Uber Accident Lawyer in Houston

uber driver in Houston, Texas
tommy fibich

Have you been hurt in an Uber accident in Houston? Rideshare accident claims differ from typical auto accidents, as several parties could be liable for your injuries. At Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs, we know about the nuances of these kinds of cases and what it takes to win them.

We are ready to do what it takes to secure the compensation you deserve for what you’ve suffered in your rideshare collision. Contact us today for a free initial case evaluation with a Houston Uber accident lawyer and discover the difference our experience makes.

tommy fibich

Have you been hurt in an Uber accident in Houston? Rideshare accident claims differ from typical auto accidents, as several parties could be liable for your injuries. At Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs, we know about the nuances of these kinds of cases and what it takes to win them.

We are ready to do what it takes to secure the compensation you deserve for what you’ve suffered in your rideshare collision. Contact us today for a free initial case evaluation with a Houston Uber accident lawyer and discover the difference our experience makes.

Can I File a Personal Injury Claim After Getting Hurt In An Uber Accident?

Rideshare companies Uber and Lyft have become leading transportation businesses throughout the world, particularly in the U.S. In 2017, it was reported that Uber’s share of the ride-hailing market is 77%, and that the company’s total value is at $62.5 billion.

Although this service is widely appreciated for its convenience and affordability, riders should be aware of the risks they face.

Skilled Representation for Your Uber Accident Claim

Sadly, insurance companies are often in the business of saving as much money as possible for themselves and are likely to offer a much lower settlement than is just and fair. Our personal injury attorneys in Houston have decades of experience standing up to large insurance companies and fighting for the compensation our clients deserve.

Our Houston Uber accident attorneys have a “No Recovery, No Fee” policy. If we don’t recover damages for your injury and loss, you won’t owe us a dime. Our skilled Houston car accident lawyers have gained national recognition as hard-hitting advocates who do not back down in the face of large corporations.

What Does It Mean to Work With a Board-Certified Attorney?

Three of our attorneys are board-certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a prestigious recognition that only 10% of practicing attorneys share. We know what it takes to secure a fair settlement on your behalf, and are prepared to fight for you.

Your Guide Through Complex Legal Challenges

Our Houston rideshare accident attorneys can help you navigate the legal complexities of this process, and help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve after suffering injuries in an Uber/Lyft accident.

We share over 100 years of experience representing injury victims and have secured millions of dollars on their behalf, earning us membership with the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

Can I Sue Uber for My Rideshare Accident?

If you were injured in an accident due to your Uber/Lyft driver’s negligence, you may be wondering if you can file a claim against the rideshare company. Unfortunately, the company itself is legally protected against this kind of lawsuit. Uber drivers are technically considered“independent contractors,” meaning that Uber and Lyft cannot be held responsible for an accident caused by one of their drivers.

Therefore, you would need to file a claim against the particular at-fault driver. This is unfortunate for injury victims, as it is unlikely that an individual driver will be able to cover the full amount of damages you may be entitled to.

What Compensation Can My Uber Accident Attorney Help Me Recover?

After getting hurt or sustaining damage to your car or other property in an Uber accident, the Uber accident lawyers at Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs can help you seek financial recovery for ongoing and future losses you incur. 

In an Uber accident claim, our law firm can help you recover compensation for your:

  • Medical bills for your treatment and rehabilitation, such as hospitalization, surgeries, pain management, or therapy
  • Long-term disability care, such as home health services, housekeeping assistance, or home renovations to implement disability accommodations
  • Lost wages/income or loss of earning capacity due to temporary or permanent disability from work
  • Pain and suffering
  • Reduced quality of life caused by physical disabilities or disfigurement scarring that interfere with daily living or participating in activities you enjoy
  • Costs of vehicle repairs or reimbursement for your car’s value if totaled in a collision with an Uber vehicle

Insurance Coverage for Uber Drivers and Passengers

Uber maintains insurance that covers its drivers while they drive for the rideshare company. The amount of coverage offered by Uber’s insurance varies depending on the driver’s status in a crash. 

When an Uber driver has logged into the company’s mobile network but has not yet accepted a ride request from an Uber passenger, the company’s insurance provides:

  • $50,000 per person
  • $100,000 per accident of bodily injury death liability coverage
  • $25,000 per accident of property damage liability coverage

Once an Uber driver accepts a ride request, until the driver ends the passenger’s trip, insurance provides a $1 million combined liability coverage limit. 

When an Uber driver has not logged into the company’s mobile application, their own auto insurance policy applies. Some Uber drivers may have additional insurance coverage, which may apply when they have not yet logged into the Uber app or accepted a ride request. 

