San Antonio Lyft Accident Lawyers
Serving Victims Injured in Lyft Accidents in Austin and Surrounding Communities
Are you a regular user of Lyft rideshare services in the San Antonio area? If you’re involved in an accident as a Lyft passenger, the outcome of the crash can become complicated, especially regarding insurance coverage. It might not be apparent whose coverage will apply to the accident — Lyft or the driver’s personal policy. This gray area could impact your ability to receive compensation for your injuries.
Contacting a knowledgeable Lyft accident attorney is crucial for protecting your rights. A lawyer who understands the rideshare service laws and regulations can help you navigate the complex legal landscape and increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Lyft and Rideshare Companies’ Liability
Since its founding in 2012, Lyft has grown to become one of the largest ridesharing services in the United States. Many passengers prefer the service as an alternative to taxis or other public transportation modes because it is often faster, more reliable and convenient.
While Lyft and other rideshare services have become increasingly popular, their rapid rise and lack of regulations create liability issues. Under Texas commercial auto insurance law, Lyft must maintain a comprehensive insurance policy that provides coverage during different stages of a ride, which is higher from the time a passenger accepts the ride until the dropoff occurs. Texas law also requires that Lyft provide Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage for its drivers. In general, Lyft’s insurance covers the driver and passengers whenever the driver is actively using the Lyft app.
On the other hand, Lyft drivers are responsible for any damages or injuries that occur when they are not logged into the app. When drivers cause an accident, they have to turn to their personal auto policy to cover a passenger’s injuries. Disputes between Lyft’s insurer and the driver’s personal insurer can arise, as each may attempt to avoid liability.
Factors to Consider in Lyft Accident Lawsuits
Many situations can impact Lyft passengers and possibly create liability issues. Some factors to weigh in a Lyft accident include:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one example of the many scenarios Lyft passengers can face. A driver attempting to navigate the app or not paying attention for other reasons can cause an accident, and they might be liable for the resulting property damage or injuries.
Potential Injuries
You probably don’t think about getting into an accident while riding in a Lyft vehicle. However, a wreck can occur even on short trips. An injury could prevent you from working and disrupt your life in other ways. You may need to pursue compensation from Lyft or the driver’s insurance coverage.
Recoverable Damages
There can be disputes under the liability portion of Lyft’s insurance coverage regarding the types of damages that are recoverable from an accident. A San Antonio Lyft accident lawyer can help ensure the policy is being interpreted correctly.
Evidence
Collecting evidence is crucial when pursuing a liability claim, especially one involving a San Antonio Lyft accident lawsuit. Enlisting the services of an experienced attorney can make a difference in the outcome of your case, as they can gather and present information that works in your favor.
Why Trust Thomas J. Henry Law?
Acting swiftly is essential if you’re in a Lyft accident in San Antonio. At Thomas J. Henry Law, we have extensive experience handling complex legal situations involving Lyft and other rideshare vehicles. Our team includes over 200 attorneys — we have the knowledge and resources to fully represent your legal rights.
You can enlist our legal services without risk. We work on a contingency fee, meaning you won’t owe us any legal fees unless we win your case.
Contact Us for a Free Case Review Today
Do you have questions regarding a rideshare-related accident or injury? A Thomas J. Henry Law San Antonio Lyft crash attorney has the answers. Take the next step and call us at 866-747-8731 for a free, no-obligation consultation 24 hours a day.
Our San Antonio Personal Injury Law Offices
- Phone number:210-874-2615 (attorneys available 24/7 to assist you)
- Address: 5711 University Heights Blvd #101, San Antonio, Texas 78249
Contact us for a free case review
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.
Can I Sue for a Car Accident if I Was a Passenger?
Yes. You can still sue if you were the passenger in a car accident – this includes the driver of the vehicle you were in as well as any other drivers that were involved in the crash. To determine who may be liable for your injuries, speak with a licensed Houston auto accident attorney at Thomas J. Henry Law.
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.
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.
Why
choose
us?
We help clients across the U.S. with all types of injury cases, including vehicle accidents, slip and falls, wrongful death, product recalls, pharmaceutical cases, mass tort, and more.
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.
If you’ve been hurt, you may have a damaged vehicle or be unable to work. We can help get you a rental car if your vehicle is damaged and even advance money on qualified cases.
We are committed to your complete recovery. We will work with you to ensure you receive the necessary medical treatment and support for your healing journey.
If you’ve been hurt, you may not be able to come into our offices to speak to an attorney. Don’t worry, we will come to you wherever you are – at home, work, or hospital.
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