3030 Lyndon B Johnson Fwy, #130, Dallas, TX 75234
Lancaster, Texas Rideshare Accident Attorney
Jerry took care of everything for me after I was in an accident.
He made sure the at fault insurance company covered my medical bills and that I received compensation for future care. Really knows what he's doing!
Lawyer for Accidents Involving Uber or Lyft Drivers in Lancaster
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Rideshare services can provide alternatives to traditional taxis, allowing people to request rides with a few taps on their smartphones. Millions of trips occur through Uber, Lyft, and similar platforms each year. However, the rapid growth of these services has led to new safety concerns. When rideshare drivers are involved in car accidents, injury victims will need to address complex issues related to liability as they determine how they can obtain compensation.
At Jerry D. Andrews, P.C., we understand the legal factors that may affect people who have been involved in rideshare accidents. We can investigate these accidents to identify all liable parties, and we can determine what insurance policies may apply. Our goal is to secure maximum compensation for our clients and ensure that they will be able to move forward as they recover from their injuries.
Factors Contributing to Rideshare Driver Accidents
Drivers working for Uber, Lyft, or similar services may face unique issues that can lead to accidents. The financial incentives of rideshare driving encourage drivers to complete as many trips as possible to maximize their earnings. Drivers may face pressure to accept rides continuously, drive long hours without adequate breaks, and rush between pickups and destinations. Fatigued drivers who are struggling to earn enough income may continue working when they should rest, and they may experience issues such as impaired judgment or slower reaction times that can increase the risks of accidents.
Distractions are also a factor in many rideshare accidents. Uber or Lyft drivers will need to use smartphone apps to accept ride requests, view navigation instructions, communicate with passengers, and manage trip details. These interactions can divert a driver's attention from the road. When taking their eyes off the road to check a pickup location or adjust navigation settings, a driver may fail to see traffic signals, stopped vehicles, or pedestrians.
Some rideshare accidents may occur because drivers are unfamiliar with routes or destinations. Many rideshare drivers work part-time, and they will often rely entirely on GPS navigation. Drivers who are focused on following turn-by-turn directions may miss important visual cues, or they may make sudden lane changes when they realize they need to turn. These unsafe driving behaviors may lead rideshare drivers to collide with other vehicles or pedestrians
Inadequate vehicle maintenance can be a safety concern for rideshare drivers. Because drivers typically own their vehicles, they will be responsible for vehicle maintenance. Some drivers may not perform repairs when necessary, and this can lead to issues such as worn tires, brake failure, or other mechanical problems that can lead to accidents.
Inexperienced drivers may not have the skills needed to drive safely in complex traffic situations. While rideshare may conduct background checks and require drivers to maintain valid licenses and insurance, they provide limited training on safe driving practices or defensive driving techniques. New drivers may not have enough driving experience, leading them to make errors that can cause accidents.
Victims of Rideshare Accidents
Multiple people may suffer injuries when rideshare drivers cause accidents, including:
Rideshare Passengers
People riding in Uber or Lyft vehicles at the time of accidents may sustain serious injuries. Passengers have limited control over a situation, and they must trust that drivers will operate their vehicles safely. When drivers act negligently, passengers may suffer physical harm ranging from minor injuries to catastrophic trauma.
Occupants of Other Vehicles
Drivers and passengers in vehicles struck by rideshare drivers may experience injuries, but the process of securing compensation may be more complicated than in other types of car accidents. The insurance coverage that may apply will often depend on whether a rideshare driver was transporting passengers, was on their way to a pickup, or was waiting for a ride request.
People in other vehicles may need to file claims against the rideshare driver's personal insurance policy, the rideshare company's commercial policy, or both. Insurance companies may dispute which policy should provide coverage, leaving injured people caught in the middle while their medical bills and other expenses pile up.
Pedestrians and Cyclists
People who are struck by rideshare drivers may suffer severe injuries due to their lack of protection. Pedestrians may be hit by rideshare vehicles while walking in crosswalks, on sidewalks, or along roadways. Bicyclists using bike lanes or sharing traffic lanes may become involved in bicycle accidents due to the negligence of rideshare drivers.
These cases will require careful investigation to establish what a rideshare driver was doing at the time of an accident. A driver who was distracted by a rideshare app or who was rushing to reach a pickup location may be held liable for negligence that led to injuries for a pedestrian or cyclist.
Classification of Rideshare Drivers as Independent Contractors
Unlike traditional taxi companies that employ drivers directly, Uber, Lyft, and similar companies classify their drivers as independent contractors. This classification can lead to complications for injury victims who are taking steps to recover compensation. When employees cause accidents during the course of their employment, their employers may be held liable. However, companies generally cannot be held liable for the actions of independent contractors.
Rideshare companies may argue that they should not be held responsible for accidents caused by the negligence of their drivers. However, it may be possible to take legal action against these companies when accidents or injuries are the direct result of their policies. At Jerry D. Andrews, P.C., our attorney can help injury victims determine whether they may have valid claims against rideshare companies. He will work to identify all potential sources of compensation and ensure that the proper insurance coverage will be provided to address the injuries suffered by victims.
Contact Our Lancaster, TX Uber/Lyft Accident Lawyer
Rideshare accidents may involve a variety of complex legal factors. Representation from a skilled and experienced lawyer can be essential in these cases to ensure that injury victims will be able to obtain the compensation they deserve. At Jerry D. Andrews, P.C., we can help victims understand their options, and we will fight to ensure that they can maximize their compensation. Contact our Lancaster Uber and Lyft accident attorney at 214-221-5800 to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you move forward with your recovery.
214-221-5800


