Injured in a Rideshare Accident? We’re Here to Help
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become a convenient mode of transportation for many residents and visitors in Kerrville, Texas. However, with the increasing number of rideshare vehicles on the road, the incidence of related accidents has risen as well. It's essential to understand the legal landscape surrounding these incidents to protect your rights. As seasoned legal professionals, we at The Law Office of Patrick O’Fiel, P.C. are here to provide clarity and guidance through these complex cases.
Rideshare accidents differ from regular car accidents due to various factors, including insurance complications and the involvement of multiple parties. Texas law mandates specific insurance coverage for rideshare drivers, but understanding how this affects your case can be challenging. Our extensive experience and resources equip us to navigate this intricate legal territory, ensuring you receive the comprehensive representation you deserve.
A skilled Kerrville rideshare accident lawyer can fight for the compensation you deserve. Call (830) 331-5977 today or contact us online for a free consultation.
Who Is Liable in a Rideshare Accident?
Determining fault in a rideshare crash depends on the specific circumstances. Texas follows a modified comparative fault system, meaning any party found to be more than 50% at fault cannot recover damages.
Liability may fall on:
The rideshare driver — if their negligence caused the accident
Another driver — if a third-party motorist was at fault
Uber or Lyft’s insurance — depending on the driver’s status during the ride
Vehicle manufacturers — if a defect contributed to the crash
Government entities — for unsafe road conditions
A Kerrville rideshare accident lawyer investigates all angles of fault to identify every potential source of compensation. This includes analyzing accident reports, eyewitness statements, dash cam footage, and digital trip logs.
What is the Rideshare Insurance Coverage in Texas?
One of the most complicated parts of any rideshare injury case is navigating the multiple layers of insurance. Rideshare companies have different policies in place depending on whether the driver was logged into the app and what stage of a ride they were in.
Insurance Coverage Based on Driver Status
Driver Not Logged into the App – If the driver is off-duty, their personal auto insurance applies. Uber and Lyft provide no coverage.
Driver Logged In, Waiting for a Ride Request – Uber and Lyft provide limited coverage:
$50,000 per person for bodily injury
$100,000 per accident
$25,000 for property damage
Driver En Route to Pick Up or Transporting a Passenger – Uber and Lyft offer $1 million in liability coverage, plus uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This is typically the most robust coverage available.
Because insurance coverage can shift within minutes, a Kerrville rideshare accident attorney must determine the precise status of the rideshare driver at the time of the collision. That one detail can mean the difference between a denied claim and full compensation.
What To Do After A Rideshare Accident in Kerrville?
Experiencing a rideshare accident can be both frightening and confusing. Knowing the immediate steps to take can significantly influence the outcome of your potential case. Follow these key actions to protect your rights:
Ensure Safety First: Evaluate injuries and move to a safe location, if possible. Contact emergency services promptly to report the accident and request medical assistance.
Collect Vital Information: Obtain contact and insurance information from all involved parties, including the rideshare driver, and take note of the rideshare service being used.
Document The Scene: Capture photographs of the vehicles, surroundings, and any visible injuries to create a visual record for your attorney.
Avoid Admitting Fault: Be cautious in your statements and limit discussions to factual information. Avoid implying blame.
Consult An Attorney: Contact a rideshare accident lawyer in Kerrville to assess your situation and provide legal guidance on the next steps.
It is also important to understand the obligations of the rideshare company involved. Often, these companies have strict protocols for accident reporting, which can influence the process of determining liability and claims. By involving legal counsel early, you can ensure all appropriate measures are followed timely, protecting your case's validity.
Your Trusted Uber Accident Attorney In Kerrville
At The Law Office of Patrick O’Fiel, P.C., we pride ourselves on our commitment to personalized legal service. Our history of five generations in legal practice signifies our deep roots in the community and our dedication to clients in Kerrville and surrounding areas. With over 20 years of experience, we understand the intricacies of rideshare accidents and are well-prepared to handle the challenges they present.
Our firm stands apart due to our focused approach towards clients' unique needs and our vast network of professional contacts that augment our legal services. When you work with us, you gain not only seasoned legal insight but also a supportive partner focused on achieving the best possible outcomes for you.
We understand that dealing with an accident can feel overwhelming, which is why our team is dedicated to managing every aspect of your case with care. From communicating with insurance companies to gathering crucial evidence, our firm’s comprehensive approach aims to alleviate the burden from your shoulders so you can focus entirely on recovery.
Contact Our Experienced Uber Accident Lawyers In Kerrville
If you or a loved one has been involved in a rideshare accident, reaching out to The Law Office of Patrick O’Fiel, P.C. could be the turning point towards achieving a favorable outcome. Our firm is committed to offering the support, legal insight, and compassionate representation you need during this challenging time.
