Who Is Potentially Liable for Your Injuries? What Should You Do to Protect Your Rights?
Did you know that rideshare accidents go up during the holidays in Texas? That’s due, in part, to the fact that there are many more people on the roads, but there are other factors that contribute to the increase in Uber and Lyft accidents. There tends to be a higher demand for rideshares during the holidays and there’s also a greater incidence of impaired driving.
Who Should You File a Claim against after a Texas Rideshare Accident?
According to data collected by the National Safety Council, motor vehicle accidents of all types commonly increase during the holidays, including crashes involving rideshare operators. In addition to increased demand and increased impairment rates, other factors include inclement weather and shorter days, with a greater percentage of fares occurring after dark.
In Texas, which follows an at-fault approach for liability in motor vehicle accidents, an injured person typically files a legal claim against the at-fault driver and/or his insurance provider. When you have been hurt because of the carelessness or negligence of a rideshare operator, whether your claim is against the operator’s insurer or the rideshare company’s insurer typically depends on the circumstances:
- If the driver was not logged in at the time of the accident, his or her personal auto insurance policy will apply
- When the driver is logged in, but has not accepted a ride, Texas law mandates that the rideshare companies provide coverage up to $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident and $25,000 for property damage
- If the driver was logged in and had a passenger on a paid fare, the rideshare company must provide up to $1 million in liability insurance
If the accident is caused by another driver, any recovery must be pursued from that person’s insurer.
What Should You Do in the Immediate Aftermath of a Rideshare Accident?
Before you do anything else, do an assessment of your injuries and seek appropriate medical care. Be willing to travel to the hospital in an ambulance, if necessary. If you can walk away from the accident, you should still visit a local ER, urgent care facility or medical practice as soon as possible.
While you are still at the scene of the accident (if possible), gather information. That includes names and contact information for witnesses, as well as other parties. Take pictures (with your phone, if necessary) of anything relevant to the crash.
Contact an experience attorney at your earliest convenience, so that your rights are fully protected.
Let Attorney Michael R. De La Paz Protect Your Rights When You Have Been Hurt in a Texas Car Accident
At the Law Office of Michael R. De La Paz, we have more than 26 years of experience protecting the rights of personal injury victims in Harlingen, McAllen, Brownsville and Houston, across Texas and nationwide. We have a comprehensive understanding of the types of injuries commonly suffered in any type of motor vehicle accident, and know how to effectively present your case to a judge and jury, if necessary. We will use our considerable experience, skill, knowledge and resources to help you get the outcome you want. Free call, text or chat, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Handling Motor Vehicle Accident Lawsuits Nationwide, Including, But Not Limited to Texas, Florida, New Mexico, Illinois and Oklahoma