If you're looking for a ride home after a night out, you might think about taking one of those online apps like Uber or Lyft. But what happens if something goes wrong? In Texas, there are many different scenarios where someone could be liable for injuries sustained during a trip. Here are some things you should know if you ever find yourself in such a situation.
Who Is Responsible for Medical Bills and Lost Wages?In most cases, both parties in a car accident are responsible for paying medical expenses and lost wages. This includes passengers and drivers. However, if you are injured due to negligence, the person who caused the injury is usually held accountable. For example, if a drunk driver causes a wreck, he or she may be required to pay for your medical bills and any lost wages.
Who Is Liable for Car Accidents in Texas?When someone suffers serious injuries as a result of another party's negligence, they may be able to hold that negligent party financially responsible. To do this, they must prove that the defendant owed them a duty of care, failed to perform that duty and that the failure led to their injuries. In addition, plaintiffs must show that the defendant breached his or her duty of care, causing injuries.
How Are Damages Calculated After a Car Accident?The amount of compensation you receive depends on several factors, including how much money you've spent on medical treatment, whether you missed work because of your injuries, and how long you'll likely be unable to work. These costs are typically calculated into the final settlement amount.
Who Is Liable for My Rideshare Accident in Texas?When it comes to personal injury cases, there are many factors that determine whether or not someone is liable for injuries sustained during a car accident. In some states, drivers are considered negligent if they cause an accident. However, in others, like Texas, passengers are responsible for injuries caused by their ride-hailing drivers.
In most instances, commercial vehicle insurance policies cover both the driver and the passenger. But what happens if one party isn't covered under the policy? Who is responsible for paying out claims?
The answer depends on where the crash occurs. For example, here's how the state of Texas handles these types of situations:
If the accident occurs while the driver is logged into the app, the driver is responsible for his or her own actions. The driver is held accountable for any negligence that led to the accident.
If the crash occurs while the driver is offline, however, the driver is no longer driving the vehicle. Instead, the responsibility falls to the third-party liability coverage of the rideshare company. This does not mean that the driver cannot still be found liable for causing the accident. It simply means that the insurer will pay out the claim.
So, if you're injured in a rideshare accident in Texas, contact an experienced accident lawyer 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, to discuss your options. We'll help you understand what happened and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your losses. Contact us today at www.thorntonesquirelawgroup.com for a free consultation.
Which Damages May Warrant Recovery After a Rideshare Accident in TexasIf you are involved in a car crash while riding as a passenger in a taxi or rideshare vehicle, it is important to understand how much compensation you might receive following the incident. There are several types of damages that could be awarded to you based on the severity of the collision. If you are injured in a rideshare accident, there are some things you should know about filing claims and lawsuits against Uber, Lyft, and similar companies.
Damages You Could Recover Following a Rideshare AccidentsThe most common type of recovery for passengers who are injured in rideshare accidents is medical expenses. These include costs associated with ambulance transport, emergency room visits, doctor bills, physical therapy, and prescription medications. In addition, many people suffer pain and suffering due to injuries sustained during a ride.
You Can Also Seek Compensation for Lost WagesIn addition to medical expenses, people often seek lost wages after being involved in a rideshare accident. This includes wages earned prior to the injury and earnings lost subsequent to the accident. You may also be able to collect reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenditures related to the accident.
Claiming Your Losses Against Uber and LyftIf you believe that you suffered personal injuries or property damage because of negligence on the part of a rideshare driver or company, you may be entitled to pursue a claim against Uber and Lyft. However, you must prove that the company acted negligently and caused your injuries. To do this, you will likely need to hire an attorney.
How Does Texas Law Affect an Uber or Lyft Claim?The state of Texas requires ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft to maintain liability insurance coverage for both passengers and drivers. If you are injured while riding with one of these companies, it is important to know what kinds of insurance policies they carry and how much protection they provide. You may be entitled to compensation for injuries sustained during a trip.
In addition to providing general liability coverage, some ridesharing companies offer additional types of coverage. For example, some companies offer uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This type of coverage pays benefits in case a driver causes injury to another party involved in an accident. Other companies offer personal automobile insurance, which covers damage to your vehicle caused by a third party.
Ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft are becoming increasingly popular, especially among young people. These ride-sharing apps allow drivers to pick up passengers and drop off passengers anywhere within city limits. But while the app makes it easy for riders to find a driver nearby, it doesn't do much to protect them from unsafe driving practices.