At the Hollingsworth Law Firm, our Houston personal injury attorneys know negligent drivers, no matter who they are working for, are just as likely to be involved in a collision as another distracted or impaired driver in Texas.
Unlike rideshare drivers, the difference is that most motorists do not spend countless hours driving daily, using up to 60% of their time searching for passengers. Smartphones are among the most essential parts of an Uber driver’s job. They allow them to accept rides, locate passengers, and guide them through the trip so they can get to their destinations without issue — even when they don’t know where they are going.
Uber’s popularity has led to the company having nearly 75% of the rideshare market share in the U.S. with 130 million monthly active users; Uber makes 23 million rides per day on average and takes 7.64 billion trips in a year.
Since most people use Uber for nights out on the town or large events to avoid parking challenges or to meet friends for dinner without worrying they may have one too many drinks, Uber accidents often occur in highly trafficked areas. Studies indicate that 90% of Uber accidents occur in urban areas, including major cities like Houston.
The statistics reflect the victims in these crashes were 21% rideshare drivers, 21% rideshare riders, and 58% third-party drivers or passengers. Determining liability can be complex depending on the circumstances of the crash and which party you were when you were injured in the accident. We can help.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has established levels correlating driver vs. rideshare liability based on the crash facts.
They include:
The driver uses a personal vehicle and has yet to activate the rideshare app, leaving the driver’s personal insurance policy responsible for the injuries or fatalities the driver caused.
The minimum limits of liability insurance required under Texas law for all motorists are:
If the driver has additional coverage, our accident and injury attorneys will pursue our client’s complete damages up to the policy limit.
The driver has enabled the app but has not yet accepted a ride request, which leaves the rideshare company with limited liability coverage that includes:
Pursuing the company’s limited liability coverage may be challenging without a skilled Uber accident attorney leading the way. We can help ensure your rights are protected throughout your claim and that you never feel intimidated by Uber’s insurers or legal counsel.
The driver accepted a ride request but had not picked up the passenger yet. Uber carries insurance coverage up to $1 million, which will apply to the crash because the driver was actively employed when the collision occurred.
The driver has picked up and is transporting the passenger(s). Because the driver was actively employed when the collision occurred, the rideshare company’s insurance coverage will apply up to the $1 million coverage limit.
If you are in an Uber accident in Texas, it is vital to treat the collision just as you would any other crash, which means you should:
Contact our dedicated Houston Uber accident and injury lawyers at the Hollingsworth Law Firm today by calling 713-637-4560 or contact us online for a free case evaluation.
Our skilled bilingual personal injury lawyers and support staff represent clients throughout Texas on a contingency basis, so you never pay any legal fees unless we win your case.
If you are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve, so are we. Let us take the lead.
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