Table of Contents
AUSTIN AREA UBER AND LYFT ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS
Sandoval & James has helped numerous clients after they were hurt or injured in an accident involving a rideshare company, such as Uber or Lyft (also referred to as ride-hailing companies). If you were recently hurt or injured in an accident involving a rideshare company, the attorneys at Sandoval & James can help.
Like auto accidents generally, accidents involving rideshare companies can occur in a number of ways. Whether you were injured while the passenger of an Uber or Lyft, injured while in another vehicle that was hit by an Uber or Lyft, a pedestrian hit by an Uber or Lyft, injured while getting in or out of the Uber or Lyft, or injured in any other manner while using rideshare, it is common to have many questions and concerns. If so, the experienced team of accident and injury lawyers at Sandoval & James is here to answer your questions and to provide you with the best possible representation while we fight to ensure you are justly compensated for your injuries. If you would like to talk to an attorney about the specifics of your case feel free to give us a call. Or, if you are more comfortable discussing it in person, please feel free to come by our office. We are happy to sit down with you.
ACCIDENTS INVOLVING UBER OR LYFT
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft provide a valuable service here in Austin and around the world. These services not only benefit the people of Austin, they also help support Austin’s tourism industry by providing a convenient and well known way for tourists to travel around Austin. However, while rideshare companies provide a convenient service, they do little to regulate their drivers or ensure they are safe. In fact, the city of Austin had a very public fight with Uber and Lyft when it introduced regulations that required Uber and Lyft to take certain steps when screening their drivers. Uber and Lyft refused to comply and ceased operations in Austin until the city’s requirements were superseded by a state law. Despite this very public dispute, it appears that rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft will continue operating in Austin for the foreseeable future.
However, they take only limited steps to regulate their drivers. For example, Uber only requires that: its drivers are 21 years of age or older; have 3 years of driving experience; have a clean driving record; have an in-state driver’s license (depending on their state); and that they pass a background check. In fact, Uber’s website promotes the fact that people can “sign up in minutes” to be a driver. For more information on driver requirements,click here.
Of course, these limited restrictions do not ensure or guarantee that Uber or Lyft drivers will operate their vehicles in a safe manner. Also, that does not protect Uber or Lyft passengers from crashes or accidents caused by other drivers on Austin’s roadways. If you were recently hurt or injured in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver, contact Sandoval & James today. Our experienced team can answer your questions and help ensure you are fairly compensated for your injuries.
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ACCIDENTS INVOLVING UBER OR LYFT?
When accidents involving Uber or Lyft do occur, the same rules and laws apply as with any other motor vehicle accident. In other words, the person(s) that are liable for the crash is the person(s) whose negligent conduct caused or contributed to the wreck. For example, if an accident was caused by the negligent conduct of both the rideshare driver (Uber or Lyft) and the driver of the other vehicle, then both could be liable to the rideshare’s passenger for any resulting injuries. For more information on who is responsible for a car wreck in Austin, please see our Car Accident page
In addition, Texas law treats companies like Uber and Lyft as “common carriers.” Common carriers must exercise a higher level of care when it comes to the safety of their customers. More specifically, Uber and Lyft must show the same level of care as a “very cautious, competent, and prudent person under the same or similar circumstances.” As a result, Uber and Lyft drivers can also be partially liable for a passenger’s injuries if they were not driving very carefully. Also, if Uber or Lyft failed to properly investigate a driver, the companies themselves may be directly responsible for any injuries resulting from the crash.
When a crash does occur, the at-fault driver’s policy will be primarily responsible for any injuries. However, both Uber and Lyft carry additional insurance that may also cover the crash. If and when these policies apply depends on the facts and circumstances of the crash. If you were injured as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft, or if you were hurt after being hit by an Uber or Lyft driver, and have questions about whether Uber or Lyft’s insurance coverages are responsible for your injuries, call or come by our office today. Sandoval & James has experienced injury attorneys that are available for a completely free consultation.