For more than a decade, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have reshaped transportation by providing the public with an easy and convenient way to travel from place to place. Whether they are traveling within their home cities or are traveling for work or leisure, rideshares have become popular and have provided an alternative to taxi services. However, in the event of a rideshare accident, the convenience of this service quickly vanishes, and you may need an Austin rideshare accident lawyer.
Rideshare accident cases are often complex, and Butler Injury Law is prepared to help you gain clarity on who is at fault and who to file your claim with. Our firm does not rest until we have gotten you the answers you seek and have secured you the results you need. With the help of an Austin car accident lawyer, you can focus on healing while they handle the negotiations on your behalf.
Determining Liability in Rideshare Accidents Can be Complex
On the surface, rideshare accidents often look like any other accident. Upon closer inspection, though, they look quite different when you are trying to secure compensation for the injuries you have sustained. Liability can be much harder to pinpoint, and therefore it can be more challenging to determine who to file your claim with.
Rideshare accidents often depend on who caused the accident and the status of the driver at the time of the accident. There are many variables, and the best way to make sense and get to the bottom of the events is to work with rideshare accident attorneys in Austin. They understand how to navigate the complexities that may be involved with your case.
Whether you are a passenger or a driver of a rideshare vehicle, you have unique needs following an accident, and different considerations may also apply. Regardless of which category you fall into, Uber and Lyft both provide the means to report the accident as a driver, rider, or third party. However, it is best to consult with a rideshare accident lawyer in Austin first to determine whether your claim should be filed with the rideshare company or another party’s insurance.
Driver Status and Liability in a Rideshare Accident
The status of a rideshare driver can impact liability in a rideshare accident case. This, in turn, impacts which insurance company covers the damages that have been caused by the collision. If drivers are not active and online when the accident occurs, their personal insurance policy covers losses. On the other hand, if a driver is engaged in an active ride, the rideshare company’s insurance will most likely pay for damages.
Additionally, in situations where a driver is online but has not accepted a ride, coverage could be a combination of the driver’s personal insurance and that of the rideshare company’s insurance. If unsure who to file with, contact a, Austin personal injury lawyer before making a claim.
Potential Rideshare Accident Injuries
Rideshare accidents hold the same potential for injuries as any other vehicle accident. Depending on the level of impact and severity of a collision, rideshare accidents can result in a wide range of injuries and affect occupants to varying degrees.
Some common injuries that could be sustained include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash
- Lacerations and bruising
- Broken bones
- Muscle sprains and strains
- Head, neck, and spine injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Nerve and tissue damage
- Disability
- Catastrophic injuries
- Wrongful death
Medical attention should be your first priority after an accident. Untreated injuries could be life-threatening or significantly set you back in recovery time. Failing to seek medical attention could also be a reason for insurance companies to deny your claim.
Actions You Should Take After a Rideshare Accident
Rideshare accidents can be confusing, given all the variables and layers of liability involved. In the aftermath of a rideshare accident, it can be difficult to think clearly, but what you do in these moments can have serious ramifications for the outcome of your case.
Follow the steps below to ensure your safety, make the claim process easier, and avoid delays in receiving your compensation.
Call for Help
It can be difficult to truly know the extent of the damages and injuries you and other motorists have sustained immediately after an accident. You are likely dealing with the effects of shock at this time as well. As such, it is important to call 911 and request that first responders and local law enforcement officials come out to the scene — even if the accident or your injuries seem minor.
You should always receive medical attention right afterward and get treatment for your condition, and to ensure you do not have more severe injuries going on beneath the surface.
Request a Police Report
It is important to have officials review the scene and document the condition of the vehicles and each party involved. You should ask them to file a police report, as this ensures there is an official record of the event on file. They will make note of all evidence, contributing factors, people involved, and other detailed information relevant to the accident. They will also include photos, statements, and diagrams to clearly illustrate what transpired.
You should also obtain a copy for your records, as insurance companies, the rideshare company, and a lawyer may want to review it when you go to file a claim.
Exchange Information With Other Parties
All parties involved in a car accident are legally required to exchange information after a collision, as outlined in Texas Transportation Code § 550.023. Each party must provide their name, address, license plate number, and name of the insurance company. Individuals must also be prepared to show their driver’s license upon request. This information will be needed when you go to file a claim with the applicable party’s insurance company.
