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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 Uber Vehicles?

Rideshare companies have gone to great lengths in order to distance themselves from legal responsibility. Uber, for example, does not consider their drivers employees and instead lists them as independent contractors.

When confronted with litigation, parent companies like Uber 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 Uber Driver?

The short answer: only a driver’s license.

Unlike taxi services which are heavily regulated, there are no certified licensing programs for rideshare drivers. All a driver needs is a valid driver’s license and auto insurance. After meeting a few other company-based requirements, drivers are free to transport clients with no additional training 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 Are Ridesharing Services?

A ridesharing service is a service that arranges one-time shared rides through the use of GPS navigation devices, smartphones, and social networks.

Similar to carpooling, ridesharing services like Uber utilize empty seats in passenger vehicles to provide transportation to those without access to a vehicle or who may not be in a condition to drive. Unlike carpooling, these services are often set up on short notice and are done for the sole purpose of profit.

Among the leading ridesharing services are:

  • Uber
  • Lyft
  • Sidecar
  • Wingz
  • Fasten
  • Ride Austin
How Does Lyft Insure Their Vehicles?

Insurance policies will vary by company; however, all rideshare drivers are required to have their own insurance in order to be eligible to work for a ridesharing company. In addition to the driver’s insurance, Lyft carries up to $1 million of liability company insurance. However, this coverage is only in effect when at certain times:

Lyft App is OFF: Only the driver’s personal insurance is in effect.
App is ON and Driver is “Available”: In addition to driver’s insurance, Lyft’s contingent liability coverage can now be accessed. This includes up to $100,000 for injuries.
Driver is on Lyft Trip: Company’s full commercial insurance coverage is in effect. This includes $1 million in third-party liability and $1 million in uninsured and underinsured coverage.

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