Rowlett Ridesharing Accident Lawyer
Ridesharing is a ubiquitous presence throughout the United States. Companies like Uber and Lyft are present in every city, including Rowlett. While we often rely on rideshare to get us home safely after a night of fun or to quickly get around when our cars are in the shop, rideshare drivers are not immune to accidents.
A Rowlett ridesharing accident lawyer can assist you if you get into an accident. Rideshare drivers are human and can be prone to negligent errors that can put you into a tough spot physically, emotionally, and financially. Do not delay, and get help so you do not have to cover the damages someone else is responsible for.
Our Rowlett car accident lawyers ready and willing to help you. We will guide you through all of the legal processes, help you collect evidence, and fight on your behalf in court. You can rest easy knowing that one of our experienced lawyers has your back. Contact us for a free consultation at (469) 998-4069.
How Insurance Coverage Works in Ridesharing Accidents
It is more complex to find out who is responsible for covering your damages regarding ridesharing accidents. This complexity mainly stems from the fact that there are two or more different parties involved in the accident when it occurs. Every situation is different, but in general, it will be either the ridesharing company or the driver will be held liable for damages.
If the ridesharing driver is not on the clock and uses their vehicle for personal reasons, the driver’s insurance will apply. The ridesharing company’s insurance will not be held responsible for any costs.
If the ridesharing driver is on the clock and accepts rides but has not accepted a passenger, the driver’s insurance will still apply. However, since the driver was on the clock, the ridesharing company may be obligated to provide some coverage.
Suppose the ridesharing driver is on the clock and is on the way to pick up a passenger or has a passenger inside already. In that case, the ridesharing company’s insurance will provide coverage. There are some exceptions, but generally, the company’s insurance gives coverage.
Coverage from the ridesharing company’s insurance can potentially be up to $1,000,000 in the event of an accident. It may seem like you have hit the jackpot, but the truth is many insurance companies will often fight to keep their bottom line intact. Rarely do large settlements get given out, and when they do, people fight very hard to win them. A Rowlett ridesharing accident lawyer can negotiate and fight for a settlement that properly reflects the damages inflicted on you.
Why Ridesharing Accidents Happen
A recent study done by researchers at Rice University and the University of Chicago showed a 2% to 3% increase in fatal motor vehicle accidents throughout the United States due to the advent of ridesharing. This research is not trying to say that ridesharing is a bad thing. Many people use ridesharing apps to conveniently get around and have a safe transportation method when drinking responsibly. Despite the many benefits, it is essential to remember that ridesharing drivers can make mistakes and are not immune to accidents.
A ridesharing driver can cause an accident by doing one or more of the following:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Disobeying traffic laws
- Aggressively driving
- Poor maintenance of their vehicle
- Driving while high or intoxicated
Ridesharing drivers are prone to distracted driving due to the plugged-in nature of their job. Many ridesharing companies require their drivers to sign-in on the app, use it frequently for GPS, accept other rides on it, take potential passenger texts or calls, and log their hours. These notifications and updates can cause many distractions that keep the driver’s attention away from the road, which is dangerous.
Sometimes external factors such as poor road maintenance or vehicle defects from manufacturer errors can happen as well. There can be a lot of parties involved in a ridesharing accident. It is important to distinguish each one and know who will be ultimately responsible for the accident.
Types of Compensation You Can Receive
There are two types of compensation you can receive from your claim, economic and non-economic. Economic damages include:
- Medical costs
- Prescription medicines
- Vehicle repair
- Property damage
- Lost earning capacity
- Lost wages
These economic damages are financial expenses with clear dollar amounts you have incurred as a direct result of the ridesharing accident. Be sure to hold onto medical records receipts, bills, and invoices so that you get reimbursed for everything.
Non-economic damages are damages that do not have a clear dollar amount attached to them. Some examples include:
- PTSD, anxiety, or other forms of mental anguish
- Physical pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
These damages resulting from the ridesharing accident should get their value determined by an experienced lawyer. You should seek expert advice to help assess all of your damages, both economic and non-economic, so you can get the correct amount of compensation.
Get in Touch with a Rowlett Ridesharing Accident Lawyer
There is a statute of limitations of two years before your case can no longer be fought. Do not let insurance companies get away with not giving you the compensation you are owed. Whether you were injured as a passenger or as another driver, reach out to a lawyer today.
Our Rowlett car accident lawyers know the ins and outs of the laws for ridesharing accidents at the federal, state, and local levels. With years of experience to our name, we have helped hundreds of clients get the rightful compensation they are entitled to. Our goal is to be transparent, honest, upfront, and hardworking for your case. Contact us for a risk-free no-strings consultation at (469) 998-4069.
