Houston Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Houston Rideshare Accident Attorney

Ever since the arrival of rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft, it has been easier than ever to get around town. In some cities, you may not even need to buy a car anymore. You can just Uber from place to place. Despite the unparalleled convenience of rideshare apps, they are still cars being driven by human beings, which means that accidents can happen when you least expect them. A Houston rideshare accident lawyer can help you determine where liability lies.

The Complications of a Rideshare Accident

Being involved in a rideshare accident may just seem like another car accident at first, but there are certain specifics that need to be addressed in these situations. Depending on which rideshare app you used to hire the driver, liability may lie elsewhere. An experienced rideshare accident lawyer can help you determine the details of the accident, including who was largely at fault and who is responsible for reimbursing you for any damages.

Texas state law requires certain transportation services, like Uber and Lyft, to adhere to specific requirements to continue operating in the state. These requirements include car insurance for every driver, an annual fee to maintain a permit, and maintaining detailed records. In addition, every Texas rideshare driver must carry a specific amount of liability insurance that changes depending on whether the rideshare app is on or off during the accident.

The use of rideshare apps has opened up a wide world of possibilities for people who can now get around town so much easier. They can commute to work without a car, they can meet up with friends without worrying about a designated driver, and they can get a guaranteed ride whenever they need one. That doesn’t make an accident any less terrifying, especially when it is completely out of your control due to your presence as a passenger, not the driver.

Statute of Limitations

If you are involved in a rideshare accident and wish to pursue legal action against the individual responsible for causing the accident, it is important that you adhere to the state of Texas’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including rideshare accident claims. Generally, the state gives you two years to establish grounds for your claim, fully develop your case, gather the evidence you need, consult with a rideshare accident lawyer, and file a claim for damages.

If you are unable to file your claim before two years have passed, there is a strong chance that your claim will be dismissed outright, your case will be tossed out, and your chance to seek compensatory damages will pass by with no legal action taken. Building a strong rideshare accident claim can take some time, so you should get started as soon as you can. If you are worried about the strength of your case, you should bring your concerns to a lawyer.

A rideshare accident lawyer will launch their own independent investigation into the accident so they can analyze the facts for themselves. They will look into the police report, analyze any photo or video evidence, review witness statements, and assess your medical reports. Their goal is to determine who is at fault. It might be your driver. It might be the driver of the other vehicle. Liability might even lie with the company that hired your driver. It all depends on the details.

What to Do After a Rideshare Accident

Being involved in an ordinary car accident can be overwhelming, frustrating, and terrifying. When it is completely out of your control, it can be even worse. Getting in a rideshare accident can feel improbable, but if it happens, it is important that you take the necessary steps to protect yourself, as well as any future accident claim you may want to make.

Here are some important ways you can make sure your claim is protected:

• Keep Calm: It is vitally important to your claim that you keep yourself calm. This can be particularly hard to do after a car accident. You may feel inclined to panic, and that’s perfectly understandable. However, panicking won’t help your case and will only make things worse. You want to keep a level head throughout this process. Get yourself together, take some deep breaths, and start assessing your situation.
• Check for Injuries: As soon as you can get yourself under control, start checking yourself for injuries, as well as any other passengers you had with you. Look for blood, bruising, sprains, protrusions, and any broken bones. If you are still in pain but do not appear to have any injuries, you should mention this to the EMTs when they arrive. Your injuries may be internal.
• Call 911: You need to call 911 as soon as you are physically able. The sooner law enforcement arrives to take control of the scene, the better you may start to feel. Having some assurance that the situation is being properly handled can make all the difference.
• Speak to the Police: When the police arrive, they are going to want to speak with you. You should be honest and clear with them but do not admit any fault for the accident. Since you were a passenger, it is unlikely that you could have done anything to cause the accident anyway. Still, even apologizing for the situation could be misconstrued as admitting fault.
• Document the Scene: When the police clear the scene, you should start documenting evidence for your own records. Take necessary photos of your injuries, the damage done to all vehicles, and the conditions of the road. Make sure you speak to any witnesses who may be willing to help you.
• Notify Insurance: You should notify your insurance carrier that you have been involved in an accident. Since you were not behind the wheel and the bulk of the responsibility will largely fall on the rideshare driver, it is likely your rates won’t change. Still, they should be kept in the loop and may wish to send their own insurance adjuster to investigate further.
• See a Lawyer: If you ultimately decide that pursuing legal action for your situation is the route you wish to pursue, you should reach out to an experienced rideshare accident lawyer who can help you put together a solid case.

Houston Rideshare Accident FAQs

Q: What Happens If My Uber Driver Has an Accident?

A: If your Uber driver has an accident, it can be a terrifying ordeal to be involved in. You should notify the police, document the scene with a police report, get the contact and insurance info of the driver, and report the accident through the app or your insurance company. If you are seriously injured, you should go see a doctor as soon as you can. If you wish to pursue legal action, you should speak with a rideshare accident lawyer.

Q: Who Is Liable for Damages in a Rideshare Accident?

A: It depends on the situation. If your rideshare driver has an accident, determining liability is likely going to be the primary focus of the ensuing investigation. The investigation will need to determine a number of important factors. It will need to uncover whether the driver had their rideshare app on or off during the accident, whether they were unfit to drive and more. If there were passengers in the back, the rideshare company may want to reach a settlement quickly.

Q: How Long Do You Have to Report a Car Accident to Your Insurance in Houston?

A: In Houston, the amount of time you have to report a car accident to your insurance carrier depends entirely on your insurance policy and the deadline that your carrier requires. It is recommended that you report an accident to your insurance as soon as you possibly can. Most deadlines are relatively soon from the day of your accident, but you should double-check your policy just to be sure.

Q: How Much Are Most Car Accident Settlements?

A: It is difficult to determine how much most car accident settlements are. Every car accident case is different, with each case having its own set of specific details and circumstances that make it unique. When determining a settlement amount, many factors have to be considered, such as the severity of your injuries, the stance of the insurance company, and each party’s willingness to reach an acceptable compromise.

Reach Out to a Rideshare Accident Lawyer Today

Being involved in a rideshare accident can be confusing, especially if you are injured and wish to pursue legal action for what you have been through. Hiring an experienced rideshare accident lawyer to walk you through the process can be a good start.

The legal team at Merritt & Merritt Law Firm can assist you with building a strong case to recoup damages in the event of a rideshare accident. We can launch our own investigation into the accident, help you develop your claim, gather evidence, and keep your interests protected throughout. Contact us to schedule a consultation with a valued team member today.

With our legal team on your side, you can rest assured that you are getting the quality legal support you need.