San Antonio Rideshare Accident Attorneys

Aggressively Pursuing Justice After Uber & Lyft Accidents in Bexar County

As rideshare services like Uber and Lyft become more popular, the rate of motor vehicle accidents is also on the rise, opening the door to potential liability disputes with profit-driven companies and insurers. If you were injured in a rideshare accident in San Antonio, partnering with an experienced rideshare accident lawyer is paramount to protecting your rights and seeking fair compensation for your injuries. 

At The Packard Law Firm, our lawyers are well-versed in the legal complexities of rideshare accident claims to aggressively pursue justice. We understand the immense physical, emotional, and financial hardships that come with a wrongful injury, which is why our firm is committed to recovering maximum compensation on your behalf. With decades of experience representing injured passengers throughout Bexar County, our attorneys can fight tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable. 

If you were harmed in a rideshare accident in San Antonio, our skilled attorneys can help you seek justice. Call (210) 972-8918 to schedule a free consultation. 

Common Injuries in Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, such as: 

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): TBIs may occur when passengers strike their heads against hard surfaces, such as the vehicle’s window or dashboard, due to sudden impact or abrupt stops. Even mild collisions can cause significant harm, leading to lasting cognitive and physical impairments.
• Neck injuries: Whiplash and other neck injuries may result from the rapid back-and-forth motion experienced during rear-end collisions. Passengers may suffer from pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion that affects their daily activities and quality of life.
• Spinal cord injuries (SCIs): SCIs can arise due to the forceful impact during a collision. Depending on the severity, SCIs may lead to partial or complete paralysis and drastically impact mobility and independence.
• Broken bones:  Fractures can occur in rideshare accidents when the passenger is thrown against hard structures, such as the vehicle’s interior. Commonly broken bones in rideshare accidents include injuries to arms, legs, ribs, and clavicles. 
• Internal injuries: The high impact in a collision can cause damage to organs, leading to internal bleeding or trauma. These injuries may not be immediately apparent but can pose severe health risks if left untreated, necessitating prompt medical attention.

What Should I Do After a Rideshare Accident?

If you were injured in a rideshare accident, knowing what steps to take next is critical to protecting your rights and pursuing a fair settlement. First, seek medical attention to rule out any underlying harm and establish a formal record of your injuries. Be sure to report the accident to local law enforcement if no one else has done so. Then, exchange contact and insurance information with other involved parties, including any witnesses who saw the accident occur. 

Gathering evidence is also essential to support your claim. Consider taking photographs and videos at the accident scene to document your injuries, vehicular damage, nearby landmarks, skid marks, and other details that may be valuable in a lawsuit. Obtaining copies of medical records and police reports can also help you determine liability in your case. Refrain from discussing the accident with anyone except your attorney. It's best to avoid giving statements to insurers or signing any documents until your lawyer is present. 

Understanding Uber & Lyft Insurance Policies in San Antonio

Recovering compensation in a rideshare accident claim can be confusing and difficult. This is partly because rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors, not employees, meaning that rideshare companies can evade direct responsibility in accidents. However, this doesn’t mean that Uber and Lyft aren’t liable for injuries caused by rideshare drivers. 

Both Uber and Lyft carry up to $1 million in liability insurance for incidents that occur during rideshare trips, but this coverage only applies when the driver is actively using the app to pick up or drop off passengers, making it crucial to consult a skilled rideshare accident lawyer as soon as possible after a collision. 

While many assume that rideshare companies are automatically responsible for accidents that occur while the app is in use, this isn’t the case. Potential coverage in a rideshare accident depends on which insurance period applies at the time of the accident. These include: 

• Period 0: The rideshare app is turned off and the driver is using their vehicle for personal reasons. 
• Period 1: This applies when the rideshare app is on and the driver is waiting for a request. 
• Period 2: This applies when the rideshare driver has accepted a request and is en route to the passenger’s location for pickup. 
• Period 3: This applies when the passenger is inside the vehicle. 

While rideshare companies typically provide liability coverage while drivers are working, there may be gaps in coverage. If you were injured in a rideshare accident, consulting a trusted lawyer is essential to hold evasive companies accountable and navigate the claims process effectively. 

Is It Possible to Sue Both the Rideshare Driver & Company? 

