Rideshare Accident When your ride ends in injury, we go all in for you

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Austin Rideshare Accident Attorneys

Fighting For Uber & Lyft Accident Victims in Texas

The popularity of ridesharing platforms such as Uber and Lyft has led to the question, “Who is responsible for my accident?” These companies operate under different rules than regulated taxi services, making the distinction between these companies' operations important to understand, especially if an accident occurs.

If you were injured in an accident involving an Uber, Lyft, or another type of rideshare, reach out to the Austin rideshare accident lawyer at Briggle & Polan, PLLC, for a free consultation. The amount of compensation you may be able to recover will depend on the circumstances involved.

Were you a passenger in an Uber or Lyft?
Were you hit by an Uber or Lyft driver in another vehicle?
Was the rideshare driver carrying a passenger at the time of the crash?

Determining the answer to these and other questions is crucial for your recovery.

Call our office today at (512) 400-3278 to request a free consultation. Our Austin rideshare accident lawyers are available 24/7 and can come to you if needed.

Millions Recovered for our clients

Landmark verdicts and settlements that speak for themselves

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$3,000,000 Severe Leg Injuries Resulting from Drunk Driver in Residential Neighborhood
Our client was hit head-on by a drunk teenager in front of an elementary school, flipping their vehicles.
$1,258,000 Client Has Sternum Shattered in Highway Collision
Our client was t-boned as she made a left-hand turn on Capital of Texas Highway.
$1,015,000 Drunk Driver T-Bone Collision
Our client was the passenger in a vehicle that was t-boned by a drunk driver, which resulted in her suffering multiple, life-threatening injuries. *Net to client was $395,912.60.
$350,000 Distracted Driver Accident
Our client suffered a ruptured abdomen after being violently rear-ended by a distracted driver. *Net proceeds to the client was $134,418.06.
$283,704.36 T-Boned in Intersection
Our client was involved in a car accident in Las Cruces, New Mexico and severely injured her arm in the crash. *Net proceeds to our client were $123,133.07.
$250,000 Drunk Driving Accident
An underage, drunk driver collided with our client on the highway, severely injuring his back and shoulder. *Net proceeds to the client were $98,596.04.
$250,000 Drunk Driver Collision With Three Children
Our clients were three minor children, who were passengers in a car that was hit by a drunk driver. This wreck was the drunk driver's fifth time to be charged with DWI. *The net to each child was $49,999.80.
$245,000 T-Bone Collision Resolved
Our client, a veteran of the Gulf War, was turning into a shopping center when a man T-boned him, causing a catastrophic collision. *Net to client was $100,381.92.
$200,000 T-Bone Collision
Our client suffered a fractured hand and wrist from the car accident. *Net to client was $67,017.69.
$186,200 T-Bone Collision Involving Company Vehicle
Our client was t-boned by a landscaping company vehicle and fractured his ribs in the crash. *Net to client was $90,450.
$152,500 Elderly Man Injured In Auto Accident
Our client was injured in a head-on collision that required surgery. *Net to client was $90,895.37.
$147,562 Passenger Injured In Car Wreck
Our client suffered fractures in her spine and sternum from a car accident. *Attorney fees and expenses totaled $52,681.03.
$137,300 Rear-End Collision Resolved
Our client suffered multiple injuries to his neck resulting in a three-level cervical fusion surgery after being rear-ended by a commercial utility tow-truck. *Net to client was $55,047.12
$135,000 Rear-End Collision Resolved
Our client was severely injured after being rear-ended by a commercial dump truck while taking her daughter to school. *Net to client was $62,732.60.
$132,000 Distracted Driver
Our client was the passenger in a vehicle struck by a distracted motorist who failed to yield the right of way at an intersection. *Net to client was $33,250.59.
$130,000 Car Wreck Causing Serious Injury
Our client was involved in a serious automobile wreck, injuring her hip. *Net proceeds to the client were $62,706.66.
$125,000 Distracted Driver Accident
Our client was injured and car totaled when a distracted driver smashed into him. *Net proceeds to the client was $33,293.61.
$115,000 Distracted Driver Caused Collision
A distracted driver failed to yield the right of way to our client, causing a collision. *Net to client was $25,035.44.
$112,280 Rear-End Collision Resolved
Our client was rear-ended and suffered severe lower back herniations requiring months of steroid injections. *Net to client was $48,485.87.
$110,000 T-Bone Collision Resolved
Our client was t-boned by the driver of a vehicle that ran a red light after having already crashed into multiple vehicles on the road. *Net to client was $48,770.05.
$105,000 Multi-Car Collision
Our client sustained back and neck injuries after being involved in a three-car collision. *Net proceeds to the client were $57,454.13.
$100,000 DWI Wreck Resolved
Our client was struck by a drunk driver in Round Rock, Texas. *Net to client was $51,113.04.
$100,000 Distracted Driver Causes T-Bone Collision
Our client sustained a herniated disc when she was involved in a t-bone collision with a distracted driver. *Attorney fees and expenses totaled $35,000.
$100,000 Drunk Driver Accident
Our client was seriously injured in a collision with a drunk driver. *Net to client was $40,639.33.
$100,000 Rear-End Collision Resolved
