Who Is Responsible for Your Injuries in a Rideshare Accident? San Antonio Attorneys

The United States has seen a drastic increase in the use of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft in the past decade. In January 2022, Lyft's sales had increased by 62%, while Uber's sales had increased by 84% year over year. In a city as large as San Antonio, many residents and tourists use Uber and Lyft to get to the airport, visit attractions like the Riverwalk or the Historic Pearl District, and even get to work. Sadly, more drivers on the road equates to more accidents.

When involved in a ride-hailing vehicle accident, passengers often face questions regarding the responsibility for their injuries. Determining liability in rideshare accidents becomes complex due to the contractual arrangements with drivers. This raises concerns about who bears the financial burden for injuries and prompts passengers to consider seeking legal assistance. To secure rightful compensation in San Antonio TX, understanding the responsible party for injuries and knowing when to engage an attorney becomes crucial in navigating the legal aftermath of ride-hailing accidents.

The primary individual who can be held responsible for an accident involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle is the driver. In Texas, rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors and not employees of Lyft or Uber.

As such, they are required to maintain their own insurance coverage to cover passenger injuries. According to the Texas Department of Insurance, rideshare drivers must meet the following requirements:

• $50,000 in bodily injury liability per person
• $100,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
• $25,000 in property damage liability per accident

In addition to the driver's personal insurance policy, Uber and Lyft also provide additional insurance coverage to protect passengers while they're on a trip. Both companies offer a three-part insurance structure that becomes active when a driver accepts a ride request until the end of the trip. This includes $1 million in third-party liability coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage, and contingent comprehensive and collision coverage (if the driver has personal comprehensive/collision coverage).

While it's possible for Uber or Lyft to be held responsible for an accident through their supplementary insurance offering, their responsibility typically comes into play only after the driver's personal insurance has been depleted, thus proving the intricacies of rideshare injury claims and liability.

In some cases, responsibility for a rideshare accident may fall on another motorist—especially when they are engaging in negligent or reckless behavior, such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It's essential to gather evidence and identify all parties involved in a Lyft or Uber accident in San Antonio to ensure every responsible party is held accountable and the injured party remains protected.

When multiple parties are at fault for the accident, a Texas injury lawyer can help ensure each party is held responsible for their actions. Our San Antonio personal injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw have years of experience handling complex injury claims with multiple liable parties. We can help you determine who was at fault for your accident, and we can help you seek compensation from all liable parties.

In rare cases, liability may extend beyond the rideshare driver and company if a defect in the vehicle or maintenance error contributed to the accident. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys can investigate the accident to determine if a manufacturer or third-party provider was at fault.

San Antonio residents facing Lyft or Uber accident cases can confidently choose Carabin Shaw for legal representation due to several compelling reasons. Our consistently positive reviews underscore the dedication, expertise, and client-focused commitment of our attorneys. Furthermore, we operate on a contingency-fee basis, emphasizing our dedication to clients' success by ensuring no charges unless the case is won. To initiate your case, contact us toll-free at 800-862-1260. Our 24/7 English- and Spanish-speaking team is ready to address your inquiries and arrange a free case review.

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