A total of 91 fatal Uber accidents occurred in a single year, according to Uber’s most recent safety report. These accidents took 101 lives. Many other victims also suffered injuries while in rideshare vehicles or because rideshare vehicles on the road caused them harm.
If you or someone you love was hurt by someone driving for Uber, you need to understand your legal rights. You’ll want a skilled Austin Uber accident attorney with comprehensive knowledge of these complex claims affecting big rideshare companies.
George Salinas Injury Lawyers can help. Our Austin personal injury attorneys have been named as Super Lawyers and Rising Stars, and we’re ready to put our knowledge to work on your case. Give us a call or contact us today at (210)-225-0909 to find out more about how we can fight for you.
Who is Responsible for an Uber Accident?
Texas follows fault laws, and a driver who is responsible for an auto accident can be made to compensate victims for their losses.
When an Uber accident happens, the Uber driver may be fully or party to blame. Under the modified comparative fault rules established in Texas Code Section 33.001, accident victims can pursue a claim for compensation from antoherdriver as long as the other driver was at least 51% to blame for the incident.
If you are pursuing a case against an Uber driver, unfortunately, you cannot hold the company accountable for the rideshare operator’s actions. While a Texas case called Painter v. Amerimex Drilling I, Ltd explains that “an employer is vicariously liable for its employee’s negligent acts if those acts are within the course and scope of his employment,” Uber drivers are not employees.
Uber does offer insurance coverage for drivers, though, and it applies in certain circumstances when the driver is transporting passengers or actively signed in and waiting to do so. It is possible this coverage could provide additional funds you need to be fully compensated if an Uber driver’s careless actions are the direct cause of your harm.
How Can You Get Compensation After an Uber Crash?
To pursue a claim for compensation after an Uber crash, you’ll need to identify those responsible for the accident and pursue a claim against them. It will be your burden to prove they were negligent, or unreasonably careless behind the wheel.
You can resolve your case through an out-of-court settlement with the help of an Austin rideshare accident lawyer if you can agree on a fair amount of compensation. It’s also possible to go ahead with a civil lawsuit and prove both the cause of the crash and the extent of your damages to get the compensation you deserve in court.
Under Texas Code Section 16.003, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years, so be sure to act on time to avoid being unable to pursue your claim.
Get Help From An Austin Uber Accident Attorney Today
George Salinas Injury Lawyers has extensive experience fighting for the rights of rideshare victims. Give our Austin Uber accident attorney a call today to find out more about how our car accident lawyers in Austin can put more than 110 years of collective legal experience to work on your claim.