Garland, Texas Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become a part of many people's daily lives. People may use these platforms to get to work, travel to the airport, or get home safely after a night out. When an Uber or Lyft driver causes a crash, multiple people may be affected, including a rideshare passenger or people in other vehicles. The legal issues that can affect these cases can quickly become complicated. At Jerry D. Andrews, P.C., we help accident victims resolve these issues and obtain the compensation they deserve.

The Risks That Can Make Rideshare Drivers Dangerous

Driving for rideshare services will involve a unique combination of pressures and distractions that can lead to safety concerns. Accidents involving Lyft or Uber drivers may take place because of issues such as:

• Distractions From a Rideshare App: Uber and Lyft drivers will need to interact with smartphone apps constantly. They check these apps to accept ride requests, confirm pickup locations, navigate to destinations, and update their statuses. The distractions presented by a rideshare app can take a driver's attention away from the road when it is badly needed. Distracted driving can be incredibly dangerous, but it is almost impossible for rideshare drivers to avoid.
• Fatigue From Extended Hours: Rideshare drivers may remain behind the wheel for long shifts, and they may work late into the night or during the early morning hours. Some people work other jobs and drive for rideshare services during their off hours. These factors can combine to cause rideshare drivers to become fatigued, which will make them more likely to make mistakes that could lead to accidents.
• Unfamiliarity With Roads: Rideshare drivers will often need to travel to areas they do not know well. They will rely on navigation apps to guide them in real time. Trying to drive safely while checking GPS directions, watching for street signs, and paying attention to traffic can be difficult. Drivers may need to make abrupt movements to respond to unexpected conditions. Actions like quick lane changes, sudden braking, and last-minute turns can increase the risks of accidents.

Determining Who Is Responsible for a Rideshare Accident

One of the most confusing aspects of rideshare accident claims involves determining who may be held responsible. For many types of employment, employers may be held liable for the actions taken by their employees while they are performing their job duties. However, Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. This allows them to argue that they are not responsible for the negligent acts of drivers.

To address the harm that may be caused to people who are involved in accidents with rideshare drivers, Lyft and Uber maintain insurance policies that provide coverage for passengers who use their apps, people in other vehicles, or others who may be injured in collisions. However, the coverage that may be available will depend on a driver's status when the accident occurred.

When a driver has not logged into a rideshare app and is simply driving as a private citizen, the rideshare company's insurance does not provide coverage. Claims will need to be made against the driver's personal auto insurance policy. When a driver has logged into a rideshare app and is available to accept rides, both Uber and Lyft provide limited insurance coverage. When accidents take place in these situations, victims may receive compensation, but the amount of coverage available may not fully address catastrophic injuries.

Once a driver has accepted a ride request, Lyft and Uber provide higher levels of insurance coverage. When an accident occurs at any point between when a driver accepts a request and when they drop off a passenger, the amount of coverage available may be as high as $1,000,000. This coverage may address serious injuries and extensive damages.