Our client was involved in a chain-reaction collision after she was rear-ended. *Net proceeds to client were $37,525.48.
$97,500 Rear-End Collision Resolved
Our client was seriously injured after being rear-ended while driving the United States Postal Service delivery van. *Net to client was $30,015.00.
$92,000 Distracted Driver Accident
Our client injured his chest, ribs and head in an automobile collision. *Net proceeds to client were $28,689.14.
$85,000 T-Bone Collision Resolved
Our client was t-boned by a distracted driver who ran a stop sign and required surgery for injuries sustained. *Attorney fees and expenses totaled $30,267.51.
$82,434.66 Rear-End Collision Resolved
Our client was rear-ended by a distracted driver and suffered injuries. *Net to client was $49,805.00.
$82,000 T-Bone Collision
Our client had to be airlifted to the hospital as a result of a t-bone collision. *Net proceeds to client were $23,914.57.
$81,000 Rear-End Collision Resolved
Our client sustained a herniated disc in her neck and required steroid injections after being t-boned in an intersection. *Net to client was $34,206.04.
$80,000 Rear-End Collision Resolved
Our client was rear-ended at a yield sign while trying to merge onto I-35 during heavy traffic. *Attorney fees and expenses totaled $31,315.14.
$79,501 Rear-End Collision Resolved
Our client suffered a shoulder injury when rear-ended by a driver who was speeding. *Attorney fees and expenses totaled $31,315.14.
$77,500 Rear-End Collision Resolved
Our client was rear-ended by a distracted driver, suffering neck injuries as a result of the whiplash. *Net to client was $24,823.76.
$75,564.45 T-Bone Collision Resolved
Our client suffered fractured ribs and a broken foot after being hit by a driver that ran a red light. *Net to client was $27,147.72.
$75,000 Auto Collision Causes Serious Neck Injury
Our client was rear-ended at a yield sign, causing her severe neck trauma that required surgery. *Attorney fees and expenses totaled $31,879.45.
$72,500 Car Wreck Settlement
Our Client, a US Postal worker, was t-boned by a vehicle that ran a red light causing chest injuries. *Attorney fees and expenses totaled $24,975.54.
$72,500 Rear-End Collision Resolved
Our client was rear-ended by a distracted driver in a collision so severe that it busted out the back of her windshield. *Net to client was $20,762.93.
$70,689.64 T-Bone Collision Resolved
An impatient driver decided to illegally pull around stopped traffic, causing a t-bone collision. *Net to client was $28,591.20.
$66,740.23 Rear-End Collision Resolved
While stopped at a red light, a driver crashed into the back of our client's car, causing our client to sustain a fractured wrist and herniated lower back. *Net to client was $35,614.04.
$65,000 Rear-End Collision Resolved
Our client was rear-ended while sitting at a red light and suffered lower back injuries. *Net to client was $19,732.41.
$62,500 T-Bone Collision Resolved
While traveling down a rural road in the fog, a distracted motorist made an unsafe turn in front of our client, causing a t-bone collision. *Net to client was $18,064.01.
$62,500 T-Bone Collision Resolved
Our client sustained a traumatic mesenteric cyst which had to be surgically removed after being t-boned by a driver running a red light. *Net to client was $27,346.27.
$55,000 Rear-End Collision Causing Brain Injury
Our client was rear-ended by another driver and the impact caused him to hit his head on the steering wheel, resulting in a brain injury. *Net to client was $33,045.32.
$52,500 Rear-End Collision Resolved
Our client was rear-ended on the highway where he sustained a neck injury. *Net to client was $20,481.65.
$52,000 T-Bone Collision Resolved
Our client suffered numerous spinal cord injuries, a concussion and a fractured ulna after being involved in a t-bone collision. *Net to client was $31,531.95.
$51,326.20 Woman T-Boned By Oil Company Truck
Our client was t-boned by a company truck that was being operated by an employee of the oil and gas company. *Net to client was $31,395.96.
$50,055 Resolved Lawsuit For Car Wreck For Policy Limits
Our client was injured as a passenger in a vehicle where the driver lost control. *Net to client was $32,919.99.
$50,000 T-Bone Collision in Colorado
Our client was injured in a vehicular collision in the mountains. *Net to client was $28,932.27.
$50,000 T-Bone Collision Resolved
Our client suffered severe head and back injuries after a driver made an illegal left-hand turn in front of him while he was driving. *Net to client was $12,457.72.
$50,000 T-Boned By Drunk Driver
A drunk driver was fleeing the scene of another collision when he ran a red light and collided with our client on his moped. *Attorney fees and expenses totaled $17,514.79.
$50,000 Rear-End Collision Resolved
Our client suffered a herniated lumbar disc in his back after being rear-ended by another driver. *Net recovery to client $16,667.
$50,000 Rear-End Collision Resolved
Our client was rear-ended on I-35, just outside of Austin, and sustained injuries to her shoulder and neck. *Net to client was $28,048.19.
$50,000 Rear-End Collision Resolved
Our client was rear-ended in stop-and-go traffic on I-35 in Austin. *Net to client was $15,000.
$50,000 Rear-End Collision Resolved
Our client was rear-ended by an underinsured motorist, causing aggravation to her surgically repaired spine. *Attorney fees and expenses totaled $16,008.44.
$50,000 Rear-End Collision Resolved
Our client was rear-ended at a stop light, which caused aggravation to his preexisting back pain. *Net to client was $12,322.87.
$50,000 Drunk Driver Accident
A drunk driver ran a stop sign and t-boned our client, then continued driving her vehicle for another 500 feet before stopping. *Net to client was $28,703.47.

