Rideshare drivers are becoming increasingly popular, especially among millennials. With Uber and Lyft offering convenient options for getting around town, many people are choosing to use these rideshare apps rather than call a cab or hail a car on the street. However, there are some potential dangers associated with using rideshare apps.
According to data compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 5,878 reported crashes involving ridesharing vehicles in 2016 alone. While most of those crashes involved no injuries, nearly 400 resulted in fatalities. In addition to the risk of being injured while riding in a vehicle, another danger arises when a driver uses his or her phone behind the wheel.
In 2017, the NHTSA announced that it had identified distracted driving as one of the leading causes of fatal crashes nationwide. In fact, distracted driving was responsible for about 10% of all traffic deaths in the United States. Distracted driving includes texting, talking on the phone, eating, drinking, grooming, and adjusting the radio or climate control system.
While using a smartphone while driving may seem like a harmless activity, it actually puts drivers at greater risk of causing severe accidents. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, distracted driving accounts for about 3 out of every 4 motor vehicle collisions.
If you or someone else has been hurt in a rideshare crash in Texas, contact us today to learn how our experienced attorney in Harris County, Galveston County, Fort Bend County, Montgomery County, Brazoria County, Houston, Sugar Land, Missouri City, and Stafford, Texas at Thornton Esquire Law Group, PLLC, can help you recover damages.
Steps to Take After a Texas Rideshare AccidentRide-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft operate under a different set of rules than traditional taxi companies. As such, there are important legal protections afforded to passengers in the event of a ride-sharing accident. However, it is crucial to act quickly to protect your legal rights following a ride-sharing accident in Texas. Here are the steps you want to take immediately following a rideshare accident.
Call Law Enforcement to the Accident SceneAfter a rideshare accident, it’s important to call 911 immediately. Even if the collision was minor, responding officers provide detailed police reports about the accident, including information about traffic violations and other valuable insights into who may be liable. These reports are often used as evidence in a ridesharing accident claim.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends you contact local law enforcement within 15 minutes of the crash.
Document Essential EvidenceDocumenting the scene of the crash and damage is imperative to building a strong Ridesharing Accident Claim. In many cases, there are multiple parties involved in the collision including drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and property owners. All of these people must be contacted and interviewed to determine what happened and how much each party is responsible for. This includes documenting the scene of the accident, taking pictures of the vehicles involved, and obtaining witness statements.
Examples of essential evidence may include pictures or videos of any damages done to the vehicles, photo and video evidence of traffic patterns, pictures of roadway markings, registration, insurance, and vehicle info of the other driver. These items are important pieces of evidence in determining liability and establishing fault.
Seek Medical Care ImmediatelyIf you have been injured in a rideshare accident, it is important that you seek immediate medical attention. It is crucial that you retain legal counsel to protect your rights and pursue compensation for your injuries. An experienced attorney knows how to evaluate your case and assess damages, including lost wages, medical bills, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, physical disability, disfigurement, permanent scarring, and future medical expenses.
Contact an Experienced Texas Rideshare Accident LawyerRidesharing apps are becoming increasingly popular among car owners looking for a cheap alternative to traditional taxi services. While many people enjoy the convenience of being able to summon a ride via a smartphone app, there are some potential downsides to riding in a shared vehicle. In addition to the obvious safety concerns associated with sharing a vehicle with strangers, drivers may face liability issues if they cause injury or damage while driving for hire.
Notify the Rideshare CompanyIf you are involved in an auto accident involving a ridesharing app like Uber or Lyft, it is important to notify the rideshare company immediately. By doing so, you may be able to obtain crucial information such as driver identification numbers, vehicle identification numbers, and trip data. This information could prove invaluable in determining fault and filing a claim against the rideshare company.
While the law does not require drivers to report accidents to rideshare companies, most do so voluntarily. If you are injured in a rideshare crash, you may want to contact the rideshare company yourself. However, if you are unable to reach anyone at the company, it is best to call a local attorney who specializes in personal injury cases. An experienced rideshare accident lawyer will know how to handle the situation and help you file a claim.
Liability in a Rideshare Accident in TexasRideshare accidents occur every day across the United States. When it happens, there are many questions about how to proceed. Some people believe that the person who caused the accident must pay for the damage, while others think that the passenger should take responsibility. If you have been involved in a rideshare accident, contact our firm today at www.thorntonesquirelawgroup.com to discuss your case.