Uber/Lyft Accidents

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Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) are the most common form of hired vehicles. TNCs include rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft that many people use to commute around the area.

Due to their popularity, people are often involved in Uber/Lyft accidents. Fortunately, with the guidance of a car accident attorney in Denton, you could seek full compensation for the harm you suffered in a rideshare crash.

What are Considered Common Carriers?

A common carrier is someone in the business of transporting people for profit. As such, these motorists have a heightened standard of care to prevent harm to those using their services.

In Texas, it is unclear whether Uber and Lyft drivers are common carriers. This is because they have some attributes of common carriers under pre-existing law, but they also have attributes that are not. However, as of 2017, the Texas legislature passed a comprehensive bill to regulate Transportation Network Companies.

As a result, rideshare drivers must meet a high degree of care. This high degree of care is a critical element in ensuring civil cases. If an Uber or Lyft driver does not meet this standard and causes an accident that harms someone, an attorney could hold them legally liable for the resulting damages.

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Unique Aspects of Uber/Lyft Collisions

In addition to a higher standard of care, there are other aspects that make accidents involving Uber and Lyft drivers different from other collisions in the area. One of these things is the company’s insurance coverage.

Rideshare Insurance Coverage

Rideshare companies are required to carry insurance that extends to driver’s and their passengers while they are working. This is a complicated element of these cases, because so long as the app is on, if the driver is involved in a wreck, they are required to be covered by the company’s insurance. The minimum for rideshares is $50,000 liability coverage per person and $100,000 per incident which is more than the 30/60 police that private individuals must have. Additionally, if the driver is picking up or transporting a passenger, the liability coverage limit increases to $1,000,000.

Background Checks

The law, passed in 2017, also requires Transportation Network Companies to conduct background checks on prospective drivers. TNCs are also required to have zero-tolerance policies for drug and alcohol use while working. If drivers or the rideshare company violate these rules and a collision results in personal injury, a personal injury lawyer in Denton could seek direct liability against the company for these violations.

Who is Responsible for Paying Damages in Uber/Lyft Wrecks?

The defendant in these cases depends on whether the Uber or Lyft driver is involved in an accident. If the rideshare driver did not have the app turned on or was not working at the time of the collision for which they are responsible, then their own private insurance must cover any resulting damages. However, if the app is turned on, then the coverage owned by the rideshare company should cover these losses. Notably, passengers of rideshares who are harmed in a wreck should also be covered by the company’s insurance. However, this insurance is increased to $1,000,000 worth of damage. A local lawyer could help someone injured in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft determine whether the company or the driver is responsible for covering their losses.

Reach Out to an Attorney After an Uber/Lyft Accident

If you were harmed in a collision involving a rideshare vehicle, the recoverable damages can be substantial. Uber/Lyft accidents are often covered by the company’s insurance.

However, it could be beneficial to speak with a skilled injury attorney after a rideshare vehicle wreck to determine who you may hold accountable for your harm. To learn more about TNC collisions, contact our experienced team and book a free consultation.