Grand Prairie Rideshare Accident Attorney

Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft have become an important part of many people's daily lives due to their ability to provide convenient transportation. However, as the number of rideshare drivers on the road increases, accidents involving these drivers are becoming more likely. When passengers, pedestrians, or occupants of other vehicles are injured in collisions with Uber or Lyft drivers, it is not always clear who should be held responsible.

Jerry D. Andrews, P.C. provides skilled legal representation in these complex cases, guiding victims through the process of recovering compensation from all available sources. With more than 30 years of experience representing clients in personal injury matters, as well as Board Certification from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Attorney Andrews can provide the legal help needed to succeed in these cases. Our firm is well-equipped to address the unique challenges that rideshare accident cases present, and we can take legal action against rideshare companies or other parties to protect our clients' rights.

Why Uber and Lyft Accidents May Happen

Rideshare drivers face unique pressures that can increase the risk of accidents. Many of these drivers may be unfamiliar with the areas in which they are driving, or they may feel rushed to get to their destinations more quickly so they can maximize their earnings. These and other issues can lead to rideshare crashes, which may involve factors such as:

• Unfamiliar Routes: When navigating through areas they do not know well, rideshare drivers may make sudden turns, abrupt stops, or other unsafe maneuvers. They may place themselves and their passengers in dangerous situations that could lead to accidents that result in serious injuries.
• Distractions From Rideshare Apps: Uber and Lyft drivers often rely heavily on their phones for directions. They may also view ride requests or engage in communications with passengers while they are driving. These activities can cause them to take their eyes off the road at critical moments. Distracted driving can be dangerous, and rideshare drivers who do not fully pay attention to the road may collide with other vehicles or pedestrians and cause serious injuries.
• Speeding or Aggressive Driving: In an effort to complete more trips, some rideshare drivers may exceed speed limits or take unnecessary risks. This will increase the chances that they will be involved in accidents and injure their passengers or people in other vehicles.
• Fatigue: Many rideshare drivers work long hours, or they may drive late at night. This may lead them to become tired or drowsy, which can significantly impair their judgment and reaction time. A driver who falls asleep can cause a serious collision that may injure others.

Determining Liability in Rideshare Accidents

It is not always easy to determine who can be held financially responsible for a rideshare accident. Liability may depend on the driver's status when they were involved in a collision:

• App Off/No Passenger: If the driver was not logged into the Uber or Lyft app, they will typically be solely responsible for causing a collision. Their personal auto insurance policy may provide compensation to people who have been injured.
• App On/Waiting for a Ride Request: When a driver is logged into the app but has not accepted a ride, Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage. This coverage, in addition to the driver's personal auto insurance, may allow for increased compensation.
• Ride Accepted/Passenger in Vehicle: From the moment a ride request is accepted until the passenger is dropped off, Uber and Lyft typically provide substantial liability coverage. This coverage may address injuries to passengers, other drivers, or pedestrians.

In some cases, multiple insurance policies may apply, and insurers may attempt to shift responsibility to other parties to avoid paying claims. At Jerry D. Andrews, P.C., we will carefully analyze the coverage that may be available, and we will work to ensure that injury victims can receive the payouts they deserve.