How Our Austin Uber & Lyft Accident Attorney Can Help You

Hiring an Austin Uber or Lyft accident lawyer is generally the only chance victims have of obtaining compensation for their injuries and other losses. The skilled and aggressive trial lawyers at Briggle & Polan, PLLC have experience handling rideshare accident cases in which the driver is an independent contractor. Our attorneys can take Uber or Lyft to court if necessary to defend your rights as an innocent crash victim.

Here's how their legal dedication and local presence can help you:

Experience in rideshare accident cases: Our team has extensive experience handling cases involving Uber and Lyft accidents. We understand the unique challenges and legal intricacies of these cases, allowing them to provide specialized guidance.
Navigating Texas insurance laws: Texas has specific insurance requirements for rideshare drivers and companies. Our rideshare accident attorneys in Austin can navigate these laws to ensure you receive the compensation you're entitled to under Texas regulations.
Determining liability: Establishing liability in rideshare accidents can be complex. Briggle & Polan, PLLC can investigate the accident, collect evidence, and determine who is at fault, ensuring that the responsible party is held accountable.
Maximizing compensation: Our lawyers will work diligently to maximize your compensation. This includes seeking damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and any other applicable losses. We will leverage their experience to evaluate the true value of your claim.
Effective communication: Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging. Our firm will handle all communications with insurers, ensuring that you do not make statements that could jeopardize your claim. This helps protect your interests during negotiations.
Local court representation: If your case goes to court, having a local attorney can be beneficial. We are familiar with local court procedures and can represent you effectively in Austin's legal system.
Personalized attention: We offer more personalized attention to your case. Our team can work closely with you to understand your specific needs and tailor their legal strategy accordingly.

Contact us online or by phone at (512) 400-3278 to request a free consultation with our Austin rideshare accident attorney.

What Are the Risks of Ridesharing?

Ridesharing has been the topic of heated debate since its rise to popularity, with citizens and policymakers alike questioning the safety of this mode of transportation. Ridesharing platforms have different hiring standards than regulated taxicab services, making the safety of the drivers questionable.

While taxi services conduct thorough background checks on drivers, Uber only reviews the past seven years. This means that if a driver had a charge for driving under the influence (DUI), kidnapping, or assault that was more than seven years ago, they could still be driving your Uber.

Since 2014, there have been 152 alleged sexual assaults and harassments held against Uber and Lyft drivers. There have been at least 16 deaths, most of which resulted from drunk or negligent rideshare drivers. These numbers continue to grow as Uber and Lyft fail to enhance their standards, hiring drivers who exhibit unsafe behaviors and habits. Uber and Lyft do not conduct in-person interviews before hiring, a standard that taxicab services have long enforced.

The courts have found numerous Uber and Lyft drivers guilty of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, distracted driving, and negligent driving over the past few years. Although these drivers have a duty to exercise care and a responsibility for passengers' safety, they can make grave errors. When an Uber or Lyft driver causes a car accident, victims need to speak with an Austin Uber & Lyft rideshare accident lawyer to determine who is responsible.

How Do You Determine Liability in a Lyft or Uber Accident Case?

When navigating the aftermath of your Lyft or Uber accident, several elements will be considered to determine the worth of an injury settlement. The law, ultimately, will establish liability as well as the settlement value. However, having an Austin Lyft accident attorney or an Uber accident lawyer will help you sort through the complexities.

