Holding Uber & Lyft Accountable for Driver Accidents in Austin, Texas

With its constant influx of out-of-towners and bar-hoppers, you can hardly walk a block in Austin without seeing a rideshare driver picking up or dropping off passengers. And while conventional wisdom leads many to believe that ridesharing makes roads safer, Uber and Lyft drivers are no more qualified than your average driver to carry passengers and drive for long stretches of time.

Determining liability of Uber/Lyft drivers in accidents depends on various factors like whether the driver was actively fulfilling a request, and whether they were obeying Texas’ rules of the road. Carabin Shaw’s rideshare accident attorneys in Austin TX can help hold Uber or Lyft accountable for the role in the accident that caused your injuries.

Uber/Lyft injury compensation can vary greatly depending on the circumstances of the accident. There are three types of damages that you may be able to claim:

1. Economic damages: Compensation for actual monetary losses such as cost of medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and loss of future earnings
2. Noneconomic damages: Compensation for more abstract losses such as mental or emotional pain and suffering, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment of life, or reputational damage
3. Exemplary damages: Awarded as a punishment in cases of fraud, malice or negligence

When it comes time to build a case for compensation, our team can help you through every step of the process. But there are a few things you can do to help your lawyer strengthen your case.

The Texas Transportation Code says that a police report must be filed within 10 days after an auto accident. If you or the other driver calls 911 at the scene of the accident, an officer should be dispatched to handle this. Otherwise, you will need to contact the police to file the report.

You should also report the accident with Uber or Lyft as soon as possible.

Even if you are not in need of immediate medical attention at the scene of the accident, it’s important to get examined by a doctor as soon as possible—especially if you experience any pain or discomfort following the accident. Not only does it allow you to start healing immediately, but also so you have a record of the injuries you sustained.

If your attorney determines you may have a case to claim emotional damages, you may be instructed to seek evaluation from a mental health professional as well.

It can help pictures to document the scene of the accident if you have the ability to do so. Get contact information from any witness on the scene. If you’re hurt, take pictures to document your injuries.

Uber and Lyft are not going to tell you if their own negligence played a role in your accident. When you’re represented by a lawyer who knows what questions to ask, they may uncover information about the accident that you wouldn’t be able to obtain yourself.

Having an experienced attorney handle your Uber/Lyft collision claims can not only get you a higher settlement, but also save you time it takes to navigate the claims process and deal with insurance companies.

Carabin Shaw reviews serve as proof that our lawyers will give your case the attention it needs to earn the compensation you deserve.

Austin rideshare crash lawyers at Carabin Shaw may be able to help you get the compensation you’re owed if you’ve been injured in a car accident with an Uber or Lyft driver. Call 800-862-1260 toll-free to request a free case review. English- and Spanish-speaking staff are available to take your call 24/7.

Don’t let the cost of a lawsuit stop you from seeking help. Since we offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, you’ll only pay if we win.

For more information:

• Texas Statutes 550
• ADAA.org