Austin Uber and Lyft Accident Attorneys

Rideshare Accidents Injuries

Rideshare accidents can result in all manner of serious injury, including:

• Neck Injuries: Sudden deceleration or effect can cause the head to burst forward and backward, damaging soft tissue in the neck. Symptoms may not appear instantly but can worsen over time, leading to chronic pain and distress.
• Head and Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are another common injury in serious rideshare accidents. These can vary from concussions to more severe forms of brain damage. Head injuries could have long-term effects on cognitive function, memory, and even personality. TBIs often demand extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, making them some of the most costly injuries in terms of both time and money.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries could occur in high-impact rideshare collisions, especially if passengers are seated in positions where they are more vulnerable. Harm to the spinal cord can result in partial or full paralysis, and recovery may involve surgery, physical therapy, and long-term care. Even minor spinal injuries can result in chronic pain and mobility problems.
• Broken Bones: The impact of a rideshare accident can cause broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, and ribs. While many fractures heal over time, they may require surgery or immobilization, limiting mobility and making daily activities difficult. Some fractures may never fully heal, leaving individuals with long-term impairments.
• Internal Injuries: The force of a car accident could cause significant internal damage, such as organ damage or internal bleeding. These injuries are not always immediately apparent, so it's critical to seek medical attention following a rideshare accident. Left untreated, internal injuries can lead to life-threatening complications.
• Emotional Trauma: Accidents can have a profound psychological impact. Many rideshare accident victims suffer from emotional trauma, which includes anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Emotional trauma is just as real and debilitating as physical injuries, often requiring therapy and counseling to overcome.

What Damages Can I Recover for Uber or Lyft Accident Claim?

To secure compensation for rideshare accident injuries, you must file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver (regardless of whether they are an Uber or Lyft driver) before the statute of limitations expires. In Texas, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to bring your claim. 

A successful personal injury claim allows you to obtain compensation for both economic and non-economic losses, including:

• Past, current, and future medical bills
• Lost income and earning capacity
• Property damage
• Physical pain and suffering
• Mental pain and anguish
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of enjoyment of life

What Steps Should I Take After a Rideshare Accident?

Beyond the complexity of determining liability and knowing who to sue, however, the same general principles surrounding car accident litigation apply. You must take care to preserve evidence in the moments and days after a collision, though you will also need to specifically save evidence of your rideshare trip. 

To protect your rights and strengthen your case, you should:

• Call 9-1-1 after an accident, no matter how minor. The responding officer will create an official police report that proves the accident happened.
• Document the accident. Take photos of your injuries and damage to the vehicles. 
• Collect contact information. You will need the names, phone numbers, addresses, license information, and insurance information of each driver, regardless of whether they are a rideshare driver. If there were any eyewitnesses, try to get their contact information as well.
• Screenshot and save details of your Uber or Lyft trip. If you acting as a rideshare driver or were the passenger in a rideshare when the accident occurred, screenshot the trip history on the applicable app. You should also save the receipt email. 
• Get medical attention. See a doctor and ask them to perform a full evaluation. Keep a copy of your medical records and closely follow any treatment advice. 
• Call our Austin Uber and Lyft accident attorneys. You should not wait to start the legal process, and we are ready to get to immediate work on your case.

We understand the obligations that Lyft, Uber, and other rideshare companies have to drivers and passengers injured in accidents and will put that knowledge to work for you.

Are There Any Specific Rules I Must Follow to Get Compensation for an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Because these accidents are more complicated than typical auto collisions, you may understandably be wondering if you need to take additional steps to protect your right to compensation. First, it is important to understand that you will generally not be suing Uber or Lyft directly. Recovering damages in these scenarios typically requires you to sue the at-fault driver, whether it was a rideshare driver or a third party. Then, if the at-fault driver’s insurance does not cover your losses, you can file a claim with Uber’s or Lyft’s insurance company to get additional compensation through their $1 million policies.

Contact Our Uber & Lyft Accident Attorneys in Austin Today

If you or a loved one has been involved in an Uber or Lyft accident in Austin, acting quickly is crucial. The legal process can be complicated, but our experienced rideshare accident attorneys in Austin will guide you through each step, ensuring your rights are well protected.

Don’t wait to get the help you need. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We will examine your case, discuss your legal options, and help you confidently move forward. You don’t have to face this alone—let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing and recovery.