Lyft Accident Attorney in Webster, Texas

At Jose Orihuela, Attorney at Law, I understand that ridesharing services like Lyft have become an essential part of daily transportation for many residents in Webster, Texas. However, accidents involving Lyft vehicles raise unique legal questions that can be challenging to figure out. 

If you’ve been involved in a Lyft accident, whether as a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver, it’s important to understand your legal rights and options.

Lyft accidents can introduce complicated questions around liability, as multiple parties—such as the driver, Lyft, and other involved vehicles—may all play a role. Knowing where you stand legally can make a significant difference in how you approach the claims process and can prepare you to seek compensation. 

We’ll break down the legal aspects of Lyft accidents in Texas and explain how a personal injury lawyer can help you seek compensation for your injuries.

Liability in Lyft Accidents

One of the first questions I get from clients involved in Lyft accidents is, “Who is responsible for paying my medical bills and other damages?” Determining liability in a Lyft accident can be complicated. Depending on the circumstances, the driver, Lyft, or another party may be responsible.

Texas follows a fault-based system for car accidents, meaning the person or entity responsible for causing the accident is liable for the damages. However, with Lyft accidents, the driver’s status—whether they were on duty, off duty, or actively transporting a passenger—can impact who pays for your damages.

Lyft’s Insurance Coverage

Lyft provides its drivers with insurance coverage, but the extent of that coverage depends on the driver’s activity at the time of the accident. If the driver wasn’t logged into the Lyft app, their personal auto insurance would be responsible for covering any damages.

If the driver was logged into the app but hadn’t yet accepted a ride, Lyft provides limited coverage. We’ve seen that this includes up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. 

If the driver was en route to pick up a passenger or actively transporting a passenger, Lyft’s $1 million liability policy applies. Understanding how this insurance works is crucial for determining how to seek compensation.

What to Do After a Lyft Accident

After any car accident, including one involving Lyft, your immediate priority should be your safety and well-being. Here are some essential tips to follow after experiencing a car accident.

• Prioritize safety: Make sure everyone involved in the accident is safe. Call 911 to report the accident, even if it appears minor.

• Get a police report: Allow law enforcement to document the scene with an official report. This report can be crucial for any insurance claims or legal proceedings.

• Gather evidence: If possible, take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect contact and insurance information from the Lyft driver, other drivers involved, and any witnesses.

• Document everything: Keeping thorough records early on can help strengthen your case if you need to file a claim or pursue legal action.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

When you’re involved in a Lyft accident, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the intricacies of insurance policies, medical bills, and legal claims. This is where an experienced personal injury lawyer can be invaluable. I can guide you through the process, handle communication with Lyft’s insurance company, and make sure that your rights are protected.

One of the most important things I do as a personal injury lawyer is to investigate the accident thoroughly. I work with accident reconstruction experts, gather witness statements, and obtain critical evidence like dashcam footage or traffic camera videos. By building a strong case, I can help you pursue compensation.

Types of Compensation You May Be Able to Pursue

If you’ve been injured in a Lyft accident, you may be able to seek various types of compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Here are some compensation types to consider seeking with the help of legal professionals.

• Medical expenses: Covers costs for emergency room visits, surgeries, physical therapy, and any ongoing medical care related to the accident.

• Lost wages: Compensates for income lost due to time taken off work because of injuries from the accident.

• Pain and suffering: Addresses the emotional and physical impact the accident has had on your life.

• Property damage: Covers repairs or replacement for your vehicle and any personal property damaged in the accident.

Dealing With Lyft’s Insurance Company

One of the most challenging aspects of Lyft accident cases is dealing with the insurance company. Lyft’s insurance provider may attempt to minimize your claim by offering a low settlement or by disputing the extent of your injuries. Insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is to protect their bottom line.

As an experienced personal injury lawyer, I negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, making sure you aren’t pressured into accepting a settlement that doesn’t fully cover your damages.

Lyft Driver Liability

In addition to Lyft’s insurance, the driver’s personal liability may also come into play in certain cases. If the Lyft driver was negligent they can be held personally liable for the accident. They could be considered liability from factors including the ones below.

• Speeding

• Running a red light

• Driving while distracted

In some situations, a claim against the driver’s personal auto insurance can be pursued, especially if their negligence was the primary cause of the crash. 

However, it’s important to understand that most personal auto insurance policies exclude coverage for accidents that occur while the driver is engaged in rideshare services. That’s why Lyft’s insurance policy is often the primary source of compensation.

Texas Statute of Limitations for Lyft Accidents

In Texas, you have a limited amount of time to file a personal injury lawsuit after a Lyft accident. The statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this period, you may lose your right to seek compensation.

It’s crucial to speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. While two years may seem like a long time, building a strong case takes time, and waiting too long can jeopardize the availability of key evidence or witnesses.

Lyft Passengers and Pedestrians in Accidents

Lyft accidents don’t just involve drivers. Passengers in Lyft vehicles and pedestrians who are struck by a Lyft driver can also seek compensation. If you were a passenger in a Lyft vehicle at the time of the accident, you’re entitled to the same insurance protections under Lyft’s policy.

Pedestrians injured by a Lyft driver are also covered by Lyft’s insurance if the driver was logged into the app or actively transporting a passenger. Whether you were in the car or walking down the street, it’s essential to work with a personal injury lawyer who understands the nuances of Lyft accident claims.

Comparative Negligence in Texas

Texas follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that your compensation may be reduced if you’re found partially at fault for the accident. For example, if you were involved in a Lyft accident and found to be 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced by 20%. 

However, if you’re found to be more than 50% at fault, you may not be able to recover any compensation. I’ll thoroughly investigate the accident and present evidence that supports your case.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Hire a Lawyer

If you’ve been involved in a Lyft accident, it’s important not to wait before seeking legal help. The longer you wait, the more challenging it can be to gather evidence and build a strong case. Additionally, insurance companies may take advantage of the delay to pressure you into accepting a low settlement.

By hiring a personal injury lawyer early in the process, you can focus on your recovery while I handle the legal and financial aspects of your case. I’ll fight to help you pursue the compensation you need to move forward after the accident.