Getting an Uber or Lyft to travel in Houston is not an uncommon occurrence. Whether you need a ride to the airport, the doctor’s appointment, or simply a trip to the grocery store, calling an Uber is a convenient option.
However, getting into an Uber or Lyft vehicle means placing your safety in the hands of its driver. Often ridesharing companies only require drivers to have licenses and do not take more screening measures.
If your ridesharing vehicle gets into an accident in Houston, it can be difficult to navigate the next steps. Who is responsible for the damages? Who will pay for your medical bills or lost wages?
What you need is an experienced ridesharing accident lawyer to help you navigate your next steps. Our experts at Ivey Law Firm are here to explain what you should do if you get into a rideshare accident in Houston.
Who is Responsible For Ridesharing Accidents in Houston?
So who exactly is to blame? If you get into a ridesharing accident, your Uber/Lyft driver or the company itself will be held responsible. The exact determination will depend on the specifics of the accident.
If the driver is online with Uber or Lyft when the accident occurs, the company itself becomes responsible. If, however, the driver is not on the clock, then their own car insurance policy will be applied. It is also important to note that Uber and Lyft drivers are not actually employees of the companies; they are independent contractors. This status makes it very challenging to hold the company itself accountable for any negligence, though it is possible to recover damages through their liability insurance.
Sometimes it can be difficult to hold the company responsible for the driver’s actions. However, if there were red flags on the driver’s record that the company missed, this can be a sign they were negligent during hiring. This can make them liable directly and may be named in a lawsuit.
Is There a Texas Law For Ridesharing Companies?
According to Texas law, ridesharing companies such as Uber and Lyft and mandated to maintain certain amounts of insurance coverage for their drivers.
What Claims Can You Make After a Rideshare Accident?
A ridesharing accident is always unprecedented and frightening. Not to mention the damages, both present, and future that you are likely to incur. Some of these can be:
- Medical Bills
- Lost Wages
- Physical and Emotional Turmoil
Medical Bills
If you sustain injuries from a ridesharing accident you will most likely need to go to the hospital. This can lead to the accumulation of hefty hospital bills. Oftentimes, you may also require later treatment, not to mention the added cost of medicines.
You are within your rights to claim recovery for losses such as :
- Ambulance expense
- Emergency room care
- Any surgeries
- Prescribed medicines
- Follow up doctor appointments
- Ongoing therapy
An experienced attorney can help you calculate the medical costs of ongoing and future care. This can help you save money that you would have otherwise spent on long term care.
Lost Wages
A ridesharing accident may cause you to sustain physical injuries that make it difficult for you to work. In this case, you shouldn’t be the one responsible for your lost wages.
With the help of an experienced ridesharing attorney, you should make claims for any lost wages, sick leave pay, or reduced earning capacity.
Emotional Turmoil
A ridesharing accident can take a toll both on your physical and emotional health. You should not be made to suffer for the actions of others if you were not at fault. Gaining compensation for emotional turmoil is no less deserving than medical bills or lost wages. You should even be able to seek compensation for any loss in the quality of your life.
Contact a Rideshare Lawyer in Houston, TX Today!
If you’ve been injured after an accident involving an Uber or Lyft, we understand how complex this issue is and how to recover the damages you deserve. Schedule a free case consultation and evaluation with an attorney today by calling 888-335-0015 or filling out the form below.