Uber rides are part of many city residents’ daily commute. When riders hail these vehicles on their apps, they often do so assuming that the driver is competent and that the ride is safe. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, as drivers can be involved in wrecks. Understanding Uber accidents and transportation network company (TNC) laws in Houston can be complex, as these laws may influence the extent of compensation that injured victims can receive.

If you have been hurt in an Uber collision and are wondering what to do regarding compensation, our experienced Uber/Lyft/rideshare wreck attorneys at KGS Law PLLC could explain your options, provide legal guidance, and help you pursue your compensation claim. Contact us to discuss your case.

Understanding State TNC Laws

In Houston, compensation claims in an Uber wreck case are guided by Texas TNC Laws. Specifically, the extent of financial remedy available to an injured victim is connected to the driver’s status at the time of the incident.

If a crash occurs while the driver is offline or logged into the app, the driver’s personal car insurance policy covers the claim. If the driver is online, logged in, and waiting for a ride request or in between rides at the time of the crash, Uber’s contingent liability coverage applies. This covers:

  • Up to $25,000 per property damage
  • $50,000 per person’s bodily injury or death
  • $100,000 per incident involving bodily injury or fatality

If the collision occurs when the driver is online and in active ride status by transporting a passenger or on the way to pick up a passenger, injured victims can seek compensation under Uber’s $1 million liability policy.

A thorough understanding of how each of these driver situations applies could significantly impact how much an injured victim could receive as compensation. A claimant may also be able to recover additional damages from other liable parties with the help of a competent and knowledgeable rideshare lawyer.

Proving Liability in an Uber Accident Case

Depending on the circumstances leading up to and during the crash, several parties may potentially be held liable. Apart from the Uber driver in Houston, possible at-fault parties include motorists, pedestrians, motorcyclists, or cyclists, and our lawyers could help with understanding these connections to the crash and how the TNC laws may apply. For instance, if other road users acted carelessly or were negligent in their actions and that directly or indirectly caused the Uber driver to crash, they may be held accountable.

A good example is a drunk driver tailgating and ultimately crashing into an Uber driver’s vehicle while the driver was in an active ride. In this scenario, both the driver and passenger can file a suit against the reckless driver.

The rideshare company may also be exposed if its actions or negligence resulted in the crash. For example, if the company approves an inexperienced driver’s application to operate on their platform, and that driver gets into a wreck while in active mode because they lack the requisite driving skills, the passenger or other impacted individuals could hold the company responsible.

What Damages Are Recoverable in an Uber Auto Collision Claim?

Uber accident victims have financial recourse for injuries or damaged property. Specifically, you could receive compensation for present and future medical expenses, vehicle repairs or replacement, other lost or damaged properties, lost income, and diminished earning capacity.

You could also seek a settlement for your associated pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. Our skilled attorneys in Houston could review the Uber collision and TNC laws and provide thorough calculations for the value of your claim to present to the insurance companies.

Contact a Houston Lawyer for Help Understanding Uber Accidents and TNC Laws

Understanding injury claims related to Uber accidents and transportation network company (TNC) laws in Houston can be complex. With our experienced attorneys working for you, we could help you identify all liable parties, provide viable compensation options, and work to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact our firm today to explore your options.