A Texas rideshare accident attorney can help individuals who have been injured or harmed as a result of an accident involving a rideshare driver or their vehicle. Rideshare companies, such as Lyft and Uber, are popular for their ability to connect passengers with drivers at the tap of a button. However, lawsuits allege that some accidents involving rideshare services were the result of driver negligence. People who have been injured in accidents involving a rideshare automobile could be eligible to recover compensation with the help of a Texas rideshare accident lawyer.
For more information, contact the Attorney Group for Texas today. Our consultations are free, confidential and without any obligation on your part. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a claim we can connect you with an affiliated Texas rideshare accident attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What is Ridesharing?
Ridesharing is a service that combines smartphone apps and the need for on-demand transportation. Also known as transportation networking companies or services, ridesharing services use contracted drivers to take passengers to and from their requested destinations. As the popularity of rideshare services increased, many state and local governments began looking into the legality of the services. Many rideshare services, including Lyft and Uber, do not operate under the same regulations as other transportation services, making it difficult regulate their operations.
Who is Responsible Should a Rideshare Accident Occur?
Drivers who work for rideshare services are often classified as independent contractors, and those who have been injured in a crash involving a rideshare driver could have difficulty determining who is legally responsible. After a deadly accident involving an Uber driver in 2013 and an ensuing lawsuit, Uber began requiring its drivers to have car insurance and started to provide supplemental insurance in the event that accidents occur outside of normal operating duties. Should an accident occur, a Texas rideshare accident attorney can assist those who have been injured.
Car Accident Injuries
In addition to death, other injuries may occur as a result of an accident involving a motor vehicle. Those injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Spine injuries
- Brain injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Whiplash
- Paralysis
Psychological injuries may result as well. People may experience emotional distress or post-traumatic stress disorder following tragic car accidents.
Rideshare Lawsuit Claims
Although a lawsuit has yet to be filed, a Texas rideshare accident attorney notes that an Austin, Texas Lyft driver was arrested for drunk driving while transporting a passenger. No injuries resulted, however, the incident may lead some to question the rideshare service’s background check policy, citing that the driver had previously been arrested for DWI in 2004.
The relationship between rideshare companies Lyft and Uber and the city of Austin, Texas reached a standstill when, in May 2016, the companies left the city abruptly due to city regulations. According to CNBC.com, the regulations require that all rideshare drivers pass fingerprint-based background checks. As a result of the departure of Lyft and Uber, new rideshare companies have popped up around the city and in some cases, some are reportedly operating illegally on unregulated networks.
How a Texas Rideshare Accident Attorney Can Help
Rideshare companies and their drivers have a duty to provide a safe environment for its passengers, drivers, other commuters, and pedestrians. If there are risks of harm associated with rideshare company drivers, the company must also provide adequate warnings and safeguards. If a driver fails to fulfill this duty, they, as well as the company, could be held liable in lawsuits for injuries that may result.
People injured as a result of a car accident involving a rideshare car through no fault of their own may be eligible to recover money for:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
The families of those who have died in car accidents may be eligible to recover money for funeral expenses and the pain that comes with losing a loved one.
The Time You Have to Pursue a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information, contact the Attorney Group for Texas. You can fill out the form on this page or contact us by phone or email.
After you contact us, an attorney will follow up to answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
