Every time you take an Uber or Lyft, you’re putting your wellbeing in the hands of a stranger who may have already worked a full day of chauffeuring tourists around. Your instinct when you get in a car accident as a rideshare passenger may tell you not to get a lawyer involved. However, in cases involving injury from an Uber/Lyft accident in Austin, TX, legal representation may be essential to secure rightful compensation.
While rideshare companies maintain insurance policies to safeguard their drivers and passengers, you needn't settle for whatever payout they propose. With the guidance of Austin Uber/Lyft accident attorneys at Carabin Shaw, you can adeptly navigate the insurance claim negotiation process.
Reporting the Accident to Uber or LyftBoth Uber and Lyft offer up to $1,000,000 in property damage and injury coverage when their drivers are actively fulfilling a ride request. In order to start this claims process, you must report the accident via the “Help” section in the Uber or Lyft app.
Why You Should Seek Out a Rideshare Accident LawyerHaving the expertise of dedicated rideshare injury attorneys in Austin can only help your case. We can deal with insurance companies and make sure you’re not getting pushed around in negotiations. We consider all potential options for compensation to make sure you’re not leaving money on the table.
We can also investigate the circumstances around your accident and make sure you’re not overlooking anything that can play a major role in building your case. Take a look at some Carabin Shaw reviews to see examples of the types of service you can expect when you let us handle your rideshare accident claims.
Factors That May Affect Your CaseHaving experienced rideshare accident attorneys in Texas handle your claim means potentially uncovering information about the crash that strengthens your case. Depending on the circumstances, these factors may open you up to new types of compensation.
Condition of the DriverBoth Uber and Lyft have policies that limit the amount of time a driver can drive without an extended break in order to limit driver fatigue. However, they’ve also used psychological tactics to incentivize drivers to drive longer and accept more rides. There are also ways around these limits, as some drivers drive for both companies and can switch between apps when needed.
Both companies also have a zero-tolerance driver intoxication policy, but cases still slip through the cracks. Especially if you’re taking a late-night ride downtown, like countless Austinites do every weekend, fatigue and distraction can be dangerous. If the driver was intoxicated, distracted or fatigued, that can play a big role in what type of settlement you may be able to receive.
Vehicle Safety RisksUber and Lyft require their drivers in Texas to operate vehicles that meet the state’s safety requirements. If any of the vehicle’s safety features were malfunctioning, that could have been a factor in your accident.
Negligent Hiring PracticesBoth Uber and Lyft do background checks and have driving record requirements for their drivers. But they’re not foolproof. If your attorneys discover that the rideshare company overlooked evidence that the responsible driver posed a risk to passengers before approving them to use their app, that could greatly affect your case.
Contact Carabin Shaw Today for a FREE Initial Consultation!Our team is ready to discuss your rideshare passenger accident case and offer our services to help you get what you’re owed. Call 800-862-1260 toll-free to request an initial consultation. An English- or Spanish-speaking staff member will be available to take your call 24/7.
No need to worry whether you can afford our services. We offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you won’t pay unless we win.
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