If you or someone you love has been injured in a rideshare accident in Kerrville, you may be eligible for financial compensation. An experienced Kerrville rideshare accident attorney can take over your claim and pursue maximum compensation by holding Uber, Lyft or another responsible party accountable. Car accident victims in Texas have trusted Attorney Justin Hill with their cases for over a decade. Contact The Hill Law Firm today at (210) 960-3939 for a free consultation about your case.
Kerrville Rideshare Accident Resources
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Why Hire Our Kerrville Attorney?
The Three Phases of Rideshare Programs
Uber & Lyft Insurance Policy Coverage
Determining Liability
Potential Compensation
Next Steps After a Rideshare Accident
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Why Hire Our Experienced Kerrville Rideshare Accident Attorney?
- Our team of experienced automobile accident attorneys has recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts on behalf of our clients. We have a long track record of success.
- We can handle even the most complex rideshare accident cases. Our Kerrville personal injury law firm is capable of challenging major corporations, including Uber and Lyft, and their aggressive legal teams.
- We accept rideshare accident cases in Kerrville on a contingency fee basis. This means you will only pay us a fee for our services if we win your case.
What Are the Three Phases of Rideshare Programs?
Rideshare accidents are unique compared to traditional car accident cases in Kerrville. Rather than only having a driver’s personal automobile insurance policy available for coverage, the rideshare company may also have insurance you can access. The two largest rideshare companies, Uber and Lyft, both have insurance policies that offer different levels of coverage depending on the phase of the ride.
There are three rideshare phases:
- Phase 1: the driver is not logged into the rideshare app and is driving for personal reasons only (not for work). In this phase, the rideshare company will not be held liable. The car accident claim will be against the individual driver’s insurance policy.
- Phase 2: the driver is logged into the rideshare app and is waiting for a rider. In this phase, Uber and Lyft both offer up to $50,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person, $100,000 per accident and $25,000 in property damage liability coverage.
- Phase 3: the driver has received a ride request and is either en route to pick up a rider or on a trip with a rider in the vehicle. Uber and Lyft offer up to $1 million in third-party liability insurance in this phase, as well as uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance and contingent comprehensive and collision insurance.
These insurance amounts also apply to delivery people working for Uber Eats. While the question of whether or not you qualify for coverage under a rideshare company’s insurance policy seems straightforward, in reality, it is not. Many crash victims struggle to obtain fair compensation for their injuries and losses from Uber and Lyft. This is why hiring an attorney can be invaluable.
What Do Uber & Lyft Insurance Policies Cover?
In most rideshare accident cases, there are two levels of coverage: the individual Uber or Lyft driver’s personal policy and insurance provided by the rideshare company. Liability coverage from either of these could pay for your past and future necessary medical expenses, as well as the cost to repair motor vehicle damage or replace a totaled car.
If third-party liability insurance does not offer enough to cover your losses, your own car insurance company may provide supplemental coverage. An attorney can also help you search for potential sources of third-party insurance coverage, such as a vehicle manufacturer or the government. The specific types and amounts of coverage that are available to you as an Uber or Lyft accident victim in Kerrville depends on the case.
Determining Liability After a Texas Rideshare Accident
Rideshare is a convenient and cost-effective way to get around, with rides available at the push of a button. However, rideshare companies have been at the center of controversy since the advent of this industry. Unlike traditional taxi companies, rideshare companies classify their drivers as contractors rather than employees. This distinction allows rideshare companies to avoid vicarious liability for the negligence of their drivers.
In addition, Uber and Lyft only background-check the prior seven years of a new driver’s history. This can lead to drivers with criminal convictions for reckless and dangerous driving habits – such as drunk driving – being allowed to pick up riders. If a rideshare company is negligent, or fails to use proper care, in ensuring reasonably safe rides for passengers, the company could be held directly liable for its mistakes.
In most rideshare accident cases in Texas, however, holding the company directly liable is not an option. Instead, claims are brought against the individual driver or Uber or Lyft’s insurance policies in covered phases. If someone outside of the rideshare vehicle is responsible for causing the crash, victims can also seek coverage from this party’s insurance provider.
Potential Compensation After a Rideshare Accident
Being injured in a rideshare car accident in Kerrville could entitle you to financial compensation for numerous economic and noneconomic damages. This refers to the monetary losses that you endured as well as your pain and suffering.
While the specific damages available to you cannot be determined without consulting a lawyer, the following are general damages involved in rideshare accident claims:
- Medical costs
- Therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Loss of future capacity to earn
- Disability
- Property damage
- Physical pain
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Death benefits, in a Kerrville wrongful death lawsuit
It is important to consult with an attorney about the potential value of your rideshare accident claim before you accept a fast settlement from an insurance company.
Steps to Follow After a Rideshare Accident
- Check yourself and others for injuries.
- Call 911 right away to report the crash.
- Get medical care immediately for your injuries.
- Exchange information with your rideshare driver and others involved in the accident.
- Take a screenshot of your ride information in the Uber or Lyft app.
- Take photographs while you are still at the scene of the crash.
- Write down your police report number.
- Report the car accident to the rideshare company.
- Collect copies of your medical bills and police report.
- Contact a rideshare accident lawyer before settling your claim.
Speak to Our Kerrville Rideshare Accident Lawyer Today
The attorneys at The Hill Law Firm are here for you after a harmful rideshare accident in Kerrville, Texas or the surrounding area. Our attorneys have been litigating these cases since the very beginning of the rideshare industry. Find out how we can help you during a free case consultation. Contact us online or call (210) 960-3939 today to speak to an attorney.