Rideshare Accident Attorney: Who’s Liable in an Accident?
Rideshares such as Uber and Lyft have become a common method of transportation for millions across the world, Texas is no different. However, what happens when you are involved in a rideshare accident, who is liable? Uber and Lyft will try to deny liability and place the blame on their driver and the driver will argue that the rideshare company should pay for damages.
Meanwhile, you will be in the middle wondering if you will ever obtain compensation for your injuries. Do not try to argue with the insurance and rideshare company on your own, instead contact a rideshare accident attorney from Thomas J. Henry to help with your claim.
State Requirements
Texas requires that all rideshare drivers be covered by a 50/100/25 policy. This breaks down to $50,000 for bodily injury or death of each person involved, $100,000 for bodily injury or death of a person per incident, and $25,000 for damage or destruction of property.
Drivers are required to inform their insurance company that they are in fact driving for a rideshare company to ensure these limits are met. Rideshare companies are also required to provide additional coverage up to $1 million. A rideshare accident attorney can assist accident victims in obtaining compensation under these coverage policies.
Determining Liability For Passengers and Other Drivers
Determining liability may seem like an easy task but any rideshare accident attorney can tell you that this is the most tedious and difficult part of rideshare claims. The most important thing to determine after an accident is who the at-fault party is. Whether this is the other driver or the driver of your car. This is typically determined by the responding police officer who will investigate the scene and take witness statements.
Determining Liability for Drivers
Rideshare companies will do anything in their power to avoid accepting liability when an accident occurs. This includes adding loopholes and ridiculous stipulations for their drivers to seek compensation. One of the most common stipulations is whether the driver was engaged in a ride during the accident.
If a driver has accepted a ride or currently has a rider in the vehicle they can be covered under the $1 million coverage policy. However, if they have the app on and are waiting for their next ride coverage and liability changes. The rideshare company may try to get you to go through your insurance instead of using their coverage. Do not let this happen, contact a rideshare accident attorney immediately following an accident.
Rideshare Coverages
Some coverage limits to keep in mind when engaged in a ride are:
- $1 Million coverage for damages caused by the driver
- $1 Million coverage for under/uninsured motorist who caused damages
- Supplemental coverage for comprehensive and collision policies
Seek Legal Counsel from Thomas J. Henry Today
Uber and Lyft have their own additional individual coverages to consider as well. With over 25 years of experience, Thomas J Henry can help get the compensation you deserve. Determining liability and obtaining compensation after a rideshare accident can be an uphill battle which is why you need to contact the rideshare accident attorney Thomas J. Henry at 866-517-5659.
