While the convenience and popularity of rideshares cannot be understated, it’s important to note that accidents in the gig economy are frighteningly common – so the time may come where you need an Uber or Lyft accident lawyer. Whether you are a driver or a passenger, the main aim of rideshare companies is to avoid any accountability in crashes. If you have been involved in a rideshare accident and don’t know what to do, Angel Reyes & Associates are here to help—because we have dedicated Dallas Uber and Lyft accident lawyers who know their way around the law.
What happens if you get in an accident with Uber or Lyft?
If you have been in a rideshare accident in Dallas and sustained injuries, your first instinct will probably be to make a claim with the rideshare company’s or at-fault driver’s insurance carrier. The unfortunate fact is that these insurance companies run on the basis of giving victims as little compensation as possible, if any at all.
This is where we come in. You need the power of a Dallas rideshare accident lawyer on your side, and nobody does it better than Angel Reyes & Associates. Our team of skilled and savvy attorneys is capable of battling these billion-dollar corporations on your behalf, because we have intimate knowledge of the laws and regulations that will lead to a fair payout for you.
What are the laws surrounding Uber and Lyft accidents in Dallas?
There are complex insurance laws in place when it comes to Uber and Lyft accidents in Dallas. What is most relevant to victims of rideshare accidents is the insurance provided by the specific service that was used. Uber and Lyft each offer their users coverage of up to $1 million per accident under their primary liability insurance for rideshare drivers.
If your rideshare driver was en route to collect you or you were in their vehicle at the time of the accident, you may be liable for the maximum $1-million liability policy for the duration of your trip. Even if your driver was at fault in the accident that caused your injuries, you are still legally liable for compensation.
Things get trickier if you have commercial or personal insurance that provides coverage for ridesharing accidents. In this case, the company’s liability insurance will only cover the excess of your own policy limits.
What you need to know about TNC insurance
As Uber and and Lyft became increasingly popular, Texas legislation decided to pass a Texas rideshare law to protect service users. In 2017, Texas passed a rideshare law that lays out statewide regulations that cover the entire TNC (transportation network company). The law states both the TNC driver and the TNC are responsible for the insurance coverage in any event of a vehicular collision.
So, why is this important? Because most companies are not being held to the proper standards to help protect the innocent when they have caused harm. This law means that as long as a driver’s rideshare application they use is on, the TNC coverage is in place for your protection. Even if it is only the driver in the car, the driver is protected under their TNC insurance coverage if the application is turned on. It’s a big win for the little guy against mega corporations.
TNC Insurance includes:
- $100,000 for injuries or death of a person in each accident
- $25,000 for damage to or destruction of other parties’ property involved per accident
This policy is unique, as it has a higher limit for injuries than it does for property damage. Typically, you see the reverse of this with insurance companies. However, this means TNC insurance adjusters and their attorneys will fight to prevent paying a single dime of this money to individuals who deserve it.
Can you sue Uber for an accident?
If you’re wondering how to sue Uber for an accident, you’re not alone. The popular rideshare company, along with its competitors like Lyft, is notorious for making it difficult for accident victims to seek compensation. Rideshare companies offer different levels of liability coverage depending on ride periods, but this can work in your favor if you were a passenger of a logged trip.
Unfortunately, suing the individual company, such as Uber or Lyft, for your injuries is not really possible. Rideshare drivers are classified as independent contractors as opposed to employees, so the principle of vicarious liability (the responsibility of an employer for the acts of their employees) does not apply. Don’t let this information discourage you—our Dallas rideshare accident lawyers know the best ways to seek justice and compensation without suing the rideshare company directly.
How can a Dallas rideshare lawyer help me?
Our Dallas rideshare accident attorneys are known to leave no stone unturned when it comes to achieving optimal outcomes for our clients, even in the face of difficult circumstances. Your wellbeing is our first priority—we will help you get set up with the best possible, most convenient, and most accessible treatment in the DFW area. When we know you are safe and recovering, we can move on to more complex legal proceedings such as:
- Retrieving cell phone records of the driver to prove the driver’s Uber or Lyft app was turned on during the time of the crash
- Locating and obtaining testimonies from witnesses of the accident
- Tracking down the police report for the accident
- Investigating the accident and discovering facts the police report can’t determine
- Enlisting medical experts to testify on your behalf in case your case goes to trial
- Fighting for and retrieving the maximum compensation you are eligible for due to your accident
How to find the best Dallas Uber and Lyft accident lawyer
As you are now aware, taking on rideshare companies whose main aim in accidents is to shirk responsibility is no small feat. That’s why you need to trust the experts in the field—Angel Reyes & Associates. As one of the top car accident lawyers in Dallas, our team has extensive experience in the complexities of the law surrounding this particular area. Not only are we knowledgeable, but we are also extremely determined to do the best for our clients. Whether you were the driver or passenger in a rideshare accident, our lawyers will fight tooth and nail to seek justice for you.
