What to Do if You Are Injured in an Uber or Lyft Ride

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft provide a convenient and cost-effective transportation option for people living in El Paso and across the state of Texas. Unfortunately, however, Uber and Lyft drivers are not required to complete any special training to become a rideshare driver. In fact, they are only required to have a valid driver’s license, complete a background check, and have a clean driving record. That means that Uber and Lyft drivers are just as likely to be involved in a car accident as any other driver.

If you are injured in a car accident involving a rideshare driver, there are a number of steps you will need to take to ensure that you recover the maximum damages. An experienced car accident lawyer will review the details of the accident, determine who is liable for your injuries, and negotiate the best possible settlement outcome.

What Are the Most Common Types of Uber and Lyft Accidents?

Uber and Lyft drivers are just as likely to be distracted, drowsy, or engage in other unsafe driving behaviors like speeding, tailgating, and changing lanes without using their signal. This can increase the risk of a serious car accident. The following are examples of some of the most common types of Uber and Lyft accidents:

• Rear-end collisions: These often occur when an Uber or Lyft driver is distracted and fails to slow down or stop in time to avoid hitting the car in front of them.
• T-bone collisions: This occurs when the front of a vehicle crashes into the side of another car. Oftentimes, the driver who hits the side of the car is either distracted or trying to speed through a red light at an intersection.
• Head-on collisions: These are less common but result in devastating injuries and massive property damage. They often occur when a driver is distracted, inexperienced, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, causing them to swerve into oncoming traffic.

What Steps Should I Take After a Car Accident Involving a Ridesharing Vehicle?

Whether you are involved in a car accident with another motorist, or an Uber or Lyft driver, it is important that you take the following steps to ensure that your legal rights are protected and that you recover the financial compensation you are entitled to receive:

• Call 911. It is important that you report the accident, particularly if there are injuries involved. The responding police officer will fill out a police report, which includes important details about the accident, as well as who is responsible for causing the accident. When reporting the accident, make sure that you notify dispatch that there are injuries involved so that they can send an ambulance to the scene.
• Seek immediate medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, it is crucial that you are examined by a medical professional at the scene of the accident. If you fail to get medical attention, an undiagnosed injury could become much more serious. In addition, this could have a negative impact on a personal injury claim if the insurance company argues that your injury must not be very serious if you did not find it necessary to get immediate medical attention.
• Collect evidence. Take pictures of your injury, as well as the position of both vehicles, skid marks on the road, and any other evidence that will help determine liability. If there were witnesses who saw the accident happen, ask if they would be willing to provide a statement and ask for their contact information.
• Report the accident to Uber or Lyft. Rideshare companies generally prefer that customers report accidents when they happen.

Whose Insurance Covers an Uber or Lyft Car Accident?

If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, and you intend to file a personal injury claim to recover compensation, the claims process can be a bit more complicated than an accident involving another driver. For example, your coverage will depend on who caused the accident, and whether the Uber or Lyft driver was logged into the app at the time of the accident. The following are the three periods that Uber and Lyft consider when determining eligibility for insurance coverage:

1. First period: This starts when the app is turned on and the driver is waiting for a ride request. If an accident occurs during this period, Uber and Lyft drivers receive limited liability coverage of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injuries, and $25,000 per accident for property damage. Drivers are required to have their own personal insurance for other types of coverage.
2. Second period: This begins when the driver is on their way to pick up a customer. If an accident occurs during this time, Uber and Lyft provide up to $1,000,000 of liability coverage and full coverage for vehicle damage. The Uber or Lyft driver must provide proof that they were on their way to pick up a customer when the accident occurred. If the driver is unable to provide proof, Uber and Lyft can claim that the accident occurred during period one.
3. Third period: This is when the Uber or Lyft driver has a passenger in the vehicle. It is the easiest of the three periods to prove, which makes the claims process easier to negotiate. The coverage is similar to Period Two.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing an Uber or Lyft Accident Claim?

If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Texas, and you intend to file a personal injury claim, your claim must be filed within two years of the date of the accident. If you file your claim after the statute of limitations has expired, your claim will likely be denied, and you will be unable to recover any damages. A dedicated car accident lawyer will assist you with every step of the claims process and ensure that your claim is filed well before the deadline.

El Paso Car Accident Lawyers at Flores Mendez Law Represent Victims of Uber and Lyft Car Accidents

If you or someone you know was injured in an Uber or Lyft car accident, do not hesitate to contact the El Paso car accident lawyers at Florez Mendez Law, the Pink Lady lawyers. To schedule a free consultation, call today at 800-381-9999 or contact us online. With office locations in El Paso, Texas, and Las Cruces, New Mexico, we proudly serve clients in the surrounding areas.