Houston Uber Accident Lawyer

The Houston Uber accident lawyers at Simmons and Fletcher, P.C. Injury & Accident Lawyerscan help if you were injured by a negligent Uber driver or sustained injuries while riding in an Uber. Call us at 713) 932-0777 for a free consultation with an Uber accident lawyer near you to learn your rights. Talk to a Houston Uber accident lawyer today.

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Rideshring Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have been rapidly expanding across the United States as a more reasonably-priced alternative to riding in taxicabs. Because they are not subject to the strict regulation of taxicabs, their drivers do not undergo the same training or testing that a taxicab company may require. Due to this lack of oversight, you will never know for sure what kind of experience the driver has or what type of service you will receive. Whether you choose to hail a taxi or request a ride, we can’t say for certain which option is safer. However, a Houston Uber accident lawyer can certainly help if you or a loved one has been involved in a Lyft or Uber car accident.

To find out if and how we can help in your accident case, take our quiz to see if you qualify for representation with a personal injury lawyer. Or, contact our Houston office directly at (713) 932-0777.

What to Do at the Scene of an Uber or Lyft Accident

In the immediate aftermath of a car accident, it is understandably difficult to know what to do in the heat of the moment. But certain steps will help a Houston Uber accident lawyer build your potential case. Here’s what you should keep in mind after any auto accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver:

Make Sure You Are Safe

Your first priority should be checking for injuries and removing yourself from danger. Seek medical attention for potential injuries or call an ambulance for immediate medical attention.

Record Your Trip Information

Capture your ride information with a screenshot, including your route, the driver’s first name and last name, and the type of vehicle. Keep this information to pass on to your Houston Uber accident lawyer.

Take Pictures and Statements

Immediately take photos of the accident and the impacted vehicles. Request contact information from any witnesses. All of this information can help your car accident attorney to file a claim and build your injury case.

Finally, request a free case evaluation from the right Houston Uber accident lawyer for you and make sure they have a full account of your accident and your injuries. Complete this form to get in touch with an experienced and dedicated Uber attorney today.

What is the Duty of Care for an Uber Driver?

Uber drivers are common carriers who by law must exercise the utmost care, skill, and diligence in transporting passengers safely from destination to destination. This is important to know since the jury will be instructed that the duty of care is a ‘high duty of care.’

This is defined as the degree of care that would be used by a very cautious, competent, and prudent person under the same or similar circumstances. This is a higher degree of care owned than the typical driver who must only exercise ordinary prudence.

The higher standard of care must be timely requested by the attorney seeking to impose the standard upon the Uber or Lyft driver. Failure to timely request the standard and accompanying instruction will result in a waiver of the imposition of the higher standard.

This is one reason why you must have a knowledgeable Houston Uber accident attorney handling your case. Our injury law firm has extensive knowledge and experience with personal injury cases and accidents in Houston and throughout the state of Texas. Talk to a Houston Uber & Lyft accident lawyer to discuss your injuries and what compensation you deserve. Call today and schedule a free consultation about your case with an attorney near you who understands Lyft and Uber cases.

What Types of Damages Can I Claim?

Just like any automobile accident, the victim of the accident will claim damages. Lyft and/or Uber accidents can cause catastrophic injuries like spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries, as well as emotional injuries like pain and suffering. A hardworking Uber & Lyft accident lawyer in Houston can help you determine exactly what compensation you can seek for certain damages and any injuries. The most common are:

Medical Expenses
Mental Anguish
Pain & Suffering
Disfigurement
Lost Wages
Disability
Wrongful death claims if families lost a loved one

If you’ve suffered any of these injuries following an Uber accident, act quickly to improve your chances for a favorable outcome. The city of Houston has a two-year statute of limitations on these accident cases, so you must file a personal injury claim within that time. That’s why it’s important to contact a Houston Uber accident lawyer to discuss your case in detail, assess the grounds for proceeding with your case, and file your claim on time.

