• Challenges: Rideshare accidents introduce unique complexities in liability and insurance, requiring experienced legal guidance to navigate claims for medical bills, lost income, and other damages.
• Causes: Common factors like distracted driving, fatigue, and poor vehicle maintenance contribute to rideshare accidents, highlighting the need for safety and accountability in the industry.
• Insurance: Navigating rideshare accident claims involves understanding the insurance coverage nuances, including when the rideshare app is active or inactive, and dealing with insurers’ attempts to deny claims.
• Support: The Law Firm of Chaile Allen offers personalized and experienced representation to rideshare accident victims fighting for rightful compensation against insurance and liability challenges.

Rideshare apps have altered how we travel, offering convenience and accessibility at our fingertips. However, the increase in Uber and Lyft vehicles on the road has led to a corresponding rise in accidents involving these services. The aftermath of a rideshare accident is complex and confusing, with victims often finding themselves facing costly medical bills for injuries, lost income, and other damages while trying to focus on recovery.  

Whether you’re a rideshare passenger, pedestrian, or another motorist affected by a rideshare company or driver negligence, The Law Firm of Chaile Allen is prepared to help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve. As a small, local firm, your case is important to us. Our Abilene personal injury law firm can handle all aspects of your case, from investigating causation to building a claim against one or multiple at-fault parties. 

Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Abilene, TX 

Rideshare accidents, much like any other vehicular accident, can stem from a variety of factors. However, the nature of ridesharing introduces specific dynamics that may complicate accident claims. 

The following are some of the most prevalent factors contributing to rideshare accidents:

• Distracted driving: Rideshare drivers often rely on mobile devices or the rideshare platform for navigation and communication with passengers. This dependence can lead to distracted driving, which is a leading cause of accidents.
• Fatigue: With the flexibility of ridesharing, some drivers may work long hours or choose to drive late at night to maximize earnings, leading to fatigue. 
• Reckless driving: In the rush to pick up passengers and complete trips quickly, rideshare drivers might engage in speeding or reckless driving, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
• Lack of experience: The ease of entry into the rideshare market means that some drivers may lack the necessary driving skills and road awareness, contributing to accidents.
• Poor vehicle maintenance: Rideshare vehicles amass significant wear and tear due to the nature of the job. Failure to maintain vehicles properly, including regular checks and repairs, can lead to mechanical failures that cause accidents.
• Impaired driving: Although strictly prohibited, there have been instances where rideshare drivers operate under the influence of alcohol or drugs, greatly endangering passengers, pedestrians, and other road users.
• Complex navigation: Rideshare services are especially popular in dense urban areas where navigating can be complex. The challenge of driving in congested city streets can lead to accidents, especially when drivers are unfamiliar with the area.

Engaging a rideshare accident lawyer at The Law Firm of Chaile Allen can significantly benefit your case. We thoroughly investigate your rideshare accident to identify who is responsible for causing your injuries. 

Also, Uber and Lyft label drivers as independent contractors, a status their insurance companies frequently use to deny claims by arguing they’re not liable for the driver’s negligent behavior since they aren’t direct employees. Abilene Uber and Lyft accident attorneys have focused knowledge on mitigating these obstacles and managing your claim, enhancing your chances to secure the compensation you rightfully deserve.

Liability in a Rideshare Accident Claim 

Being involved in an accident with Lyft or Uber presents unique challenges in figuring out who is responsible for any injuries incurred. The liability falls either on the driver’s personal insurance or the rideshare company’s insurance, depending on the situation at the time of the accident. For instance, Uber’s policy outlines the following:

App Is Active During the Accident 

When the Uber app is active and the driver is ready to accept passengers, both Uber’s conditional liability coverage and the driver’s personal car insurance might come into play. This coverage includes up to $25,000 for property damage and up to $100,000 for personal injuries.

During an Uber ride, accidents are covered under the company’s commercial insurance policy, which offers up to one million dollars for third-party liability and an equal amount for underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage.

App Is Inactive During the Accident 

If the Uber app is off, the driver isn’t considered to be working for Uber at that time. Therefore, any accidents are covered solely by the driver’s personal insurance policy. Lyft has a similar framework, indicating the conditions under which drivers are seen as operating on behalf of the company.

Should the accident be caused by someone other than the Lyft or Uber driver, the responsible party’s insurance is expected to cover damages for both the driver and any passengers. Conversely, if the at-fault driver, whether with Lyft or Uber, lacks insurance, both companies have policies for uninsured or underinsured motorists that provide protection for the driver and passengers involved.

Speak With the Abilene Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney at The Law Firm of Chaile Allen 

If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident, don’t navigate the complex claims process alone. As a small, local firm, The Law Firm of Chaile Allen offers the personalized attention and dedicated support you need to tackle the challenges ahead. Our Abilene car accident attorneys are equipped with the specialized knowledge to handle rideshare accident claims, ensuring you understand your rights and options every step of the way. 

We’re committed to fighting for the total compensation you deserve, leveraging our local connections, resources, and skills against the tactics of big insurance companies. Contact us today for a free consultation at (325) 670-9282 or fill out our contact form.