Austin Lyft Accident Lawyers

Name: Highly Recommend
Item: Thomas J. Henry Law
Rating: 5
Author: Pat B.

Serving Victims Injured in Lyft Accidents in
Austin and Surrounding Communities

512-520-0221 · info@tjhlaw.com 4401 West Gate Blvd Suite 200
Austin, TX 78745

Walk-ins welcome: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Attorneys On-Call 24/7

Lyft and other rideshare services offer passengers an accessible, convenient solution for navigating the Austin area. While most passengers have a safe rideshare experience, the risk of an accident is always present. If you suffer an injury because of the driver’s negligence, dealing with the insurance companies can cause confusion and frustration.

If you’re involved in a Lyft crash, it is essential to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your legal rights and help you pursue an appropriate payment. Thomas J. Henry Law can provide an experienced Austin Lyft accident attorney you can trust to support you throughout the process.

Lyft and Rideshare Companies’ Liability

Lyft has become a force in the rideshare industry since its founding in 2012 and developed a strong presence in and around the Austin area. While the company fills a vital public transportation need in the marketplace, its rapid growth has created various legal and regulatory issues.

Many Lyft passengers are unaware that the drivers transporting them are not company employees. Lyft hires them as independent contractors to minimize or avoid liability if an accident occurs. Lyft is required by Texas Law to provide Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage for incidents that happen while the driver is signed into the company’s app. The driver’s personal auto insurance applies to other situations.

The existence of two policies can sometimes complicate determining which insurance carrier is responsible for covering an injury claim. An Austin Lyft crash attorney can get to the bottom of the situation and help hold the appropriate party legally responsible.

Factors to Consider in Lyft Accident Lawsuits

Factors that your attorney will account for when handling your case include:

Distracted Driving

Driving while distracted can jeopardize a Lyft passenger’s safety. Drivers may check their phones to locate their next fare or text other passengers or the company. The slightest lapse of attention can cause an accident.

Potential Injuries

Injuries incurred by Lyft passengers can be severe. If the driver’s negligence causes a crash, the passenger can collect substantial medical bills and be unable to work. The passenger’s only recourse may be to seek compensation under the company’s or driver’s insurance policy.

Recoverable Damages

An injured passenger may be entitled to recover several types of damages with the help of an Austin Lyft accident lawyer:

Economic: Encompasses accident-related financial losses like medical expenses, lost income and property damage
Non-economic: Covers personal and emotional losses, such as pain and suffering and the loss of quality of life
Exemplary or punitive: Damages intended to punish the at-fault party for their negligent acts

Evidence

Collecting evidence is crucial when helping Austin Lyft accident lawyers build a case against a negligent driver and the company. Examples of essential information include the driver’s name, contact and insurance information, and the nature of your injuries. You should also get the contact information from potential witnesses at the scene.

Why Choose Thomas J. Henry Law?

As the largest personal injury firm in Texas, Thomas J. Henry Law has the resources and experience to protect your legal rights. Our team includes over 200 lawyers who are ready to seek compensation on your behalf. Our extensive knowledge of the rideshare laws can make a meaningful difference in attaining a successful outcome.

Because we are a contingency fee-based firm, you can have peace of mind knowing you won’t pay anything unless we attain compensation for you.

Contact Us for a Free Case Review

Do you have questions or need help with a rideshare accident situation? Our Austin Lyft accident lawyers are ready to assist you 24 hours a day.

Our Austin Personal Injury Law Offices

Phone Number: (512) 520-0221 (attorneys available 24/7, nights and weekends)
Address: 4401 West Gate Blvd Suite 200, Austin, TX 78745 (walk-in Monday through Friday)

Contact Us for a Free Case Review

512-520-0221

info@tjhlaw.com

Contact Us for a Free Case Review

512-520-0221
info@tjhlaw.com

Your Questions Answered

We have straight answers to difficult questions
to help you make critical decisions, navigate
legal process and help you get justice.

Following an accident, there are always more questions
than answers. At Thomas J. Henry, we’re here to answer
any questions you have about your injury case.

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.

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.

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

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.

If you are involved in a car crash as a passenger, you can pursue claims against any drivers involving, including the driver of the vehicle you were in. To determine who may be held liable for your injuries, call Thomas J. Henry Law today to speak with a licensed auto accident attorney in Corpus Christi.

Why Choose Us

No Win, No Fee

Thomas J. Henry offers a "No Fee Promise." We work on a contingency fee basis which means you do not pay our firm any fees unless and until we win your case. Learn more.

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