Because of the unique way Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies work, the insurance coverage for car accidents these drivers cause can get complicated. Now that Texas has laws in place requiring these companies to provide liability coverage for their drivers during certain times, getting the compensation you need after a crash is somewhat easier. However, the process is still complicated and may be difficult to navigate on your own. An Uber and Lyft accident lawyer in Port Arthur can help you follow the steps and fight for a fair settlement for your losses.

The Uber and Lyft accident team from D. Miller & Associates, PLLC, is here to help you understand how to get the money you need and deserve after this type of crash. We can identify the liable party and determine which insurance policy was in effect at the time of the wreck. Then, we can file your claim and try to negotiate a fair settlement. If they refuse, we are not afraid to file a personal injury lawsuit and take Uber or Lyft to court.

Call us today at 713-850-8600 for your complimentary case evaluation with a member of our Port Arthur team.

Available Damages in a Port Arthur Rideshare Accident Case

While each car accident is different—and each victim suffers different losses—some of the most common types of damages our clients receive after this type of crash include:

  • Medical treatment costs;
  • Prescription drug costs;
  • Ongoing care costs;
  • Lost wages;
  • Lost earning capacity;
  • Compensation to repair or replace their vehicle or other damaged personal property;
  • Out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident;
  • Damages for wrongful death, if a loved one died in a fatal rideshare crash; and
  • Pain and suffering

Before we file an insurance claim, we fully investigate the accident. This allows us to collect receipts, bills, and other documentation of your related losses and expenses. This is the only way we can get a good idea of the value of your case. Once we know how much you lost, we can prove your damages and fight for a fair insurance settlement or award in court.

Understanding Why Rideshare Accidents Are so Complex

Ridesharing as a business model did not exist more than a decade ago. Because it is significantly different from traditional taxi services, there were many questions about regulation and insurance coverage in its early years. Texas finally passed comprehensive insurance laws for Uber and Lyft in 2015.

These laws require rideshare companies to ensure drivers have liability insurance coverage when working “on the app,” when their individual policies are likely to deny a claim. This is an issue with rideshare drivers because Uber and Lyft hire independent contractors who drive their personal cars to provide rides.

In most cases, we can identify the appropriate insurance company, file a claim, and negotiate a fair settlement for our clients. If necessary, though, we are not afraid to take on Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare company in court.

Getting Compensation by Filing an Insurance Claim After an Uber or Lyft Crash

The insurance policy that should pay for your damages after an accident depends on the status of the Uber or Lyft driver at the time of the crash.

If the Driver Was off the App

If the driver was not working at the time of the accident, they were logged off the app. This puts the onus on the insurance company providing their personal auto liability policy to cover your damages.

If the Driver Was on the App Looking to Match With a Rider

If the rideshare driver was logged in and waiting to match with a passenger, their personal auto liability policy should still be in effect. However, Texas law requires the rideshare company to provide contingency coverage that will pay for your losses if:

  • The driver’s insurance company denies your claim;
  • The driver does not have the appropriate auto liability policy; or
  • The driver’s policy does not cover your full range of damages.

If the Driver Was Matched With a Rider

Any time after a driver matches with a rider—until the rider reaches their destination—the Uber or Lyft liability policy provides primary coverage. This policy provides up to $1 million in compensation after a rideshare driver causes a crash. This includes coverage for the rideshare passenger, the driver, and occupants of other vehicles involved in the accident.

If You Were the Uber or Lyft Rider

If you suffered injuries while riding in an Uber or Lyft and your driver caused the accident, you should have coverage under the rideshare company’s $1-million liability policy.

Depending on the facts of your case, you might have other options for getting compensation. These other possibilities might include:

  • Filing a claim based on another motorist’s liability auto insurance coverage, if a third party caused the accident; or
  • Relying on the rideshare company’s $1-million uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if the motorist who caused your accident did not have insurance or left the scene of the accident.

Talk to an Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer in Port Arthur About Your Crash.

If you suffered injuries in a rideshare crash, the Uber and Lyft accident attorneys at D. Miller & Associates, PLLC, can help you identify the liable party or parties and file an insurance claim. We will listen to your questions and concerns and help you understand the best way to recover the full compensation you need and deserve.

Call us today at 713-850-8600 for a free case review and consultation with a member of our team in Port Arthur.