideshare vehicle, it is important that you seek out legal advice from a qualified Pearland Uber & Lyft accident lawyer. Attorney Keith B. French is an experienced Texas personal injury attorney who has assisted many clients in recovering compensation following an accident caused by driver negligence.
Will Uber or Lyft’s Insurance Cover My Accident?
The first question we often get following an accident involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle is, “How does the insurance work?” Do you make a claim with the rideshare driver’s personal auto insurance carrier? Or is Uber or Lyft responsible?
The answer is often, “It depends.” Uber and Lyft do carry their own commercial insurance policy that provides coverage in the event one of its drivers are involved in an accident. This coverage typically provides up to $1 million in coverage. But it only applies in certain situations.
Generally speaking, the rideshare company’s insurance only kicks in when the rideshare driver is actually transporting a passenger or on their way to pick up a passenger. So if you are the passenger and are injured in an accident, then Uber or Lyft’s coverage should apply. Similarly, if a third party–such as a pedestrian or another driver–is injured while the rideshare driver is actually providing a service, the Uber or Lyft insurance would also cover the accident. But if an Uber or Lyft driver is simply waiting to connect to a ride, or the driver has “logged off” the app and is not actively seeking customers, then different coverage rules apply.
Contact Keith B. French Law Today
Of course, the first thing you should do following any auto accident is to seek immediate medical attention, especially if you have sustained an obvious injury. But if you are involved in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle, you should also take certain steps to maximize your potential for seeking compensation should that become necessary. If possible, you should use your smartphone to take pictures at the accident scene and note the contact information for any witnesses.
You should also contact a Pearland Uber & Lyft accident lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer can help you in preserving and gathering additional evidence, such as any accident-related data collected by the rideshare company itself. An attorney can also represent you in negotiating a potential settlement with Uber, Lyft, or their respective insurance company. And if necessary, a lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf against any party that may bear legal responsibility for your accident.
So if you need to speak with an attorney as soon as possible, contact Keith B. French Law, PLLC, today to schedule a free consultation.
