Rideshare Accidents Attorney in Austin, Texas

Rideshare services like Lyft and Uber have become a popular means of commuting for residents in Texas and across the United States. However, like other means of transportation, rideshares are not completely safe from accidents and other road mishaps. If you or a loved one were hurt in a negligent rideshare accident, you may be eligible to seek fair compensation by filing injury claims.  

For nearly 20 years, I have focused my career on handling personal injury cases and advocating for the best interests of accident victims. As a proficient Texas personal injury attorney, I can assess the surrounding circumstances of your specific situation and analyze your possible legal options to recover damages. Also, I have the resources to compassionately protect your rights, identify the liable party, and help you seek the financial justice you deserve.  

My firm – Rodman Law Office – proudly represents rideshare accident victims in Austin, Texas, and surrounding areas throughout the state, including Hays County, Williamson County, and Travis County.

Who is Liable in a Rideshare Accident? 

Texas is an at-fault auto accident state. Under the state's at-fault system, the person who caused the accident (at-fault party) will hold civil and financial liability for bodily injuries, property damages, and other accident-related losses sustained by the accident victim. However, the responsible party in a rideshare accident often depends on the surrounding circumstances and events leading to the crash. 

If You Are a Passenger
and the Driver Is At Fault 

If you were hurt while riding as a passenger in a rideshare accident and the driver is at fault for the accident, the liable driver would be held accountable for your injuries and damages. 

If You Are a Passenger and
the Other Driver Is At Fault 

Likewise, if you were hurt while riding as a passenger and the other driver is responsible for the accident, the liable party will be held responsible for your injuries and damages. 

If Your Car Is Hit By a Lyft or Uber Driver 

If you were hit by a Lyft or Uber driver in Texas, the rideshare driver who caused the crash will be held legally responsible. However, with respect to insurance coverage or compensation, these rules will apply:  

• Driver Not Logged In: If the rideshare driver wasn't logged into the app when the accident happened, the rideshare company wouldn't provide any coverage.  

• Driver Logged In: If the rideshare driver is logged into the app when the accident happened, the rideshare company will offer liability coverage of up to $50,000 per person injured in the accident, $100,000 total per accident, and $25,000 for property damages in a single accident.  

• Driver Accepts a Ride: Also, if the accident occurred after the driver accepted the ride request, the rideshare company will provide liability coverage of up to $1 million.  

A trusted Texas personal injury lawyer can inform you about your options to seek damages, help determine the best way to proceed with your injury claims, or decide if you can sue the rideshare company directly. 

Can I Sue Lyft or Uber Directly? 

Among the possible legal options to pursue damages for your injuries after being involved in a rideshare accident is to file an insurance claim or lawsuit against the rideshare company. However, since Uber and Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors, the company may have limited liability in a lawsuit. Nonetheless, it could still be possible for you to recover damages by proving vicarious liability.  

Vicarious liability requires the plaintiff to show that when the incident occurred, the at-fault Lyft or Uber driver was acting within the course and scope of their employment. The rideshare company may also be held responsible for some of the accident liability if they fail to properly train, hire, screen, or supervise their drivers. 

What Should I Do After an Accident?  

The period after a rideshare accident can be unsettling and confusing to sort through. However, the next steps you take – or fail to take – can have a significant impact on the outcome of your injury claims. Here is what to do after an Uber or Lyft accident, where possible:  

• Remain calm and get to safety.  

• Get immediate medical treatment for your injuries. 

• Report the auto accident to the nearest police department.  

• Collect relevant information such as the driver's name, telephone number, address, accident scene photos, driver's insurance information, and witness testimonies and statements.  

• Document copies of all reports and records, including the police report, medical report, medical expenses, treatments, and doctor's appointments.  

• Hire an experienced attorney to help you file your personal injury claims or negotiate a fair settlement with the insurers involved.  

A competent Texas car accident attorney can help you file your injury claims and pursue the maximum possible compensation for your injuries. 

How Legal Counsel Can Help 

Getting injured in a rideshare accident can be a difficult experience and can affect you physically, emotionally, and financially. While you may be eligible to seek damages for your injuries, there are complicated rules and procedures surrounding who you can hold liable, who is covered, and the amount of compensation available to you. Therefore, when involved in a rideshare accident, hiring a qualified personal injury attorney is crucial for proper guidance and to protect your best interests.  

 At Rodman Law Office, I enjoy providing strong representation, support, and reliable legal direction to clients in their rideshare accident claims. My in-depth legal understanding of the statutes, rules, and protocols addressing liability in rideshare accident cases can help advise you through the overly-complex claims process. Also, I have the tools necessary to fight for your legal rights and help you pursue fair financial compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other possible damages.