Experienced Austin Rideshare Accident Attorney Handling Your Claims

Austin’s tech scene and lively nightlife keep rideshare apps busy at all hours, which also means more Uber and Lyft vehicles on the road. A rideshare accident often raises insurance questions that a standard car accident does not.

At Avera Law Firm, P.L.L.C., our lawyers help injured riders, drivers and passengers sort through the coverage questions tied to a rideshare accident claim.

What Sets A Rideshare Accident Apart

A rideshare accident is not handled like a typical car accident claim. Uber and Lyft structure coverage around three periods, and the limits available shift based on the driver’s app status at the time of the crash:

• Period 1 (App on, waiting for request): The driver is waiting with the app on. This TNC claim may involve higher insurance limits of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage. Under Texas law, the transportation network company (TNC) must provide this coverage if the driver’s personal insurance does not cover the claim.
• Period 2 (En route to passenger): The driver has accepted a ride and is heading to pick up the passenger. A $1 million liability policy applies.
• Period 3 (Passenger in the vehicle): The passenger is in the vehicle and the trip is active. The $1 million coverage continues; depending on the policy and applicable law, additional coverages may include uninsured/underinsured motorist or collision coverage.

Sorting out which period applies is often the first step in building a rideshare accident claim.

Who We Represent In These Cases

A rideshare accident can involve more than one insurance policy. The coverage available may depend on your role in the motor vehicle crash.

A standard two-vehicle crash often involves a single driver’s personal auto policy. A rideshare accident, by comparison, may involve the driver’s personal policy, Uber or Lyft’s contingent liability coverage or the rideshare company’s primary policy, depending on the driver’s app status at the time of the crash.

When more than one policy could apply, insurers sometimes dispute which one is responsible for covering your claim, which can slow down the process of getting your case resolved.

We represent people on both sides of a rideshare accident, including:

• Injured rideshare passengers: People hurt while riding in an Uber or Lyft. Your claim may involve the rideshare company’s policy based on the driver’s app status.
• Drivers and passengers in other vehicles: People injured when a rideshare driver hits their vehicle. Your claim may involve the driver’s personal policy, the rideshare company’s coverage or both.

Knowing which insurance policy applies can affect your claim and available coverage. We investigate how the crash happened, identify the policies that may apply, negotiate with insurers and pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.

Call Avera Law Firm For A Free Rideshare Accident Consultation

If a rideshare accident in Austin left you or someone you love hurt, Avera Law Firm, P.L.L.C., is ready to review your case.

We handle rideshare accident cases on a contingency fee basis, so we collect a fee only if we recover compensation for you. Court costs and other case expenses may still apply and we will discuss them with you in advance.

We offer a free initial consultation and can meet you at your location if travel to our office is difficult. Call 512-615-3578 or send us a message online today.