With a legacy of legal excellence and a strong focus on personalized client service, we invite you to schedule your free consultation to explore how we can assist you. Call us today at (830) 331-5977 to take the first step toward securing your future.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Is Liability Determined In Rideshare Accidents?
Determining liability in a rideshare accident involves understanding the role of the rideshare driver at the time of the accident and the specific circumstances involved. Liability can depend on whether the driver was waiting for a ride request, on their way to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting a passenger. Each scenario affects which insurance policy is activated and who may be liable. At The Law Office of Patrick O’Fiel, P.C., our detailed approach to investigation ensures that all factors are considered when determining fault and pursuing just compensation for our clients.
Added complexities arise when other vehicles are involved, which further complicates liability. The nature of the intersection, traffic signals at the time, and witness statements can all play significant roles in establishing who was at fault. Our legal team diligently investigates these variables, ensuring a thorough evaluation that supports a fair outcome.
What Insurance Coverage Applies In Rideshare Accidents?
Rideshare drivers in Texas have different insurance policies that apply depending on their status during an accident. When not logged into the rideshare app, only the driver's personal insurance applies. Once logged in but without passengers, a limited commercial policy may cover incidents. If carrying passengers or en route to pick them up, rideshare companies like Uber provide more extensive coverage. Our team will help decipher these complexities to ensure you receive the appropriate compensation based on the coverage relevant to your situation.
Understanding these insurance complexities is often tricky, especially when different insurers attempt to deflect liability. Our firm helps by negotiating with these insurance providers, ensuring that they hold up their end of the policy agreements to cover deserved claims comprehensively.
Can I Sue A Rideshare Company After An Accident?
While it is challenging to sue a rideshare company directly due to the independent contractor status of drivers, there are scenarios where legal action might be justified. If defective vehicles, negligent hiring practices, or company policy violations contributed to the accident, a rideshare company could potentially be held accountable. Consulting with an uber accident attorney in Kerrville from our firm will provide clarity and explore all viable legal avenues in your pursuit of justice.
Analyzing a rideshare company's role requires a keen understanding of their operational mandate and framework. This insight enables us to identify breaches in their responsibilities or regulatory compliances, enabling a more straightforward pathway to establishing corporate culpability.
What Compensation Can I Expect From A Rideshare Accident?
Compensation for rideshare accidents can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. The extent of recovery depends on the severity of injuries, the impact on your daily life, and the specifics of the insurance policies involved. Our dedicated team at The Law Office of Patrick O’Fiel, P.C. works tirelessly to evaluate and maximize compensation avenues to ensure your rightful compensation.
Beyond financial recompense, it is essential to adequately address the psychological impact of an accident. Emotional distress and trauma can have lasting effects, and our firm seeks solutions that factor these in as part of comprehensive compensation demands.
How Long Do I Have To File A Case In Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a negligence lawsuit, including rideshare accident cases, typically is two years from the date of the accident. However, nuances in individual cases might affect this timeline. To preserve your rights and ensure timely action, it is crucial to consult with a rideshare accident lawyer in Kerrville as soon as possible. Our firm offers expertise and guidance at every step to ensure your case proceeds within the legal timeframe.
Various factors can alter this timeline, such as when the involved party is a minor or in scenarios where governmental entities are involved. Our dedicated approach includes careful evaluation of these unique conditions, ensuring all deadlines are met, and your rights remain intact.
Get trusted legal guidance from a Kerrville rideshare accident lawyer who knows how to win. Schedule your free case evaluation now—call (830) 331-5977 or reach out online.
“Patrick and his staff were always very kind, helpful and upfront with me. They helped me through a difficult situation. I always knew I could count on them to be there for me.”
“Patrick and his staff were always very kind, helpful and upfront with me. They helped me through a difficult situation. I always knew I could count on them to be there for me.”
Linda
“Mr. Ofiel was very professional. He showed consideration to our personal needs. I would very much use him again in any legal issues I have.”
“Mr. Ofiel was very professional. He showed consideration to our personal needs. I would very much use him again in any legal issues I have.”
Brenda
“Patrick and his staff used their experience more than once too calm me from the emotion of the day. When I or my X would "get in the weeds" over what I see now as a trivial matter, they would calmly usher me back to the task at hand.”
“Patrick and his staff used their experience more than once too calm me from the emotion of the day. When I or my X would "get in the weeds" over what I see now as a trivial matter, they would calmly usher me back to the task at hand.”
Dave
“Patrick represented me in a very bitter child custody case after my daughter was killed in a car accident. I wanted both children to stay together and the other person only wanted one. He did a lot of research and he's very professional”
“Patrick represented me in a very bitter child custody case after my daughter was killed in a car accident. I wanted both children to stay together and the other person only wanted one. He did a lot of research he's very professional.”
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