Rideshare Accident Attorneys in Dallas Who Win Big Cases
Using rideshare services like Lyft and Uber is a convenient way to get around. Many people in Dallas take advantage of these services when they're out enjoying the local nightlife and hitting hot spots such as the Midnight Rambler, Gallery Rooftop Lounge, and Hyena's Comedy Club. But there's a downside to using these services.
Rideshare accidents present unique challenges that make them different from typical motor vehicle accidents. The involvement of a rideshare company adds an extra layer to determining who is at fault and who is financially responsible for damages and injuries.
If you were a rideshare passenger who was seriously injured in a crash, or if you were a pedestrian, cyclist, or driver who was harmed in a collision involving a rideshare driver, contact The Lenahan Law Firm right away. We'll explore all your options and find the best legal strategy for getting maximum compensation to cover the cost of your medical bills and other expenses caused by the accident.
Marc C. Lenahan is a lifetime member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Our law firm has a perfect 10.0 AVVO rating, and Super Lawyers gives us high marks based on independent research and peer reviews.
Call (214) 295-1008 or toll-free at (888) 473-2820 to learn more today.
Common Uber and Lyft Injury Claims
Dallas residents and visitors are heavy users of Uber and Lyft for fast, personalized transportation. On-demand rides are popular and convenient – but what do you do if your rideshare driver is involved in an accident? This situation, particularly when a serious or fatal injury has occurred, requires the assistance of a knowledgeable car accident lawyer to manage what can be a complex legal situation.
How Do Rideshare Accidents Happen?
Rideshare drivers from Uber, Lyft, and other smaller personal transportation services are involved in accidents in the Dallas area, including:
- Driver Distraction: Rideshare drivers often focus on the in-vehicle ride-hailing system or may be texting while driving, resulting in inattention to the road and traffic conditions.
- Negligent Driving Conduct: Driving unsafely in heavy traffic can lead to a collision with devastating consequences for the passengers.
- Speeding: Drivers may choose to exceed the posted speed limit and put passengers at risk.
- Alcohol or Drug Intoxication: Just like any driver, an Uber or Lyft driver could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol and make poor driving decisions.
- Unsafe Lane Changes: A driver who is rushing may change lanes unsafely, leading to a side impact crash that injures a passenger.
- Vehicle System Failure (Brakes, Tires, etc.): Any vehicle can have a system failure, such as a blow-out or brake failure, leading to a crash with severe consequences.
- Another Vehicle Operator Caused the Collision: Some accidents are caused by the actions of another driver sharing the street or highway.
Who Is Liable in a Rideshare Accident in Dallas?
After an injury accident while being driven by Uber or Lyft, the question of liability comes into play. The company covers the driver only while they are en route to pick up a passenger or transporting the passenger to their destination. If the driver was not engaged in these actions, they are responsible for any accident and are required to have private auto insurance. If you were hit by an Uber or Lyft driver, determining whether they were currently covered by the company or their own insurance is a critical point in how compensation will be pursued by your attorney.
Determining who is liable in a rideshare accident is not always straightforward. First, it must be established whether the rideshare driver was logged into the app and available for passengers, which would involve the rideshare company's insurance. If the driver were not on duty, their personal insurance would be applicable. If another motorist committed an act of negligence that contributed to the accident, that driver may also be liable.
Important Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident
Filing a claim after a rideshare accident involves several detailed steps. The first thing you'll want to do is dial 911 and wait for first responders to arrive. Next, seek immediate medical attention for your injuries. It's also important to collect accident scene photographs and contact information from drivers and witnesses. This will provide invaluable evidence for your Dallas rideshare accident injury lawyer.
After an automobile collision, your top priority should always be your health. Seeking immediate medical attention is critical, even if you believe your injuries are minor. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms right away. A thorough medical examination will ensure that any hidden injuries are diagnosed and treated promptly. Delaying medical care may weaken your case, making it harder to prove that your injuries resulted from the rideshare accident.
Photos are a strong form of evidence in any accident claim. They capture details that words might miss and provide concrete visual proof that can corroborate your account of the event. When taking pictures, focus on all vehicles involved, capturing their positions, any visible damage, and license plate numbers for identification. Collect photos of the accident scene, including road conditions and any skid marks or debris.
You can ask a friend to take the pictures if you require immediate medical treatment after the accident. When collecting witness information, get their full names, contact details, and a brief statement of what they saw.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies and Other Legal Challenges
Negotiating for a fair settlement is a critical phase of the personal injury process. Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, so it's important to have an experienced attorney who will negotiate on your behalf. Your lawyer will leverage the evidence to argue for a settlement that covers all your expenses, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Throughout the negotiation, your lawyer will communicate with the insurance company, manage all paperwork, and ensure you meet filing deadlines.
Preparing for litigation involves working closely with your attorney to build a strong case. This preparation includes reviewing your testimony, organizing documentary evidence, and working with medical experts.
If the driver was distracted, under the influence, performed an unsafe maneuver, or violated traffic laws, they may be liable. It's also important to review their driving status with the rideshare company during the incident. Even though drivers are considered independent contractors, they still must adhere to a standard of care while operating under the company's platform.
When a rideshare accident occurs, holding the driver accountable is essential. The Lenahan Law Firm will collect the necessary evidence to establish how the driver's negligence contributed to the accident. This may include:
- Surveillance footage
- Witness interviews
- Dashcam video
- Physical evidence
- Expert testimony
- Police reports
- Accident scene simulations
What Is the Value of My Case?
If you were involved in an injury accident with an Uber or Lyft driver, whether as a passenger or while operating another vehicle, determining the value of your case involves the following:
- The extent of your injuries and the economic damages you suffered include medical bills, transportation costs, rehabilitation, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and other hard costs.
- Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, emotional anguish, and other personal losses.
To recover the maximum compensation for a rideshare accident, your Dallas personal injury attorney must first investigate whether the driver was covered by Uber or Lyft or was operating the vehicle outside of the requirements of the company. Once this is determined, a claim or lawsuit will be filed to pursue the compensation you deserve to the insurance company that covered the driver at that time. Depending on the extent of the injuries, medical experts and financial experts may be necessary. If the insurance company does not offer a reasonable settlement offer within a reasonable timeframe, a lawsuit can be filed to seek justice and full compensation in civil court.
Why Choose Our Dallas Personal Injury Law Firm?
At The Lenahan Law Firm, your injury case will be in the hands of one of the region's most successful personal injury law firms. Every case we take on is personally reviewed by our founder, Marc C. Lenahan, and we limit the number of cases we take so that each client gets the attention and focus needed to achieve success. We have handled some of the biggest injury cases in the nation. If you or a loved one was seriously or catastrophically injured in a rideshare accident, we urge you to contact our firm as soon as possible after the accident.
Contact Our Dallas Rideshare Accident Lawyers Today
If you were injured, or a family member was seriously or fatally injured in a rideshare accident, connect with a Dallas auto accident lawyer at The Lenahan Law Firm at (214) 295-1008 or toll-free at (888) 473-2820 immediately.
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