Take Photos and Gather Evidence
Having ample evidence is important for supporting your claim and building a case against the party responsible for causing the accident. While police make note of and include evidence in their report, it is also good to collect your own as well. Taking photos and videos allows you to have personal evidence that is readily available as you need it.
You may happen to get a photo of the accident from an angle not included in the report or take a picture of an injury that developed after the report was filed. Additionally, if you are able to talk with witnesses after the accident, their statements can also be used as a form of evidence in your case.
Hire rideshare accident lawyers in Austin
Once the immediate logistics are resolved after the accident, you should find a lawyer before you proceed any further. Legal representation can be highly beneficial for everything that comes next in the process of resolving your claim.
Given the complexities of rideshare accidents, having an experienced lawyer on your side can help you sift through the many layers of liability to determine who is responsible for paying for your injuries and damages. They can also talk to the rideshare company, insurance companies, and responsible parties on your behalf. With legal help, you can be confident that nothing will be said or done that could hurt your claim.
Contact the Insurance Company
Car accident victims typically file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to recover their losses. However, in rideshare accidents, the logistics of that can quickly become unclear. Depending on the situation, your claim could be filed with an individual’s insurance company or could be covered under the rideshare company’s liability insurance.
Once the at-fault party has been identified, you can proceed with the claim process to receive compensation. Allow a lawyer to review any offers you receive and negotiate on your behalf. Also, do not forget to notify your insurance company so they are aware of the accident and the claim you have filed with the other driver’s insurance company.
Compensation Can Ease the Burden of Your Losses
Recovering compensation is essential when you have been injured in an accident. It can mean the difference between an overwhelming financial burden and being able to have the peace of mind that you have the support you need to move forward.
Vehicle accidents can take a lot from you, and compensation is designed to make you as whole as possible again. The losses you can claim are dependent on your unique situation, but you may be entitled to claim a couple of types of damages, which could include the ones below:
- Economic damages: Provides for your tangible and financial losses and often covers your various medical expenses, lost earnings from being unable to work, and/or damage to your vehicle if you were not a rideshare passenger in the accident.
- Non-economic damages: Provides for your intangible losses brought about by the trauma you experienced. These often cover your emotional and mental anguish, pain and suffering, reduction in quality of life, lost enjoyment, companionship, or consortium.
- Punitive damages: Often reserved for situations where gross negligence caused you extreme harm. The at-fault driver may be required to pay you punitive damages to cover your increased losses.
Settlements for rideshare accidents can vary depending on the specific details of your case. The severity of your injuries and the value of all of your losses combined can all impact the final amount of your compensation. To accurately evaluate the cost of your injuries, it is best to talk with an Austin rideshare accident attorney.
They can provide valuable insight into what damages you can claim in your case and an estimate of what you can reasonably receive for your losses.
Do Not Wait Long to Seek Damages
While the thought of legal action may sound overwhelming right after an accident, waiting too long to seek damages can actually prevent you from claiming compensation. According to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 16, the statute of limitations on injury claims is capped at two years. You could be barred from recovery if you wait until after this date to try to file a claim.
Consulting with a lawyer soon after your accident can ensure you have not surpassed the allotted time frame. You can also reap the benefits of a stronger case and better outcome the sooner you take action.
How Austin Rideshare Accident Lawyers Resolve Your Case
Austin rideshare accident attorneys support you when you need a swift resolution and maximum compensation. They understand that your needs are time-sensitive, and they act to minimize delays so you can get the resources you need to get your life back on track.
To provide you with the best service possible, they will take the time to build a rapport with you and develop a relationship of trust. You can be confident that they have your best interests in mind and are committed to protecting you, your well-being, and your rights throughout the process.
When you hire a lawyer, you can expect them to review your case in great detail to understand what factors apply, what the extent of your losses are, and how much compensation you need to recover. As they investigate the accident and gather evidence, they will build a strong case designed to get you the maximum amount of compensation possible. To do this, they will establish the other party’s negligence by demonstrating that they caused you harm by failing to take the necessary precautions to avoid causing you injury. They are then responsible for your losses.
Butler Injury Law Secures Results and Helps You Recover
Butler Injury Law is committed to advocating for you when you are dealing with the aftermath of a rideshare accident. We navigate liability issues and provide counsel on the most effective way to proceed based on the specifics of your case. Our firm fights to protect your rights and get you maximum compensation so you can reclaim your life.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with a rideshare accident attorney in Austin, and let us help you get the results you need.
