Lyft Accident Attorney in Houston

Rideshare companies like Lyft provide an attractive transportation option for people attending special events, visiting from out of town, or temporarily without a vehicle in Houston. But when your Lyft driver is involved in an accident, or if a Lyft driver hits you, the process of seeking financial compensation for your injuries can be challenging.

Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs have a proven record of success over decades, including millions of dollars recovered for accident victims. Our board-certified attorneys have the knowledge and experience to tackle complex cases, including those involving Lyft vehicles. Contact us for a free initial claim evaluation with an experienced Lyft accident attorney to discuss your legal options following a devastating crash. For several decades, our Houston car accident lawyers have helped injured victims of negligence recover over $1 billion in compensation for their expenses and losses.

Common Causes of Lyft Accidents

Rideshare drivers who drive for Lyft have numerous demands on their attention, including navigating, managing ride requests, and interacting with passengers. The business of rideshare driving also places pressure on Lyft drivers. As a result, Lyft drivers can make various careless mistakes that can lead to a crash. Some of the top causes of Lyft accidents include:

  • Speeding
  • Reckless driving, including excessive speeding or swerving through traffic
  • Turning, changing lanes, or pulling into or out of traffic without signaling or checking mirrors
  • Running red lights or stop signs
  • Failing to yield the right-of-way
  • Tailgating
  • Distracted driving, especially while looking at the Lyft mobile app or navigation screen
  • Drowsy or fatigued driving (many Lyft drivers work long hours or drive late at night)
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Aggressive driving and road rage

Types of Injuries in Lyft Accidents

Depending on the nature and severity of a crash, a Lyft accident can inflict various types of injuries on accident victims, such as:

Why You Need a Houston Lyft Accident Attorney

Pursuing compensation after a Lyft accident in Houston is more complicated than just filing a claim against the Lyft driver or Lyft itself. Lyft accidents can involve complex liability issues, primarily since Lyft drivers work as independent contractors rather than employees. Other parties may also share responsibility for a crash involving a Lyft.

A Lyft accident attorney from Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs can help you seek the financial resources you need to recover from a crash. We can investigate the accident to recover evidence to build your case, document your injuries and losses, evaluate your legal claims, and handle the process of filing your claims, negotiating settlements, or advocating your case in court and at trial. Our Lyft accident lawyers are here to give you the time and space to focus on healing. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Common questions many Lyft accident victims have about their rights and options include:

What should I do immediately after a Lyft accident?

Taking prompt action can protect your legal right to seek compensation for your expenses or losses when your Lyft driver is involved in an accident or if your car has an accident with a Lyft vehicle. Steps you should take immediately after a Lyft accident include:

  • Report the car accident to law enforcement. If an officer responds to the scene, get a copy of the police crash report. 
  • Report the accident to Lyft through the trip screen on the mobile app or through Lyft’s website.
  • Seek prompt medical attention and get checked for injuries you sustained in the accident. 
  • Follow your doctor’s treatment recommendations and recovery instructions
  • Request records of your injury treatment and rehabilitation.
  • Keep all bills, invoices, or receipts for your medical treatment and vehicle repairs.
  • Gather your pay stubs to calculate lost wages from missed work or reduced earning capacity.

Finally, contact a Houston rideshare accident lawyer from Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs as soon as possible to discuss the next steps in seeking compensation and justice from those who caused the crash. 

Who is liable for a Lyft accident?

Various parties may bear responsibility for a motor vehicle accident involving a Lyft, depending on the circumstances of the crash. Parties you might hold liable for your injuries and losses include:

  • The Lyft Driver – A Lyft driver whose negligent or reckless driving causes a crash may bear liability to you after the accident.
  • Lyft – Although Lyft does not bear employer liability for its drivers’ negligence because it classifies its drivers as independent contractors, the company maintains insurance coverage for its drivers that may apply in an accident, which can compensate victims of accidents caused by careless Lyft drivers.
  • Another Driver – A motorist who hits your Lyft may bear responsibility for the injuries and losses you suffer in the crash.
  • A Vehicle Manufacturer – When a Lyft accident occurs due to a design or manufacturing defect in a vehicle involved in the crash, you may have a claim against the vehicle’s manufacturer or a third-party auto part manufacturer.

What compensation can I receive after a Lyft accident?

In a Lyft accident claim, you may have the right to pursue financial recovery for losses resulting from your injuries and property damage, including for:

  • Medical treatment and rehabilitation costs
  • Costs of long-term disability care, such as home health services or home renovations to install disability accommodations
  • Lost wages or income from missed time at work
  • Lost earning capacity if you need to transfer to a lower-paying modified-duty role or cannot return to gainful employment due to your injuries or disabilities
  • Physical pain and emotional trauma or distress
  • Lost enjoyment and quality of life because of disabilities or severe, visible scarring or disfigurement
  • Vehicle repair or replacement costs

How long do I have to file a claim after a Lyft accident in Houston?

Under Texas’s statute of limitations, you typically have two years after a Lyft accident to file a lawsuit against the parties responsible for the crash. However, you can best protect your legal rights and options by speaking with a Houston personal injury lawyer from Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs as soon as possible to ensure you file your claims on time. Otherwise, you may lose the opportunity to seek financial recovery if you file your lawsuit after the limitations period expires. 

Contact Our Experienced Houston Lyft Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation

After an auto accident involving a Lyft vehicle, an experienced rideshare accident attorney can guide you through your rights and options for obtaining compensation. Contact the team at Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs today to get started with a free consultation with our Houston Lyft accident lawyers.