Ridesharing is a common way for people to travel for business and social activities alike. The number of ridesharing companies continues to increase throughout the United States, and established ridesharing companies such as Uber and Lyft continue to gain popularity. Unfortunately, accidents can occur in ridesharing vehicles the same way they could in any other vehicle.
However, the way that victims of ridesharing accidents receive compensation for their injuries, damages, and losses remain significantly different than that of typical passenger accidents in which there are two motorists. If you have suffered any injuries or losses related to an accident as a ridesharing passenger, consider how a Houston ridesharing accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights. Get in touch with our team by contacting Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (844) 730-0233.
Ridesharing Vehicle Accidents
In some cases, if you are a passenger in a ridesharing vehicle that collides with another vehicle it may proceed similarly to any other accident. If an investigation into the accident determines that the entire accident was the result of the other driver’s negligence, then we will file a claim against that driver’s insurance company and work to receive a fair and just settlement for your injuries and losses.
However, if your accident was the fault of your ridesharing driver, then you may have more challenges regarding who to file a claim against for your ridesharing accident. Still, our team will strive to help you receive compensation for your damages.
Potential types of compensation include economic and noneconomic damages. In Texas, economic damages can include expenses like medical bills for surgery or physical therapy. Noneconomic damages can cover pain and suffering, disfigurement, and loss of consortium.
For a free legal consultation with a ridesharing accidents lawyer serving Houston, call (844) 730-0233
Ridesharing Company Liability
If an investigation determines that your ridesharing driver was in any way negligent and responsible in part or in total for the accident, you will have a few different options for attempting to receive compensation for your injuries and losses.
File a Claim Against the Ridesharing Company
In some cases, different ridesharing companies actually have their drivers use company-issued vehicle insurance, such as the case with Uber’s insurance company. In other cases, the ridesharing company may have negligently hired a driver who did not have a valid driver’s license or previously had several convictions for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
If a victim can prove that the ridesharing company negligently hired the driver, then the ridesharing company may be responsible for the actions of the employee under a legal doctrine known as respondeat superior.
File a Claim Against the Driver
You have the legal right to also file a claim against the driver of your ridesharing vehicle if the investigation determines that they were at fault for the accident. In these cases, you will need to obtain the insurance information of the driver and then contact the insurance company and negotiate with them regarding a fair settlement for your injuries and losses.
In some cases, you may have the legal right to file a claim against both the ridesharing company and the driver. These cases can often prove legally challenging and complex.
If you suffered any injuries or losses as a result of a ridesharing accident, you may feel confused regarding who you have a legal right to bring a claim against and how you can receive compensation for your injuries, damages, or losses. Consider hiring a Houston ridesharing accident lawyer by contacting our legal team for a free consultation at Ben Crump Law, PLLC to help you understand your legal rights.
Houston Ridesharing Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
The Statute of Limitations and Your Ridesharing Accident
If you cannot agree on a settlement with the insurance company, you or your lawyer can file a civil suit to pursue damages. However, if this is the path you take, you need to make sure you file your suit within the state’s statute of limitations.
Per Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, you must act on your personal injury case within two years. If you miss this deadline, you may lose the opportunity to receive payment for your accident expenses.
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Possible Connection Between Ridesharing and Increased Fatalities
While the actual number of rideshare accidents of each ridesharing company is not revealed, the Becker Friedman Institute for Economics research indicates that since the inception of ridesharing in the United States in 2011, car accident fatalities increased by 3% annually.
While it is true that drunk driving accident fatalities continue to decrease (likely from increased ridesharing so that drivers do not operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol), ridesharing companies have essentially placed more vehicles on the roadways resulting in more statistical chances of accidents occurring overall. Ultimately, the more vehicles on the roadways mean that there is a greater chance of accidents occurring overall.
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Consider How a Houston Ridesharing Accident Lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC Can Help You
If you suffered injuries, damages, or losses as a result of a ridesharing accident, you may have medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. You may feel unsure which parties have a legal liability to compensate you for your injuries and losses. Consider meeting with our legal team for a free consultation at Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (844) 730-0233. Our legal team can help you understand how we can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and help you file a claim against the appropriate parties.
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