Rideshare services like Lyft and Uber make traveling much easier for folks in Denton. However, that does not mean they are always safe, as even rideshare drivers can make mistakes that lead to traffic accidents.
If you were involved in a recent rideshare car crash here in Denton, you could get compensated for your losses. Our Denton rideshare accident lawyer from Underwood Law Office can help you take legal action against the party who caused your injury. We can explain your rights and pursue compensation for you.
What Damages Can You Recover in Denton Rideshare Collisions?
You would be able to recover economic and non-economic damages if you can successfully settle the rideshare accident case. Economic damages let you recover from the financial costs of the incident, such as:
- Medical bills, such as hospitalizations, treatments, and medications
- Lost wages if you cannot work while injured
- Auto shop repairs if you were not a rideshare passenger but another motorist instead
On the other hand, non-economic damages pay for the intangible losses you may have suffered because of the rideshare wreck. These include:
- Psychological trauma
- Pain and suffering
- Disabilities, such as the loss of a limb or paralysis
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Our Denton personal injury lawyer can help you compile your expenses to estimate your total damages. They can also assist with gathering forms of proof to show that you did suffer from the accident, such as medical records, doctor’s reports, and photographs of your car’s damage.
For a free legal consultation with a rideshare accidents lawyer serving Denton, call (972) 535-6377
How Shared Liability Affects Your Rideshare Accident Case
Due to Texas’ comparative negligence rules in tort cases, your recoverable damages might get reduced if you share some fault in the rideshare accident. The law also bars you from recovering any amount if you are more liable than the other party, according to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001.
For example, if you are 40 percent liable for speeding, while the rideshare driver is 60 percent at fault for beating the red light, you can only recover 60 percent of the total settlement amount.
Our Denton rideshare accident lawyer can help gather evidence, such as dashboard camera and surveillance footage, as well as eyewitness statements, to support your side of the case. The opposing party could use any flaws in your statements to put more blame on you.
Denton Rideshare Accident Lawyer Near Me (972) 535-6377
Denton Rideshare Liability Coverage Limits Can Vary
Texas Insurance Code § 1954.051 requires Denton rideshare companies to carry liability insurance in case their drivers get involved in accidents. The coverage will shoulder the victim’s expenses. However, the liability limits depend on whether the driver was logged on or off the rideshare app during the crash.
A Denton rideshare accident lawyer from our firm can help file your claim with the rideshare liability insurance provider. They can also help negotiate with the claims adjuster if you disagree with their offer.
The way insurance will work will depend on if the rideshare driver is using the rideshare app:
The Rideshare Driver Is Offline
If the driver is not logged on to the app during the accident, they are considered off-duty. The rideshare company’s liability insurance will not cover them, so you would have to file the claim with the driver’s personal auto insurance provider instead. Regular motorists must also carry liability coverage to drive legally in Denton.
The Driver Is on the Rideshare App
The Denton rideshare company’s liability insurance will start covering the driver once they are logged on to the app. However, the coverage limit follows the requirements in Texas Insurance Code § 1954.052 if there are no passengers yet.
The minimum insurance limits required are:
- $50,000 for injuries or death per person
- $100,000 for injuries or deaths per accident
- $25,000 for property damages per accident
However, once the driver is in an arranged ride, the coverage limit increases to $1,000,000 as required by Texas Insurance Code § 1954.053. This will cover both injury and property-related damages.
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Can You File a Lawsuit Instead?
Your Denton rideshare accident lawyer can advise an accident lawsuit if the insurance claim does not work. You may face situations such as:
- The driver does not have enough personal auto liability coverage to repay you fully. They may also be completely uninsured.
- The driver caused the accident with the intent to harm you. Insurance companies are unlikely to accept intentional tort claims.
Instead of dealing with an insurance claims adjuster, you will file the rideshare accident lawsuit with Denton’s civil court. They will review the statements and evidence from both sides before determining whether the other party is more liable and, if so, how much you can recover in damages.
A rideshare accident lawyer from Underwood Law Office can represent and guide you throughout the filing process and proceedings until your lawsuit gets a verdict. We will represent you if your case goes to court.
The Time Limit for Filing a Lawsuit in Denton
Like other accident cases, your Denton rideshare accident has the same statute of limitations as stated in Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003. That means you have two years to file your injury lawsuit.
If your loved one passed away in a rideshare accident, you can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the party that harmed them. Per the statute of limitations, you have two years from the day of the accident to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
A Denton rideshare accident lawyer can help ensure you file on time. We will monitor your case’s development and keep you updated on the status of your lawsuit.
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Work With a Denton Rideshare Accident Lawyer From Underwood Law Office
Filing for compensation against a liable rideshare service can quickly get complicated due to the various laws affecting the settlement process. If you ever suffer injuries or other damages from a rideshare accident here in Denton, you can consult with the team at Underwood Law Office anytime. We have over 25 years of experience handling various injury practice areas, including rideshare accidents.
Call us today for a free consultation with one of our team members. We are available 24/7 to take your call.
Call or text (972) 535-6377 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form