Comparing Rideshare Accidents to Other Motor Vehicle Accidents
Ridesharing is now an ordinary part of life in Texas and across America. Companies such as Uber and Lyft have created easy and affordable ways for people to travel to the airport, go out for the evening, get groceries, or go to an appointment. But rideshares are still operated by humans, with the potential for human error. What happens if you are involved in a traffic accident while riding as a passenger in a rideshare vehicle? Is it the same as any other motor vehicle accident? If not, what’s different?
Similarities Between Rideshare Accidents and Other Motor Vehicle Wrecks
In many ways, an accident involving an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare vehicle is no different from an accident where you’re driving your own vehicle or riding as a passenger in the car of a family member or friend. In all these situations, most accident claims will be based on a legal theory of negligence.
To succeed on a negligence claim, you need to identify someone who engaged in unreasonable behavior or failed to meet the expected standard of care while driving a motor vehicle. They may have violated a traffic law or failed to properly maintain the vehicle they were driving. You must show that the breach of the standard of care caused the accident and that you suffered actual or measurable losses as a result.
Whether you are injured in a rideshare accident or another type of motor vehicle crash, the things you must do to prove negligence will be the same.
How Rideshare Accidents Can Differ from Other Motor Vehicle Accidents
The most important way that rideshare accidents differ from other accidents is with respect to your potential sources of recovery. Under Texas law, all rideshare companies operating in the Lone Star State must carry a minimum level of insurance coverage for injuries or other damages caused by their drivers. This is important because the personal auto insurance policies of the drivers typically won’t cover commercial losses—injuries suffered while driving the vehicle for pay.
Rideshare accident claims can get tricky, though. Under Texas law, if the rideshare operator had his or her rideshare app turned on at the time of the accident, the rideshare company may share some liability for the accident. However, if the app was not on at the time, the company may have no liability. For example, if a person is operating his vehicle as a rideshare but has no customers and the app is turned off, the company may not be liable if the driver strikes another car and causes injuries to the occupants.
Contact the Experienced Auto Accident Attorneys at Bailey & Galyen
At the law office of Bailey & Galyen, we know the impact that a personal injury can have on every area of your life. If you’re hurt in a rideshare accident because of the carelessness or negligence of another person, send us an e-mail or call our offices at 844-402-2992. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
