DeSoto Rideshare Accident Lawyer
DeSoto Rideshare Accident Lawyer
A rideshare accident often creates confusion about who is responsible and how unexpected costs will be handled. As a 3rd generation Texan leading a team that treats every client like family, our firm is known across DeSoto for helping passengers and drivers find answers after serious crashes. Your DeSoto car accident lawyer will explain what steps can protect your rights and show you how state laws apply to your situation. To get started, contact your DeSoto rideshare accident lawyer from Goff Law, PLLC, and learn how our team can help you regain control.
How Rideshare Accidents Happen in DeSoto
The rise of rideshare services across Dallas County has brought more vehicles to already busy streets. Recognized across North Texas for securing full-value settlements for local drivers, our firm has seen how this traffic increase has led to more rideshare collisions. It helps to understand how these crashes occur so you can see where risk exists and what steps to take if you are involved in one.
Common Causes of Rideshare Crashes
Rideshare drivers often face distractions that make accidents more likely. Many rely on apps for directions or ride requests, which can take their eyes off the road. Texas Transportation Code § 545.4251 prohibits using a handheld device for texting or reading while driving, yet these violations remain common.
Fatigue and rushing to complete trips also play a part in many rideshare collisions. Drivers who spend long hours on the road may make slower decisions. These risks increase during late-night shifts when tired drivers are more prone to mistakes.
When Passengers Are Injured During a Ride
Passengers injured in rideshare accidents may have several avenues for compensation. Claims often involve both the driver’s personal insurance and the rideshare company’s commercial policy, depending on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash.
If you were a passenger hurt in a rideshare vehicle, whether you suffered minor or catastrophic injuries, you may be eligible for compensation for medical bills or missed income. When you know which policy applies, it can help you avoid delays and ensure your claim is handled by the right insurer.
Dangers for Other Drivers and Pedestrians
Pickup and drop-off zones are common sites for rideshare crashes in DeSoto. Drivers often stop suddenly or block intersections to collect or drop off passengers, putting nearby cars and pedestrians at risk. Texas Transportation Code § 545.351 requires drivers to maintain a safe speed and distance to prevent these hazards.
Pedestrians face added danger when rideshare vehicles pull into crosswalks or stop near sidewalks. If you were injured by a rideshare driver while walking or driving, evidence such as dashcam footage or witness statements can show how your pedestrian accident happened and help you pursue compensation.
Who May Be Liable After a Rideshare Accident
Liability in a rideshare accident depends on whether the driver was using the app, waiting for a ride request, or transporting a passenger. Each stage determines which insurance policy applies. These same rules differ from cases involving commercial vehicles like a truck accident, where fault is often easier to identify.
The Rideshare Driver’s Personal Insurance
Personal auto insurance usually applies only when the rideshare driver is not logged into the app. Once the app is active, coverage shifts to the company’s commercial policy. Under Texas Insurance Code § 1954.051, rideshare drivers must carry higher liability limits than traditional drivers.
Disputes often arise when insurers disagree about whether the driver was using the app at the time of the crash. If you were injured in a rideshare collision, details such as trip receipts or app records can help confirm which policy is responsible for your damages.
The Rideshare Company’s Commercial Coverage
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft divide their insurance coverage into three phases known as periods 1, 2, and 3. During period 1, the app is on but no passenger request has been accepted. Period 2 begins when the driver accepts a ride, and period 3 covers the time when a passenger is in the vehicle.
Texas ranks among the top states for rideshare-related coverage disputes, showing how often insurers debate responsibility. Your DeSoto rideshare accident attorney with Goff Law, PLLC will review which coverage period applied during your crash and explain how the company’s policy may influence your claim.
Third-Party Drivers or Manufacturers
Not every rideshare collision is caused by the driver or the company. Other motorists or mechanical defects may contribute to the crash. Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 33.001 allows fault to be divided among multiple parties when more than one person or company is responsible for an accident.
If a tire blowout or another vehicle’s unsafe lane change led to your rideshare crash, multiple insurers may share financial responsibility. If you know how shared fault applies, it may be easier to see how these factors can affect your case and what compensation may still be available.
What to Know About Rideshare Passenger Rights
Many passengers do not realize they have several protections after a rideshare accident. Texas law provides access to multiple forms of coverage and compensation that may apply if you are hurt while using a rideshare service. Here are the key rights every passenger in DeSoto should be aware of:
- Access to the driver’s insurance
- Coverage under the rideshare company’s policy
- Payment for medical treatment
- Compensation for lost income
- Right to recover non-economic losses
- Protection from retaliation or account bans
- Access to police and company reports
- Right to legal representation without pressure from insurers
Rideshare passengers in Texas have the same right to fair treatment and full compensation as any other injured driver or pedestrian. Under Texas Insurance Code § 541.060, insurers must handle claims promptly and act in good faith. These rights give you and your DeSoto personal injury lawyer the tools to hold insurance companies accountable and pursue a fair outcome after a crash.
DeSoto Rideshare Accident FAQ
Rideshare accidents often raise questions about insurance coverage and liability that differ from other car crashes. Below are short answers to some of the most common questions DeSoto residents ask after being involved in a rideshare collision.
Does Uber or Lyft pay for injuries after a rideshare accident?
Yes. Both companies provide insurance for drivers and passengers involved in accidents that happen while the app is active.
How is fault determined when both drivers blame each other?
Police reports and digital evidence such as traffic cameras are used to establish what happened. This information helps show which driver caused the crash.
What insurance applies if I was injured while waiting for my driver?
If your trip had already been accepted, the rideshare company’s insurance usually applies. When the driver was still waiting for a request, personal coverage may apply under Texas Insurance Code § 1954.052.
Can I file a claim if I was hit by a rideshare driver as a pedestrian?
Yes. Pedestrians struck by a rideshare driver can seek payment through the company’s insurance if the driver was working at the time.
How long does a rideshare accident claim usually take to resolve?
Most rideshare claims take several weeks to complete. The timeline depends on the complexity of the case and whether the insurers agree on fault.
Connect With Your Rideshare Accident Lawyer in DeSoto Today
