Call Jeff If You’ve Been In A Lyft Or Uber Accident
Athens, TX car accident lawyer who can help you recover financial compensation
More and more people are using ridesharing services like Lyft and Uber. They’re a convenient way to get around and the apps are easy to use. When there’s a car accident, however, recovering financial compensation can get very complicated – fast. Car accident lawyer Jeff Weinstein at Weinstein Law knows how to handle these cases and is ready to help.
A car accident involving a Lyft or Uber driver can leave people seriously hurt. They need medical attention and the bills can start adding up fast. You may not be able to return to work because of your injuries, resulting in a loss of income. It can be a difficult time for accident victims and their families – physically, emotionally and financially.
Whose insurance covers rideshare accidents?
Lyft and Uber drivers are considered independent contractors. Texas requires drivers for ridesharing services to carry higher limits on their policies. Both Lyft and Uber also provide supplemental insurance for their drivers. That coverage only applies in certain situations:
- If the accident occurred when the app was off, damages are covered by the driver’s personal insurance.
- If the accident occurred when the app was on, a lower level of supplemental coverage may apply.
- If the accident occurred when the app was on and a ride was accepted, a higher level of supplemental coverage may apply.
This supplemental coverage is often contingent. That means claims would be submitted to a driver’s personal insurance policy first. The supplemental coverage would cover damages that go above those limits – theoretically. But insurance claims involving Lyft or Uber drivers are never simple.
Can you report an Uber or Lyft accident directly to the rideshare company?
You can report an accident in the Uber or Lyft app, but that shouldn’t be your only report. Call the police and have them investigate, and make sure you get a copy of the police accident report. Contact an attorney right away, before you talk to the insurance company. We can help protect your rights.
What if another driver caused my rideshare accident?
If you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft vehicle and were hit by another car, the other driver’s insurance should be responsible for paying. If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, the rideshare companies have supplemental insurance that should kick in. However, these cases can get complicated with multiple insurance companies involved. Always review a settlement offer with a lawyer before you accept it, since it could affect the other insurers’ liability as well.
Can I sue Uber or Lyft for an accident?
That depends. Uber and Lyft insist that their drivers are independent contractors, not employees, and thus the rideshare companies aren’t vicariously liable for accidents they cause. However, the legal definition of an independent contractor may or may not apply, depending on the facts of your case. The rideshare company itself may have also done something to cause your accident and thus be directly liable. An attorney can review the facts of your case and advise on your legal options.
Getting compensation after a rideshare accident can be complicated
The insurance company that covers the driver may deny your claim for compensation for several reasons. They may claim that they are not liable for the damages you’ve suffered. They may question the extent of your injuries or argue they were pre-existing. Sometimes, they’ll even blame you for causing the accident.
Insurance companies are in business to make money. Paying out compensation hurts their profits, so they will always try to pay you as little as possible. They have lawyers working to protect their interests. And in a rideshare case, there are often multiple insurance companies involved, which further complicates the situation. They may work together to reduce your claim, paying out as little as possible to make you go away.
A record of results in East Texas
That’s why you need a car accident lawyer who knows how to take on the insurance companies and get results. Jeff fights to help you recover financial compensation for the injuries you suffered in a Lyft or Uber accident – both now and in the future. He also seeks compensation for any lost wages and other damages such as pain and suffering.
When you have Jeff Weinstein on your side, you get an attorney with more than 30 years of experience. You get a lawyer with a record of proven results who provides personal attention from start to finish. You even get Jeff’s personal cell phone number, so you can call him anytime if you have questions about your case.
If you’ve been hurt in a Lyft or Uber accident in Henderson County, contact Jeff today. Schedule a free consultation. He’ll meet with you at his office or anywhere that’s convenient to go over your options and answer your questions.