What Does Uber’s Insurance Policy Cover?

Uber drivers are covered with a company-provided insurance policy through James River Insurance that covers up to $1 million for all damages and injuries sustained in an accident while a passenger was present in the vehicle.

For accidents where an Uber driver was logged in to the app, but did not yet have a passenger in the vehicle, Uber covers the driver up to $100,000 for injuries and $25,000 for property damage (per accident). However, this coverage only applies after the individual’s insurance has refused to pay or is unwilling to cover the full amount of the claim.

It must be noted that Uber will only provide coverage for a driver’s accident if it can be proven that the Uber driver was at fault or that the injuries sustained were caused by the driver’s negligence.

A Houston personal injury lawyer can help gather evidence against the negligent Uber driver to recover the full amount of compensation you deserve!

What Happens If an Uber Driver Hits a Pedestrian?

If this horrible kind of accident occurs while an Uber driver is “not on a trip,” meaning that he or she is not in the process of transporting a rider, then the lower amount of coverage described above would be the extent of coverage Uber would provide to the injured pedestrian.

Again, Uber’s coverage would only apply if the at-fault driver’s insurance has refused to make an offer, or will not cover the full amount requested.

Unique Challenges in Rideshare Accident Cases

Victims of rideshare accidents can face various complexities that make it difficult to recover fair compensation. First, Uber classifies its drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. This means injured accident victims cannot pursue employer liability against Uber when one of its drivers negligently causes a crash. 

In addition, Texas law requires rideshare drivers and companies to carry insurance, which can provide up to $1 million in liability coverage. However, Uber would rather keep this money than pay it out to the victims its drivers injure. Further, rideshare accidents may involve disputes over liability, mainly when another motorist may have caused the crash. 

Rights of Passengers and Third Parties Involved in an Uber Accident

Anyone injured by an Uber driver may have the right to seek financial compensation from the party or parties responsible for causing the crash or otherwise liable for it. These parties could include the Uber driver, another motorist, or a vehicle manufacturer. However, the Texas statute of limitations requires Uber accident victims to file lawsuits within two years of the crash. Otherwise, they risk losing the opportunity to hold liable parties accountable for their injuries and financial losses. 

Common Causes of Uber Accidents

Rideshare drivers can make the same mistakes behind the wheel as other drivers. However, Uber drivers have other demands and pressures when driving for rideshare services, such as maximizing income, managing ride requests, or navigating routes. As a result, Uber drivers are at risk of causing accidents due to:

  • Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
  • Distracted driving, primarily due to focusing on the Uber app or GPS navigation
  • Reckless driving, such as excessive speeding or trying to swerve around traffic
  • Turning, changing lanes, or pulling into/out of traffic without signaling or checking mirrors
  • Running red lights/stop signs
  • Failing to yield the right of way
  • Drowsy/fatigued driving
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs
  • Poor road or weather conditions
  • Vehicle defects or negligent maintenance

Uber accidents can also occur due to the negligent or reckless actions of other drivers who cause a collision, potentially injuring the Uber driver and their passengers. 

Steps to Take After an Uber Accident

Taking prompt action after getting into an Uber accident can preserve your rights and options to seek compensation for the injuries and losses you suffered in the crash. Here are some steps you can take after an Uber accident in Houston to protect yourself:

  • Report the crash to law enforcement and request a copy of the police accident report from the police department that responded to the scene.
  • Notify Uber by reporting the accident through the trip screen on the mobile application or the company’s website form for reporting accidents.
  • Seek immediate medical attention to diagnose injuries you suffered in the accident and begin treatment.
  • Follow your doctor’s recommendations, recovery instructions, and medical restrictions.
  • Obtain copies of medical records of your treatment and rehabilitation.
  • Keep your bills, invoices, or receipts for your recovery expenses, and gather your income statements to calculate your lost wages if you miss work or earn less after the accident.
  • Report the accident to your car insurance provider.

Finally, contact a car accident attorney in Houston from Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs. You will learn more about your legal options for securing the financial relief you need as you recover from your injuries. 

Contact Our Houston Uber Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation

Hurt in an Uber accident in Houston? At Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs, our board-certified attorneys are experienced in handling the most complex of cases, including rideshare crashes. We are ready to discuss your options for seeking the financial recovery you need for your medical care, lost income, and pain and suffering. 

Reach out to us today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with a knowledgeable Uber crash attorney. You pay nothing upfront for us to get started, and we charge nothing unless we recover compensation for your personal injury claim.