Technology is evolving every day, and as a result, the world we know is constantly changing. Since 2000, technology has made our lives easier, from shopping online to having groceries delivered to our homes. That was no different in 2009. That year, Uber Technologies, Inc. began in California. This ridesharing idea competed with cab companies, offering more drivers and shorter wait times. In 2012, Lyft began operations, a similar company to Uber.
Since 2009, these companies have taken off. According to TechCrunch, a website dedicated to the tech industry, in 2016 Uber provided roughly 5.5 million rides daily. Uber has reached five billion completed trips since its inception. As of 2017, Lyft provides about 1 million rides per day. With so much ride-sharing traffic on the roads, unfortunately, it leads to human error, car crashes, and ride-sharing injuries.
What The Law Says about Ridesharing
Texas state law requires ride-sharing companies such as Uber and Lyft to carry automobile liability insurance policies to protect their customers and third parties who may suffer ride-sharing injuries caused by one of their drivers. Once a driver turns on their Uber or Lyft application and can accept rides, Texas law requires these companies to carry liability insurance. Once the driver accepts a ride and until the ride is complete, Texas requires the companies to carry substantially more liability insurance coverage. This is good news for people injured by the negligence of an Uber or Lyft driver.
What to do if it happens to you?
So what do you do if you get hit by an Uber or Lyft driver or are in a crash while using these ride-sharing apps? First, your physical well-being is most important. If you need medical attention and can call an ambulance, do so. This is the most important issue.
Second, if you have the ability, call Perdue & Kidd, and one of our attorneys will respond to the scene. It is probable that the driver of the Uber or Lyft will contact their insurance company after the crash. An insurance representative will arrive at the crash scene. The insurance representative is not there to treat you fairly; the insurance representative is there to ensure the insurance company pays as little as possible towards your potential ridesharing injuries and medical expenses. It is imperative to have someone there representing your best interests. If you do not have an attorney from Perdue & Kidd at the scene, remember to never give a recorded statement to the insurance company for Uber or Lyft. The law does not require this, and they will only use it against you in a settlement.
Next, if healthy enough, begin taking photographs and videos of the entire scene. Photograph the damage to your car and the Uber or Lyft driver’s car that caused the crash. Also, be sure to get the driver’s name and the company they're driving for. Such pictures, videos, and information can be important evidence that can help you get the maximum value for your personal injury claim.
Ridesharing Attorneys
In addition to taking pictures, obtain the names and contact information for any witnesses who saw the crash. In the legal world, uninterested witnesses who have no ties to the case can be very important. Insurance companies will expend a significant amount of time and energy attempting to discredit your recollection of the events leading up to the accident. Thus, witnesses can reinforce your testimony to help hold the driver and the company financially and legally responsible.
If you or someone you know has had a ridesharing injury because of the negligence of an Uber or Lyft driver, contact an attorney at Perdue & Kidd immediately. We are waiting to represent you in your claims against either of these companies. Contact us now online or call us at 713-520-2525.