Yes, it’s possible to sue both the rideshare driver and their employer if both parties contributed to the accident. However, determining liability is notoriously complex in injury claims, especially when negligence is shared among multiple parties. Securing experienced representation is a must to prove negligence and seek maximum compensation. 

Who Is Liable for a Rideshare Accident?

Although rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized the way we get around town, accidents are inevitable. When a passenger is injured in an Uber or Lyft due to negligence, they have the right to seek compensation from liable parties in a rideshare accident lawsuit. However, merely suffering injuries isn’t enough to recover damages. Instead, the victim (plaintiff) is responsible for proving negligence on the part of the at-fault party (defendant). 

Determining liability in any injury claim can be tricky, but proving negligence in a rideshare accident lawsuit can be especially complicated due to the complex industry regulations. Rideshare companies generally have deep pockets and large insurance companies, making it crucial to partner with a lawyer you can trust to protect your rights and prevent you from settling for less than you deserve.

Depending on the unique circumstances of the case, various parties may be liable for a rideshare accident, such as the rideshare driver, the rideshare company, or other motorists on the road. Our attorneys can review the circumstances of your case with a practiced legal eye to identify all liable parties, accurately calculate damages, and fight to hold the rideshare driver or company accountable. 

How Much Is My Rideshare Accident Claim Worth?

The amount of compensation available in a rideshare accident claim will vary based on certain factors, such as the severity of your injuries, whether you were partially at fault for the accident, and the rideshare company's insurance coverage. Partnering with a qualified rideshare accident lawyer is the best way to determine the potential value of your claim and maximize your chance of obtaining a favorable outcome. 

If My Rideshare Accident Claim Goes to Trial, What Can I Expect?

While many injury claims are settled out of court, others must undergo litigation to reach a settlement. While it can be frustrating to go to trial, especially while recovering from a serious injury, litigation may be necessary to avoid walking away with less than you deserve. If your rideshare accident case proceeds to litigation, knowing what to expect during litigation can help alleviate stress during the legal proceedings. 

The trial process typically involves the following steps: 

1. Jury selection: First, both parties will select impartial jurors to fairly evaluate the case. 
2. Opening arguments: Once the jury is empaneled, both attorneys will provide opening statements to summarize the evidence and arguments they will present. 
3. Examination: As the trial progresses, both sides will introduce evidence, call witnesses, and conduct cross-examinations to establish their claims and challenge the opposition's assertions. Expert testimonies may be utilized to provide insights into technical aspects, such as accident reconstruction or medical evaluations. 
4. Closing arguments: The attorneys will present their closing arguments. 
5. Verdict: The jury will deliberate to reach a verdict.

Trials can be unpredictable, but with proper preparation and legal representation from The Packard Law Firm, you can confidently seek justice and make informed decisions throughout your case while knowing your rights are protected. 

Is Hiring a Rideshare Accident Attorney Worth It?

While insurance is designed to give us financial protection in the face of unexpected accidents, insurers are still profit-driven businesses. Most insurance companies won’t hesitate to push lowball settlement offers in hopes of avoiding a fair payout. If you were injured in a rideshare accident, don't let insurance companies protect their bottom line at your expense. 

Insurers typically have large teams of adjusters and lawyers working on their behalf, so having an experienced attorney on your side can level the playing field and significantly affect the outcome of your case. In addition to investigating the accident, gathering evidence, negotiating a fair settlement, and determining liability, your lawyer can also represent your best interests at trial if necessary to recover maximum compensation.

Injured in Bexar County? Turn to a Firm with a Proven Track Record of Results.

If you were wrongfully injured in San Antonio, don’t pay the price for someone else’s negligence. Seeking legal representation is vital to holding liable parties responsible and seeking fair compensation. At The Packard Law Firm, our seasoned advocates have recovered millions of dollars for injured Texans in Bexar County. With a winning track record of results and a success rate of over 95%, our firm is passionate about empowering our clients to take back their lives after unexpected accidents. When you partner with us, you’ll benefit from our client-centric approach and personalized representation tailored to your unique legal situation, alleviating stress during your recovery. 

If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft in San Antonio, don’t wait to seek justice! Contact us online to discuss your case. Pay nothing until we win a settlement.