If you were in a car accident with an Uber or Lyft driver in Sugar Land, it can be difficult to understand how to protect your rights. With rideshare services like Uber and Lyft being used by so many, the not at fault driver or passengers may wonder if they are properly covered for their injuries and/or damages. You should reach out to a qualified accident attorney to get answers and guidance to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Whose Car Insurance Applies in an Uber or Lyft Accident in Sugar Land?
Typically, when you are injured in a car accident, the only person you can hold responsible is the at-fault driver. Ridesharing adds complexity. In Fort Bend County, Uber and Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors instead of employees. The drivers can choose their hours by turning on their ridesharing app when they want to work and choose when to accept passengers.
Most personal car insurance policies limit their coverage to when the driver is driving for personal use. The insurance company will typically deny a claim that occurred while the rideshare driver was working for Uber or Lyft. An exception to this rule occurs when the driver has purchased a ridesharing endorsement to add to their insurance coverage.
However, you are not left unprotected if you are injured by a ridesharing driver. Uber and Lyft offer liability insurance to their drivers that kick in after the driver’s carrier denies a claim. The coverage changes based on when the accident occurs. The four categories of insurance are:
• Period 0: This period applies to accidents that occur when the driver is operating their vehicle for personal use and is not logged into the ridesharing app. Uber and Lyft provide no coverage.
• Period 1: This period applies when the driver has turned on their ridesharing app but has not accepted a ride. Uber and Lyft provide liability coverage up to $50,000 per person injured in the accident, $100,000 per accident bodily injury liability limits, and $25,000 per accident in property damage.
• Period 2: This period applies when the driver has accepted a ride and is on the way to pick up the driver. Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage.
• Period 3: This period applies when an accident occurs while a rider is in the Uber or Lyft vehicle. Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage, as well as limited coverage for damage to the driver’s car and uninsured motorist coverage.
Can I Sue Uber or Lyft After a Car Accident in Sugar Land?
The answer to whether you will be able to sue Uber or Lyft after the accident in Sugar Land is very complicated. Texas law surrounding rideshare companies is still in flux.
You may be able to sue Uber or Lyft if the company’s negligence contributed to the car accident. For example, you may have a successful negligence claim if Uber did not complete a background check on a driver with a history of DWIs, and the driver hit you while they were intoxicated. But because these cases can be difficult to win, it is critical to have an aggressive attorney on your side.
What Should I Do I Was in an Uber or Lyft Accident in Sugar Land?
If you were involved in an Uber or Lyft accident in Sugar Land, you should take the following steps:
1. Call the Police. You should always call the police to the accident scene. A police report is a vital evidence for an insurance claim or lawsuit.
2. Collect Contact Information. You should get the insurance contact information of every person involved in the accident and any eyewitnesses.
3. Document the Accident. You should take photos and videos of the accident scene and the vehicles.
4. Get Medical Treatment. It is critical to receive proper medical treatment after an accident. Even if your symptoms don’t immediately appear severe, you should get an evaluation by a qualified medical professional. This evidence will be necessary to prove your damages.
5. Call an Uber/Lyft Accident Attorney. You should contact a skilled Uber/Lyft accident attorney to ensure that you receive the compensation that you deserve.
Your Sugar Land Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one were in an Uber or Lyft accident, you should reach out to a qualified Sugar Land attorney as soon as possible. Adam Capetillo is a Fort Bend County native who will evaluate your case and provide the best possible representation. As a skilled personal injury lawyer in Sugar Land, Adam Capetillo can effectively guide you through the entire process. Call Capetillo Law Firm today for a free consultation.
