Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft offer convenience, but not necessarily safety. Since Uber and Lyft drivers aren’t considered to be commercial drivers, they’re under no obligation to obtain special licenses, prove exceptional knowledge of local traffic laws, or comply with heightened duties of care. They’re also some of the most distracted drivers on the road, which is one of the biggest risk factors for car accidents.
Unsurprisingly, Uber and Lyft rideshare accidents aren’t uncommon. As a victim of a rideshare accident in Georgetown, TX, it’s important to explore your legal rights and options. You could be entitled to compensation.
Working with an experienced Georgetown accident attorney at Dow Law Firm can help you navigate a complex legal claim and fight for a substantial monetary award.
We offer free consultations, so don’t hesitate to contact our experienced Georgetown rideshare accident attorneys at (512) 240-9951 to discuss your accident claim today.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Georgetown, TX
Uber and Lyft rideshare accidents are primarily caused by driver negligence. Common causes include:
- Distracted driving: Rideshare drivers are often focused on their phones and passengers, rather than the traffic conditions around them.
- Speeding: The more rides an Uber or Lyft driver can complete in a shift, the more money they can make.
- Driver fatigue: Drivers for rideshare services like Uber and Lyft often have other jobs, so they get behind the wheel after already having worked a full day.
- Drug and alcohol use: Drivers may rely on drugs and/or alcohol to cope with the stresses of the job or help them stay awake and alert beyond what’s safe.
- Improper braking or parking: Rideshare vehicles don’t necessarily pick up or drop off passengers in the safest locations, which can potentially block traffic and cause accidents.
Other causes include violations of local traffic laws, auto defects, poor vehicle maintenance, bad weather conditions, and aggressive driving behaviors.
How Do I Get Compensation For My Georgetown Rideshare Accident Injuries?
Anyone responsible for your Uber or Lyft accident can be liable for damages. However, liability can be complicated since multiple parties and insurance companies can be involved.
Insurance is typically the primary source of compensation. You can file a claim with any at-fault party’s insurance company, including the rideshare driver’s insurance company. Additionally, you can file a claim directly against those responsible for the accident. Generally, you can’t sue Uber or Lyft directly because their drivers are independently contracted.
However, rideshare companies do maintain insurance for accidents that occur when their drivers are waiting for ride requests or actively engaged in a ride. Uber and Lyft coverage is secondary to other policies. You generally have to exhaust other available benefits before Uber or Lyft’s insurance companies will pay for any damages.
Regardless of whose insurance company you go through, you can usually receive economic damages and non-economic damages for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages and disability
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Emotional distress
- PTSD
- Chronic pain
Catastrophic injuries, including spinal cord injuries, broken bones, brain injuries, burns, and amputations, tend to give rise to claims that are worth more than others. However, several factors will dictate what your rideshare accident case is worth. Working with our rideshare accident attorneys in Georgetown can help you recover full compensation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Rideshare Accident Claim in Texas?
Texas imposes a strict two-year statute of limitations on most rideshare injury claims, so it’s important to reach out to our rideshare accident attorneys at Dow Law Firm as soon as you can after you get hurt.
Contact Our Georgetown Rideshare Accident Lawyers For a Free Case Review
Our team of top-rated Georgetown rideshare accident lawyers offers experienced and compassionate legal representation to help you win your case and get every cent you deserve.
Our Georgetown personal injury lawyers helped clients win millions of dollars in settlement awards and jury verdicts every year. Now, we can help you make the most of your fight for compensation after a rideshare accident in Georgetown, too.
Contact our Georgetown rideshare accident lawyers today at (512) 240-9951 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation. We represent clients on a contingency fee basis, so there’s no risk in reaching out to our legal team for help.