According to science.com, the boom in ridesharing services over the past few years have resulted in an increase in traffic deaths. The study quoted found that the arrival of rideshare services was associated with a 2-3 percent increase in car accident fatalities. However, the study was small and didn’t take into account the increase in the number of all vehicles on the roadways each year. (The ridesharing companies definitely took issue with these findings). This increases the need for a Fort Worth rideshare accident lawyer.
In fact, rideshare services have changed the landscape of how we get from one place to another. Those who want to enjoy a night out with friends can now use their Uber app and have no worries about being stopped for impaired driving. Those who would rather stay home than find a parking place in a crowded venue can simply tap the Lyft app on their phone. But what happens if your Uber or Lyft driver does have an accident, leaving you injured? Whose insurance do you notify? Will you be left out in the cold as far as recouping your damages?
If you have been involved in a rideshare accident, it is important to contact a Fort Worth rideshare accident lawyer as quickly as possible. Each state has different laws regarding rideshare accidents, and who you sue for damages will depend on whether your rideshare vehicle was hit by a negligent driver, whether your driver was negligent (and has appropriate insurance), and how much the amount of your damage is.
It can be quite complex to determine who is at fault and who should pay for your damages. Sometimes it can be more than one person or entity who is responsible for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Having a legal advocate from Noteboom—The Law Firm in a Fort Worth rideshare accident lawyer can make a significant difference in how your rideshare claim is resolved.
In the event of an accident that is not covered by your driver’s insurance, the other driver’s insurance, or in a case where the damages far exceed those insurance coverages, Uber will cover bodily injuries caused to the riders up to $1,000,000.
Lyft also has third-party auto liability up to $1,000,000 for those injured in a Lyft accident when the other driver or the Lyft driver’s insurance doesn’t pay or doesn’t pay the entire amount of the damages.
Generally speaking, you will either file a claim against your own driver’s insurance, the other driver’s insurance, or possibly with your Uber or Lyft driver’s insurance. The circumstances of your accident will dictate which insurance company you will file your claim with. As with any claim, if the insurance company refuses to pay what your claim is worth, your attorney can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver or Uber or Lyft.
Your attorney can accurately calculate your damages to determine what your settlement needs to be to fully cover all your damages. You may be able to file against Uber or Lyft right away if your driver was “on the clock” at the time of your accident. There are many variables associated with a Fort Worth rideshare accident. If the Uber or Lyft driver was at fault and on the clock, your attorney may first file a claim against the driver’s insurance, then possibly Uber or Lyft as well.
If the Uber or Lyft driver had not activated the app when the accident occurred, then the insurance limits of each company would be far lower. In the event that your injuries are catastrophic, they could potentially exceed even the $1,000,000 carried by Uber and Lyft. If this is the case, it would probably not be helpful to file a lawsuit against the rideshare driver or the other driver. Few people have assets worth more than a million dollars, especially rideshare drivers who are often using the job as extra income to make ends meet.
It can be very difficult to determine who you need to file your insurance claim with, or who you need to sue. A qualified rideshare attorney from Noteboom—The Law Firm will gather the necessary evidence, speak to any witnesses to the accident, and file a claim on your behalf. We have an on-staff investigator and have access to many experts who can help build a case on your behalf. Knowing you have someone in your corner who is truly watching out for you can make all the difference following a Fort Worth rideshare accident.
Determining—then proving—liability following your rideshare accident can be complex. If your rideshare driver’s negligence caused the accident, then you and any other passengers will file a claim against the driver’s insurance or against Uber or Lyft, depending on the circumstances. If there was another driver involved in the crash, he or she will probably also file against the rideshare driver’s insurance, or against Uber or Lyft.
If the other driver caused the accident, then the rideshare driver, you, and any other passengers can file against that driver’s insurance. If the driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may be forced to file against your own insurance—assuming you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Trying to figure out who can be compensated following a rideshare accident definitely requires an experienced rideshare attorney who can sort out the facts and prove liability.
At Noteboom—The Law Firm, our Fort Worth rideshare accident lawyers handle rideshare accidents that have resulted in serious injury. Attorney Chuck Noteboom is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. When you combine this with the collective experience of the other Noteboom associates, you will see that our office has a deep understanding of how to handle rideshare accident claims. Our goal is to ensure you receive a fair settlement offer that fully covers your injuries and other damages.
We have been helping people who are hurt, unable to work, or perhaps facing long-term medical issues or even financial ruin since 1982. We understand what you are going through and will take immediate steps to ensure you receive justice following your accident. We will determine liability, then contact the insurance company or companies so they will deal directly with our office. This gives you the time you need to heal from your injuries. At Noteboom—The Law Firm, we ensure all your questions are answered following your rideshare accident, keeping you updated on the process throughout your claim. Contact Noteboom—The Law Firm today for a comprehensive consultation.