Fort Worth Rideshare Accident Lawyers

Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft have become ubiquitous in recent years. The common use of these services, while convenient, also has resulted in accidents involving their drivers. Whether the rideshare company is liable for the accident and whether their insurance will cover the incident, however, will depend on several facts. Retaining an attorney with experience in handling such matters can be important to ensuring that all possible avenues are explored. Noteboom – The Law Firm practices exclusively in the area of personal injury law and we have been serving Texas’ DFW area since 1977. If you or a loved one are in need of assistance then contact us today to speak with a Fort Worth rideshare accident lawyer.

DFW personal injury lawyers handling rideshare accidents involving Uber or Lyft

Rideshare accidents can involve different issues than both conventional car accidents or accidents involving commercial vehicles. This is due to the fact that a driver may, or may not, be “on the clock” at any given time due to their status as an independent contractor. Also, while the driver will have their own insurance coverage, Uber and Lyft may or may not attempt to deny coverage depending on the facts of the situation. These companies also will sometimes attempt to deny coverage in cases involving a pedestrian accident. Denying coverage, however, does not mean that these companies can escape liability.

An important aspect of any claim against a rideshare company will involve whether the driver was actually acting in the scope of their role as a driver for the company. If, for example, the driver is between rides and is simply in an area of town where they expect to receive their next ride, then they will likely not be seen as actively driving for Uber or Lyft at that time. If, however, the driver is actively on their way to pick up a rider, or has a passenger, then the situation changes. If the claim can involve the rideshare provider then, in addition to claiming negligence, one may also allege that they failed to adequately screen the driver or monitor their activities. For these reasons, determining who to include in a claim can be complicated and is something an attorney will determine as soon as possible.

An injury victim should seek immediate medical attention after an accident. One should then retain an attorney as soon as possible. Counsel will inform the driver and the rideshare company of the representation and will deal with their insurance carriers directly. Once a victim has reasonable knowledge of their long-term prognosis then a settlement demand will be sent to the insurers. If a settlement is not reached then a lawsuit will be filed. Reasons why the case may not settle may include claims of comparative fault, disputes over the amount of damages claims, etc. Settlement negotiations will continue while the parties engage in discovery (which is how information is obtained in litigation). If the case does not settle then the matter will proceed to trial.

Noteboom – The Law Firm is able to assist with such cases. Our Fort Worth rideshare accident attorneys understand that such cases can result in serious harm. We have two attorneys who are Board Certified in Personal Injury Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. We have extensive experience in litigating against corporate defendants and we will give your case the attention it deserves. This includes retaining any necessary medical and vocational experts in matters which involve a serious injury. Chuck Noteboom founded our firm on the belief that the rights of people should be protected over those of corporations. Contact us online or by telephone today to schedule a consultation.

DFW law firm with the resources necessary to litigate against rideshare companies

Auto accidents can result in serious injuries to the victim. Such harm may include brain damage, spinal damage, paralysis, or even wrongful death. In such matters it may be necessary to retain medical and economic experts. The fees for these professionals can be high and your attorney will be required to pay them up front. This means that retaining a firm with significant financial resources can be important to ensuring that your case is handled correctly. Our firm has the resources necessary to litigate against insurance companies and large defendants. This is just one part of the quality representation which we strive to provide.

In addition to Texas’ greater DFW area, we also handle matters in Arlington, Austin, Denton, Frisco, Irving, Lufkin, Garland, Houston, McKinney, Richardson, San Antonio, and the rest of the state.

Common questions regarding rideshare accidents

How long will a rideshare accident case take to settle?

The length of time it will take to settle a case will always depend on the specifics of the case. The level of dispute over issues will have an impact on how long the process may take. Disagreements over the extent of a victim’s injuries, for example, will be an important factor. A victim’s attorney will give an honest assessment as to whether or not a settlement offer should be accepted.

Can I sue Uber or Lyft for sexual assault?

Suing Uber or Lyft for the intentional actions of a driver can be difficult since such individuals are considered independent contractor. If it is shown, however, that the company had reason to believe that there may be a potential problem, then they may face liability. Counsel will give a victim an honest assessment as to the viability of a claim.