Go back

Help & Information

We have straight answers to difficult questions to help you navigate legal process and secure financial compensation.

At Thomas J. Henry Law, we want to ensure all injured victims are informed and knowledgeable about their rights. The legal process can be complicated, confusing, and overwhelming, especially when you are also dealing with the aftermath of an accident or injury.

Thomas J. Henry Law has prepared the following Infographics, FAQs, Videos, and Personal Injury Legal Guides to assist you on your road to recovery. If you wish to speak directly with an attorney, contact our offices now for a FREE Case Consultation – we are available 24/7, nights and weekends.


Your questions answered

Who Can Be Held Liable for Accidents Involving Lyft Vehicles?

Ridesharing companies have worked pretty hard to distance themselves from their drivers, at least in terms of legal responsibility. Lyft, for example, has fought against litigation that would give its drivers’ employment status under the law. Instead, Lyft has pushed to keep its drivers listed as independent contractors in order to limit the company’s liability for any negligence displayed by their drivers.

When confronted with litigation, rideshare providers like Lyft will attempt to claim they only facilitate fares and are not responsible for their driver’s actions. It is then up to the plaintiff’s attorneys to prove the company’s liability.

What Are the Requirements for Being a Lyft Driver?

Typically, all a person needs to become a Lyft driver is an active driver’s license and proof of insurance.

Lyft is not as heavily regulated as traditional taxi services, and Lyft drivers are not expected to complete a certified licensing program. After meeting a few company-based requirements, drivers are free to transport clients without any additional training, on-boarding, or experience

Initially, this resulted in many of these services being banned as unlicensed taxi companies. However, bans have since been lifted, leaving the companies free to operate.

What Is a Ridesharing Service?

In broad terms, a ridesharing service is any service that provides one-time shared rides through the use of GPS navigation, a social network, or an app. Similar to carpooling, ridesharing services like Lyft utilizes empty seats in a passenger vehicle to provide a ride to those seeking one; however, unlike carpooling, ridesharing services are generally set up on short notice, are provided by drivers with no prior connection to the passenger, and are for profit.

Among the leading ridesharing services are:

  • Lyft
  • Uber
  • Sidecar
  • Wingz
  • Fasten
  • Ride Austin
What if the Driver Who Caused My Accident Had an Expired Commercial Driver’s License?

In order to operate a commercial vehicle in Texas, a driver is required to obtain and maintain proper licensing as well as adhere to strict federal and state guidelines. If the commercial driver that caused your accident is not licensed or has allowed their license to expire, they should not have been on the road and your wreck should have never occurred.

If the driver in your commercial vehicle accident was not licensed or allowed their license to expire, you may also have a case against that driver’s employer. Trucking companies are generally responsible for the actions of their employees when their employees are acting as agents for the company. This includes verifying that their employees have proper licensing and certifications.

Employers may also be held liable for:

  • Negligent supervision
  • Negligent hiring practices
  • Failure to properly train drivers
  • Failure to maintain vehicle

Regardless of who we decide to sue, our experienced team of injury lawyers understands how large companies and corporations operate when an employee is involved in a serious automobile accident.

Contact us for a free case review

Home Page Form
Consent

Loading...
Do you really want to end conversation?
chat-icon Live chat
avatar Waiting