How Much Liability Coverage Does An Uber Driver Carry?

The amount of liability coverage Uber provides to their drivers depends upon what they are doing at the exact time of the wreck.

If he or she is assigned to a passenger there is 1 Million in coverage.
If he or she is logged in and waiting but unassigned, there is $50,000 per person up to $100,000 total and another $25,000 for property damage liability.
If he or she is off duty then his personal insurance applies–which varies from state to state but can be as low as $30,000 in Texas. (But beware if you are traveling, some states allow as low as $10,000!)

Understanding legal technicalities and communicating with an insurance company can add additional stress to an already difficult situation. Even though you may have been the victim in an accident, it can feel like you have to fight to seek justice for your injuries. At Simmons and Fletcher, each Houston Uber & Lyft accident lawyer is dedicated to providing the best service for you. Contact us today for a free consultation and the support you need for your case.

Does Uber Provide Drivers With Uninsured and Under-Insured Motorist Insurance?

If the driver is logged in and assigned to a passenger then the driver and passenger are covered by a $1,000,000.00 uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) policy. If he is not both logged in and assigned a passenger, then no UM/UIM is afforded.

If another motorist is involved, Uber and Lyft still provide third-party liability coverage for a passenger’s injuries. This applies if the driver’s personal insurance company cannot cover the damage, if they are uninsured, or if the driver is unknown, as in a hit and run.

Insurance Coverage Implications for Uber Passengers

If you are a passenger riding in an Uber, you should be covered with $1,000,000 regardless of whether the Uber driver is at fault or another driver causes the collision and resulting injuries. The only possible loophole might be that you could lose his underinsured motorist coverage in a scenario where he is dropping you off and he marks his fare as complete to get the next fare assigned and then gets hit. Ultimately, Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors, meaning that any driving not involving a passenger is not covered by the rideshare app’s insurance policy. This would be important where the driver who hits you has no or insufficient insurance and you have no or insufficient uninsured motorist coverage. Contact a Houston Uber & Lyft accident lawyer who can help clarify your specific situation.

If you are not a passenger but rather a pedestrian hit by a rideshare driver, you also have a right to hold the liable parties accountable. Drivers are required to stop for pedestrians, and therefore they are typically responsible for providing compensation for any injuries. An at-fault driver may try to contest that you were visibly or legally crossing the road. That’s where an experienced Houston Uber accident lawyer can help. Whether you’re dealing with complex insurance policies or you’re unsure how to file an accident claim, we’ll find the answers you need with your free consultation. If we’re able to take on your case, our legal team of personal injury attorneys will fight to get the settlement you deserve.

Schedule A Free Consultation with A Houston Uber Accident Lawyer

p>After a motor vehicle accident or any unforeseen injury, physical and emotional damages can weigh heavily on impacted parties. Add to that the stress of communicating with insurance companies and navigating the process of filing a lawsuit. That’s why we recommend contacting an Uber & Lyft accident lawyer in Houston, TX for a case review at no cost to you.

Uber cases are nothing new to Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., Injury & Accident Lawyers. These semi-commercial vehicles are increasingly common on the road, as are the number of accident victims impacted by the negligence of careless drivers. If you were injured while riding in an Uber, speak with one of our Houston Uber accident attorneys today to determine what insurance coverage applies to you and how to make a claim.

We have no intention of adding any insult to your injuries, which is why we operate on a contingency basis. The consultation is free and we charge no attorney fees or expenses unless we make a recovery. Make that first step and phone us to get the legal assistance you need. Call (713) 932-0777 today!

Next Steps with a Houston Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer

At Simmons and Fletcher, we’re committed to lightening your load however we can. The Christian lawyers at our Houston law firm are committed to giving back to our community, and that community includes you. If we are able to take your case after a free consultation, our experienced Houston personal injury lawyers will work hard to get you the support and compensation you deserve.