Rideshare companies like Lyft and Uber have become valuable resources in Sugar Land and the surrounding areas. If you have suffered injuries from a rideshare driver, let a Sugar Land personal injury lawyer protect your rights and best interests.
With millions recovered, our Sugar Land rideshare accident lawyer provides exceptional legal service as you work to build a case against these companies.
Determining Fault in a Rideshare Accident
One of the first and most important steps to take as a victim is to protect yourself, and by that, you need to turn to a rideshare accident attorney to guide you.
We need to examine all of the details in your case to find out who is responsible, allowing us to direct the request for compensation against the right parties. In a rideshare accident, there are a few different situations that may apply.
- Rideshare company’s responsibility: Uber and Lyft do not employ the drivers working for them. Instead, they are independent contractors. However, you can file a claim against the rideshare company’s liability insurance if you were receiving a ride through the service or the driver was otherwise logged into the app at the time.
- The vehicle driver: Rideshare companies require their drivers to maintain liability insurance to cover accidents they cause. In situations where the driver is not providing services at the time of the accident, you will file a claim for compensation against the driver’s insurance, not the rideshare company.
- A third party: Sometimes, the fault lies in another driver who caused the accident. If that applies to your situation, you will file a claim against that person’s coverage for your losses.
This information matters for many reasons. For those who have serious injuries, the much more valuable rideshare company’s insurance policy may cover more of your losses, especially if the driver’s policy is simply small. Yet, our Sugar Land car accident lawyer must prove that the rideshare company was negligent.
How Our Rideshare Accident Lawyers in Sugar Land Can Help You
No matter what happened in your situation, you may have the right to pursue compensation against those who caused your accident. A study from the CDC, Ridesharing and Motor Vehicle Crashes: A Spatial Ecological Case-Crossover Study of Trip-Level Data, indicates that rideshare accidents increase traffic and congestion while also causing a higher rate of injuries. Because of the value and complexity of your case, we encourage you to seek out our legal team for guidance for several reasons:
- We determine all parties at fault. Keep in mind that there may be more than one. To recover your damages, we need to develop a strong case.
- Calculate fair compensation for your losses. This means we speak to your medical team and gather information from all sources possible. We do not want to leave money on the table.
- Negotiate with the insurance companies. You do not have to face them on your own when you hire our rideshare accident lawyer in Sugar Land to work for you.
These are complicated cases that often require a confident and experienced legal team to pursue full and fair compensation. With our experience in handling some of the area’s most significant accidents, we can be there for you as well. We strongly recommend not settling your case until you seek out a consultation with an attorney.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident
Victims of rideshare accidents may be unsure what steps they should take to pursue a claim against those who hurt them. What you do right after the accident can play an important role in this process. In the ideal situation, follow these steps after an accident.
- Call 911 to report the accident. If no one else does so, you can take this step on your own. You want the police to arrive both to provide you with medical support and to document the incident.
- Exchange contact information. Be sure you have the information of all parties, including your rideshare driver and any other vehicle involved. Request their name, phone number, and insurance information.
- Document the incident. When possible, take photos of the accident and the surrounding area. Capture the weather conditions for the day as well as the overall debris present.
- Get medical care. Even if you seem to be fine, go to the doctor to document your injuries and losses. That ensures you do not have any unknown injuries and also documents what occurred.
- Notify the insurance company. We do not recommend filing a claim without the help of a rideshare accident attorney in Sugar Land, but you can file a notice with the insurance company of the responsible party.
- File a police report. If the police did not arrive on the scene and take your information, be sure to visit the police station and file your own report.
Once you take these steps, contact a rideshare accident attorney to help you navigate the legal rights you have. Do not assume the rideshare company or other parties will treat you fairly in these types of accidents. You need your own attorney to fight for you, and our FAQs can provide you with more information.
Avoid These Mistakes After an Accident with a Rideshare Company
What you do matters, but what you do not do also makes a difference in your case and your outcome. Avoid using social media to document your injuries or the accident in general, as that information could be used against you later.
In addition to this, complete all of your medical care without skipping appointments or recommended care, as that may mean you do not need those services in the eyes of the insurance company.
Hire Our Sugar Land Rideshare Accident Attorney to Guide You
After you have been hurt in a rideshare accident, it is critical to arm yourself with the legal guidance you need to ensure the best possible outcome.
At Lowe Law, our Sugar Land rideshare accident lawyer is ready to help you learn what your rights are and how much your case may be worth under the law. Contact us now for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more.
