Lubbock Rideshare Accident Attorney
Residents and visitors in the bustling city of Lubbock now depend on rideshare services, such as Uber and Lyft, to navigate the area. The ability to request transportation through a tap of a button has significantly improved mobility options. However, the convenience of this technology also leads to problems, including an increased number of traffic accidents involving rideshare vehicles. If you have been injured in a rideshare accident, an experienced Lubbock rideshare accident lawyer can represent you.
Choosing an Attorney You Can Trust for Uber & Lyft Accidents
The Law Offices of Miller & Bicklein, P.C., has over 90 years of cumulative legal experience. Our team continues its long-term commitment to serving the Lubbock community and others throughout Texas. We provide our experience to others through local legal seminars to share our knowledge of ever-evolving legal advancements. We understand rideshare accidents, so we know how to aggressively pursue your deserved financial restitution.
Understanding Rideshare Accidents in Lubbock, TX
In Lubbock County, 6,673 crashes were reported in 2023 (as of mid-December of that year). This was a decrease from the over 8,000 crashes that were reported the previous year. 98 of these crashes resulted in serious injuries, with about 41 of these crashes being deadly, resulting in approximately 46 lives lost. While rideshare-specific accident statistics are not readily available, rideshares contribute to the total number of accidents in the city.
Lubbock Rideshare Accident
Call Law Offices of Miller & Bicklein today at 210-366-2400 for your Free Consultation!
Requirements for Rideshare Drivers
According to the Texas Occupations Code, Uber and Lyft drivers function as independent contractors instead of being classified as employees of their respective rideshare companies. Drivers require a valid driver’s license and a clean driving history to legally operate. They must also confirm that their vehicle adheres to the safety and quality standards of the rideshare platform.
Uber and Lyft implement regular background screenings and vehicle inspections to protect passengers. Nevertheless, accidents still happen with rideshare vehicles, even when safety measures are in place. The insurance coverage and responsibilities of a driver will change based on their status at the time of an incident.
Drivers who log into the app and show availability for rides maintain limited rideshare insurance coverage because they are then classified as “on duty.” Accidents that occur while the driver is not logged into the app fall under their personal auto insurance policy because they are deemed “off duty” in this situation.
Rideshare Insurance Application
If a rideshare driver is in an accident, the coverage from the rideshare company’s insurance will depend on the status of their duty at the time. This helps those affected by a rideshare accident, as they can know how to accurately file a claim. This designation is divided into periods:
- Period 0. During this period, the rideshare driver is not on duty, so any accident they get into will be covered by the driver’s personal insurance. The rideshare company will not provide coverage.
- Period 1. At this time, the driver remains logged into the app without accepting any ride requests. The driver’s own insurance remains their primary protection. Uber and Lyft offer contingent liability protection during this period.
- Period 2. The company’s insurance coverage activates as soon as the driver confirms the ride request and starts heading toward the passenger pickup location. The policy includes liability coverage and limited vehicle coverage for drivers who possess comprehensive and collision coverage.
- Period 3. At this point, the driver has picked up a passenger, and they are in the vehicle. The vehicle’s insurance coverage reaches its maximum level whenever a passenger boards the vehicle. The insurance package encompasses liability protection, uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, contingent comprehensive coverage, and collision protection for the operator’s vehicle. This includes a deductible.
Damages You Can Claim in a Rideshare Accident
In Lubbock Injuries from Uber or Lyft accidents allow you to pursue multiple claim options based on your specific circumstances. The party responsible for the accident may face a personal injury claim from either the rideshare driver or another motorist, while the rideshare company can only rarely be claimed against.
Property damage claims are possible when your car or possessions are damaged, and liability hinges on the crash’s cause and the rideshare driver’s app status. If a fatal accident occurs, eligible family members, including spouses, children, or parents, can submit a wrongful death claim to recover their losses, such as funeral costs and emotional distress.
FAQs
A: Immediately after a rideshare accident in Lubbock, get a medical evaluation, even for seemingly small injuries. Contact 911 for emergency assistance, and inform the Lubbock Police Department. Use your smartphone to snap pictures at the scene and collect contact details from any witnesses. Then, submit an incident report in the rideshare service’s mobile application.
Contact an attorney in Lubbock with experience in rideshare accidents. They can secure your rights while managing your insurance claim.
A: After a rideshare accident, you may recover:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering damages
- Property damage costs
- Wrongful death payouts
Your compensation will vary based on both injury severity and the insurance coverage of the liable party. A lawyer can boost your settlement by creating a robust case, supported by thorough documentation.
A: When the driver at fault for the accident does not have adequate coverage, Uber or Lyft’s uninsured/underinsured coverage becomes available for passengers during active rides. This protection provides coverage for medical expenses and lost income when the at-fault driver does not have adequate insurance. This coverage is in place to protect rideshare passengers.
A: You are not obligated by law to hire a lawyer, but doing so can greatly enhance your prospects of obtaining just compensation. The insurance and liability rules for rideshare accidents create multiple layers of complexity. You can concentrate on healing while a Lubbock attorney investigates the crash, handles insurance matters, and takes legal actions to defend your rights.
Contact The Law Offices of Miller & Bicklein, P.C., Today to Discuss Your Rideshare Accident Case
If you were injured in a rideshare accident, you do not have to face the legal aftermath alone. An attorney at The Law Offices of Miller & Bicklein, P.C., can represent you. Contact us today to begin the legal process so you can focus on recovery while we fight for your rights.
San Antonio, Odessa, Lubbock or Abilene
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