Houston Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer
Joe is one of the few Texas lawyers that is double board certified.
“No Legal Fees Until Joe Wins Your Case”
Content Reviewed by: Joe Stephens
As a busy city with a huge rideshare market, heavy traffic, as well as notorious problems with speeding, Houston poses a high risk of accidents. If you have been injured in a crash, Houston Uber and Lyft accident lawyer Joe Stephens can help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Call The Stephens Law Firm at (281) 623-1701 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Uber and Lyft accidents have several potentially liable parties, including drivers and rideshare companies.
- Rideshare companies have high-limit insurance policies that can cover you if the driver is at fault.
- A lawsuit can help you seek compensation for expenses above and beyond what insurance covers and hold third parties accountable.
- If you have been injured in a Houston Uber or Lyft accident, double board-certified attorney Joe Stephens can represent you with skill and compassion.
Why Trust Joe Stephens With Your Uber or Lyft Accident?
Houston Personal injury attorney Joe Stephens has over 40 years of experience representing injured Texans. He is a double board-certified attorney in personal injury law and trial advocacy, including certification by the National Board of Trial Advocates and certification by the state of Texas as a specialist in the field of personal injury law.
Joe is committed to providing every client with the highest standard of care. He has represented numerous injury victims across Houston, earning a reputation for integrity, skill, and unwavering client service. He has won many multimillion-dollar verdicts and brings the same commitment to all cases, whether they are big or small.
Dedicated to earning his clients’ trust from day one, Joe offers a no-fee guarantee that if you don’t win your case, you don’t pay. Also, his numerous client reviews speak to his trustworthiness and excellent reputation across Houston and beyond:
Who Is Liable After a Rideshare Accident?
As in any personal injury matter, liability in a rideshare case hinges on negligence. The responsible party is considered negligent if they failed in their duty to follow the law and keep others safe.
Liability can vary based on the specifics of the accident, with some accidents having two or more at-fault parties. Fault in rideshare cases may fall on:
- Rideshare drivers or other drivers involved in the accident, for negligent or reckless operation
- Rideshare companies, for poor hiring practices or management
- Manufacturers, for defective parts
- Maintenance providers, for poor-quality parts or subpar repair
- Municipalities or their agencies, for hazardous roads and other infrastructure
Determining fault in a rideshare case can be complicated. Joe Stephens can help you determine liability in your case and explain your legal options.
Uber and Lyft Insurance Requirements
Insurance coverage is another source of complexity in Uber and Lyft accidents. Both rideshare companies have policies and insurance coverage to protect drivers, passengers, and others in case of an accident. Understanding these policies can help you pursue compensation for injuries when a rideshare driver is at fault.
Uber Driver Insurance Requirements
Uber’s insurance activates when the driver is online and available for riders. If the driver is at fault but has not yet accepted a ride, Uber’s insurance covers up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for injuries, plus $25,000 in property damage, with additional coverage available depending on the state.
Coverage increases for at-fault accidents when the driver is en route to a passenger or has picked one up. Uber’s insurance covers at least $1 million for injuries and property damage in these cases.
Lyft Driver Insurance Requirements
Lyft’s insurance is similar to Uber’s. Coverage is $50,000 per person, up to $100,000 per accident, when the driver is waiting for a ride request. Property damage up to $25,000 per accident also applies.
If the driver is on their way to a passenger or has one in the car, coverage is at least $1 million, with certain exceptions. Lyft also maintains uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, personal injury protection, and other fault-neutral coverage as available. Drivers may also have property damage coverage available, though it is contingent on the driver’s personal insurance policy.
When someone else’s mistake puts you in harm’s way, you deserve more than just a quick insurance payout. We help everyday Texans get the support and compensation they need to move forward after a car accident.
Compensation You Could Receive After a Rideshare Accident in Houston
Car accident lawsuits allow victims to claim compensation for losses associated with the accident. Most cases include economic damages, which cover measurable expenses, and non-economic damages, which aim to compensate victims for less tangible losses.
Common non-economic damages include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Significant disfigurement and scarring
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Economic damages seek to restore your finances to pre-accident levels. You may receive compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including hospital stays and surgeries
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
Also, if you lost a loved one in a rideshare accident, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death case. Wrongful death lawsuits allow you to claim compensation for your losses, including end-of-life costs, funeral expenses, loss of family income, and loss of companionship.
Further Reading : When Will I Receive Money for My Houston Car Accident Injuries & Damages?
Let Attorney Joe Stephens Help You With Your Case
Joe Stephens brings unique experience to rideshare accident cases as a double board-certified Houston Uber and Lyft attorney. He has handled, negotiated, and tried hundreds of cases in Houston and is dedicated to offering superior services to every client. If you were injured in a rideshare accident, you can rely on Joe to fight for you.
Call The Stephens Law Firm at (281) 623-1701 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. There’s no obligation and no fee unless we win.
Houston Rideshare Accidents FAQs
How Long Do I Have to File an Uber or Lyft Accident Lawsuit?
Texas gives you two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. If you have a wrongful death case, that two-year time frame begins on the date of the victim’s death.
Additionally, most insurance policies allow for a window of around 30 days when you file a claim. However, Uber and Lyft ask that you report an accident to the respective platform as soon as possible. Failing to do so may affect your ability to claim compensation. Contact a Houston Uber and Lyft injury lawyer to learn more.
Can I File a Lawsuit if My Driver Was Not at Fault?
If another driver or a third party was at fault for your accident, you may still file a lawsuit against them. It’s also important to remember that many accidents have several at-fault parties.
For example, your driver and another individual or organization may both be liable. Working with a Houston auto accident lawyer can help you determine if you have a lawsuit against the driver, a third party, or both.
It’s also advisable to contact the rideshare company about the accident, even if you don’t plan to file a lawsuit against them.
What Should You Do After Being Involved in a Rideshare Accident?
It’s essential to take care of yourself and protect your rights after an Uber or Lyft accident.
- Call 911: Report the accident and any injuries. If necessary, request an ambulance and ask the police to come and make a report.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, see a doctor immediately. Medical records are essential when filing a claim.
- Document the accident scene: Take photos of vehicle damage and any visible injuries. If possible, get contact information from witnesses.
- Report to Uber or Lyft: Use the rideshare platform to inform the company about the accident.
- Contact The Stephens Law Firm. Joe will explain your legal options and help you decide how to proceed.
Joe’s Has Written Several Books on Texas Accident & Injuries
Joe is an accomplished author of several books that each detail different aspects of the typical Texas personal injury lawsuit: “A Survivor’s Legal Guide,” “The Texas Accident Bible” and “Hiring the Right Injury Lawyer.” A founding principle of The Stephens Law Firm is that anyone dealing with a personal injury or wrongful death case deserves access to high-quality legal advice. With this in mind, Joe sought out to write the best Houston car accident injury book you can read and offer it for free. If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Texas, these books are a great resource.
