Ridesharing services offer convenience to countless commuters—with a quick tap on the app, someone shows up at their location in a vehicle, ready to take them where they want to go. But despite its benefits, ridesharing has resulted in accidents, leading legislators to implement statewide regulations on ridesharing companies, according to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
If you or your loved one suffered harm from a ridesharing vehicle, you have the right to seek compensation from liable parties. Consider working with a Fort Worth ridesharing accident lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, when taking legal action against a negligent driver. Reach out by dialing (844) 730-0233 to speak about your case.
Ridesharing Vehicles Should Have Two Insurance Coverage
Ridesharing vehicles fall somewhere between private and commercial use, unlike taxis and livery services. When drivers associated with these companies are not available for rides, their cars are for private use and must have the standard personal auto insurance coverage. But once the vehicle is on standby, en route, or shuttling a passenger, the coverage usually shifts to a commercial policy.
The Insurance Information Institute (III) has recognized the gray area of coverage for transportation network companies (TNC), and the gap between personal and commercial use can have costly repercussions when accidents happen. Commercial insurance policies often carry higher limits than standard auto insurance because of a company’s liability to its customers, and ridesharing passengers are considered such.
Fortunately, ridesharing companies offer a viable solution to their affiliated drivers. Some companies maintain auto insurance policies from leading carriers to protect drivers and passengers in covered incidents during business use. They understand that personal insurance is not applicable for accidents while driving for a TNC, providing different liability insurance coverage for every period.
Collecting financial awards after a rideshare accident may be challenging, especially if the insurance company denies your claim. You can work with a Fort Worth ridesharing accident lawyer to guide you throughout the process.
For a free legal consultation with a ridesharing accidents lawyer serving Fort Worth, call (844) 730-0233
Proving Liability Is Crucial in Pursuing Claims
If you are hurt during a requested trip with the ridesharing vehicle, you are covered by the TNC’s primary liability policy up to its limits. You have to inform the ridesharing company’s insurer of the accident, regardless of who is at fault. You should also file an accident report with law enforcement to connect your injuries to the crash. As their passenger, the ridesharing driver is responsible for your safety on the road. They have a duty of care to you, and getting involved in an accident means they breached said duty. As such, they should be responsible for the resulting harm. However, the situation is different if you suffer injuries in a vehicle when it goes off the app during your ride.
Determining liability and which insurance carrier should pay for the damage could turn into a complicated legal issue. If an accident happens when the rideshare driver is offline, their personal auto policy kicks in. However, the insurance company may reject the claim. Insurers will argue that the driver was driving for profit and not for private use, often excluded from standard policy coverage.
You can hire a Fort Worth ridesharing accident lawyer from Ben Crump Law, PLLC when exploring your legal options in pursuing a personal injury claim.
Fort Worth Ridesharing Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Determining the Value of Your Accident Claim
Under Texas law, victims may receive full compensation for suffered injuries from those responsible for the incident. Sorting out liability is essential in determining who should pay for the economic and non-economic losses, such as the following:
- Medical expenses for accident-related injuries, including the cost of future treatments
- Lost wages
- Future income because of a reduced capacity to work
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Damages for disability, disfigurement, or loss of consortium
In estimating compensation for pain and suffering, the multiplier used depends on the injury’s severity, recovery period, and emotional distress experienced. Moreover, personal injury claims rely on the strength of one’s evidence, and the lack of it may lead to a reduced settlement offer.
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How an Accident Lawyer Can Help You
If you suffered injuries as a passenger of a ridesharing service, consider hiring a Fort Worth ridesharing accident lawyer. They can help you get compensation for your losses. An insurance company of a liable party may reject your claim by denying fault or offer a payout lower than what you are entitled to.
When you work with a legal professional, you no longer have to worry about your next steps—they can guide you from start to finish. They can investigate the matter to establish the viability of your personal injury claim. Based on the evidence they find, they can estimate what a fair settlement would look like.
The insurer will do one of two things—deny your claim or admit fault and agree to settle. Should the former happen, your lawyer may consider filing a lawsuit to demand compensation.
Keep in mind that filing a lawsuit is covered by the state’s statute of limitations. There is a two-year time limit in Texas, and the court may dismiss claims filed beyond the deadline unless there are exceptional circumstances present.
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Count on Us for Legal Support
At Ben Crump Law, PLLC, our team of professionals is ready to help those injured in a ridesharing vehicle. Whether you decide to pursue an insurance claim or proceed with litigation, a Fort Worth ridesharing accident lawyer can handle your case and provide representation.
To get started, call (844) 730-0233.
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