Ridesharing services like Uber have revolutionized transportation in Texas cities, offering convenient and affordable alternatives to traditional taxis.
However, as Uber usage has increased, so have accidents involving Uber vehicles on Texas roads. If you have sustained injuries in an Uber accident, having a Houston Uber accident lawyer on your side can make all the difference.
At Lowe Law PLLC, we have extensive experience handling Uber accident cases and fighting for the rights of injured victims. Our firm has been recognized as one of the Top Best for attorney-client satisfaction by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys.
This reflects our commitment to exceptional legal representation, and you can feel reassured when you work with a Houston rideshare accident lawyer on our team.
Steps to Take Following an Uber Accident
When you are involved in an Uber accident, quick thinking and proper action, such as calling a Houston car accident lawyer, can make a world of difference in protecting your rights. It also helps to build a strong case.
Here are the key steps a Houston personal injury lawyer can help you take after an Uber accident:
- Prioritize safety and call emergency services if needed
- Seek medical evaluation, even for minor-seeming injuries
- Capture detailed photos and notes of the accident scene
- Collect contact and insurance details from all involved parties
- File an accident report through the Uber app
- Consult an experienced Houston Uber accident attorney before talking to insurers
Gathering evidence is vital, so take plenty of photos and jot down your recollection of events while they are fresh in your mind. Be sure to get contact and insurance information from everyone involved, including the Uber driver’s details.
Before you engage with any insurance companies, touch base with an Uber accident attorney in Houston after learning more about us, who can guide you through the complexities of your case.
Uber Accident Statistics
While Uber has implemented various safety measures, accidents involving their vehicles remain a significant concern. According to Uber’s US safety reports, the company completed over 1.8 billion trips in the United States between 2021 and 2022. During this period, Uber recorded 153 motor vehicle fatalities related to their platform, representing about one fatality per 12 million trips.
The data shows that 99.9998% of Uber trips ended without critical safety incidents like those in their safety report. However, this statistic only accounts for the most serious incidents, and many more non-fatal accidents and injuries likely occurred. Uber’s report also revealed that 56% of fatalities on their platform involved at least one risky driver behavior, such as speeding, alcohol impairment, or wrong-way driving.
Interestingly, the vast majority (95%) of these risky driving behaviors were attributed to third-party drivers not operating on the Uber platform. This reiterates the complex nature of Uber accidents, where multiple parties may share liability. With more people relying on Uber for transportation, it is important for riders and other motorists to understand the statistics and potential risks associated with Uber vehicles.
Rideshare Driver Requirements in Texas
Texas law establishes specific requirements for rideshare drivers to help ensure passenger safety. This screening process examines the driver’s criminal history and driving record to identify any red flags that could pose safety risks. Requirements for Uber drivers in Texas include:
- Minimum age of 21 years old
- Valid U.S. driver’s license
- Proof of residency in Texas
- Clean driving record (no major violations in the past 7 years)
- No criminal history of violent crimes or sexual offenses
- Vehicle must be a four-door car in good condition (10 years old or newer in most cities)
- Maintain required insurance coverage
These requirements are designed to maintain a high standard of safety and professionalism among rideshare drivers in the state. By setting these criteria, Texas aims to protect passengers and other road users from potential risks associated with unqualified or unsafe drivers.
Compliance with these requirements is mandatory for all Uber drivers operating in Texas, and failure to meet or maintain these standards can result in disqualification from the platform.
How an Uber Accident May Differ From a Typical Car Crash
Uber accidents often involve more complex liability issues than standard car crashes due to the multiple parties and insurance policies potentially involved. Different insurance coverages may apply depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. For instance, if the driver was actively transporting a passenger or en route to pick one up, Uber’s $1 million liability policy would likely come into play.
The involvement of a large corporation like Uber can also impact how the claim is handled. Uber and their insurers often have teams of lawyers working to minimize payouts, which can make it more challenging to secure fair compensation without legal representation. There may be unique evidence available in Uber accidents, such as data from the Uber app showing the driver’s route, speed, and other relevant information.
Another key difference is the potential for multiple liable parties in an Uber accident. Beyond the drivers directly involved, liability could extend to Uber itself if there were issues with its screening or safety protocols. Given these complexities, you should work with a Houston personal injury lawyer who specializes in rideshare accidents and truly understands the nuances of these cases.
How to File a Claim for an Uber Accident
Filing a claim for an Uber accident requires a multi-step process and potentially dealing with multiple insurance companies. The first step is typically to report the accident through the Uber app, which will trigger Uber’s claims process. However, it is crucial to be cautious about what information you provide and to avoid giving recorded statements without legal counsel.
Gathering comprehensive documentation is key to building a strong claim. This includes police reports, medical records, witness statements, and other evidence related to the accident and your injuries. An Uber accident lawyer in Houston can help ensure you collect all necessary documentation and present it effectively to support your claim.
Determining which insurance policy applies to your claim is a critical step. This can vary depending on the Uber driver’s circumstances when the accident occurred. Your attorney can help identify all potential sources of compensation and develop a strategy to maximize your recovery.
Contact a Houston Uber Accident Attorney
If you have been injured in an Uber crash in Texas, do not go through the claims process alone. We have a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes for rideshare accident victims and are committed to fighting for the full compensation you deserve.
Contact Lowe Law PLLC today for a free consultation to discuss your Uber accident case.