Some of the factors that will be considered include:

How many vehicles were involved
Based on Texas’ laws, who is determined at fault
To what degree did the actions of each party contribute to the accident?

The primary consideration will be how the responsible party failed to meet the duty of care when the accident occurred.

What Should I Do If in an Accident with Lyft or Uber?

After being involved in a ridesharing accident, you will likely want to know what steps to take next. Especially when you have medical costs that need to be covered and are suffering from the pain associated with the accident, you should have a clear understanding of what to do to recover compensation.

First, you will want to gather as much information as possible. This will involve taking detailed notes of the scene of the accident, including the time of day and location.

You will also want to gather information from all drivers, such as:

The Lyft/Uber driver’s contact information
All other drivers’ contact information
Insurance information of all drivers, as well as information regarding Lyft/Uber’s insurance
Vehicle information
Contact information of all witnesses

It will also be essential that you obtain medical assistance. If the rideshare accident resulted in injuries to yourself or another person in your vehicle, seek medical assistance immediately. Your health should be your top priority at this time. Even if you do not think your injuries are serious enough to warrant emergency care, this is essential for your long-term health and to building a solid claim.

You will then want to connect with a rideshare accident lawyer who can help you respond to the insurance companies and get you the compensation you deserve.

Rideshare Laws in Texas

Drivers for transportation network companies (TNCs) in Texas must meet certain requirements, including age, background checks, and vehicle inspections. Background checks typically include criminal history and driving record checks.

TNC vehicles must meet specific safety and maintenance standards. These standards may include regular inspections and vehicle age limits.

TNC drivers may be required to complete driver training programs, which can include information on safety, customer service, and navigation. Some cities may require TNCs to obtain permits or licenses to operate within their jurisdiction.

Insurance Coverage While Driving & Riding with Uber & Lyft

Insurance coverage for Uber and Lyft drivers in Texas varies depending on the driver's activity at the time of the car accident. Both rideshare companies provide different levels of coverage during different stages of a driver's trip.

Here's a breakdown of how insurance coverage typically works for Uber and Lyft drivers in Texas:

App is Off:

When the Uber or Lyft driver's app is off, they are considered to be off-duty and driving their personal vehicle for personal reasons. The driver's personal auto insurance policy is responsible for covering any accidents that occur during this time. Uber and Lyft's insurance coverage do not apply since the driver is not actively using the app for ride-sharing purposes.

The following are the requirements for a rideshare driver’s personal policy minimum limits:

$30,000 per person
$60,000 per accident
$25,000 for property damage

App is On and Waiting for a Ride Request (Driver is Online):

When the driver turns on the app and is waiting for a ride request, they are in a period of "app on" or "online" status.

During this time, Uber provides limited coverage for liability (which applies if the driver's personal auto insurance does not cover the accident, or if the coverage limits on the personal policy are exceeded):

Uber provides contingent liability coverage of up to $20,000 per person for bodily injury
$100,000 per accident for bodily injury
$25,000 per accident for property damage

App is On and Picking Up a Passenger or During Rides:

Once the driver has accepted a ride request and is en route to pick up the passenger or has a passenger in the vehicle, Uber provides additional coverage.

Uber's commercial insurance policy is in effect, which includes:

$1,000,000 in third-party liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage.
Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage for the driver's vehicle, but there may be a deductible that the driver is responsible for.

Employees vs. Independent Contractors

In a taxicab accident, the courts consider the taxi driver an employee of the company. In these situations, the company’s insurance would pay for the victims’ damages, including personal injury and property damages. In an Uber or Lyft accident, the outcome is different because of differing employee classifications.

There has been some recent speculation as to whether the law should consider rideshare drivers independent contractors or employees of the company. Texas is one of eight states that have so far classified ridesharing drivers as independent contractors. Uber drivers in California recently brought a claim against the company for misclassifying employees as independent contractors to avoid paying for business expenses, such as vehicle maintenance and gas while on the job.

When an independent contractor causes a personal injury, the victim(s) may not be able to sue the company. Just as a victim of medical malpractice cannot sue the entire hospital for an independently contracted doctor, the victim of a ridesharing accident cannot sue Uber or Lyft for an independently contracted driver. The courts only hold companies responsible for the actions of their employees based on strict liability laws. Unfortunately, this can lead to smaller settlements for the victims.

Clients Who Fought—and Won

Every testimonial tells the story of a fight we didn’t back down from.

Thank you, Parker and Hayden, for being so hands on and taking care of me.
“This firm didn't just represent me- they took care of me and made certain that every need I had was being met.”

- Brandon
I felt really taken care of, have and will continue to refer to my friends.
“I was privileged to have Hayden Briggle and Parker Polan as representation. They took the time to get to know me and cared about more than just my dollars.”

- Patrick
Thank you, Briggle & Polan.
“I very much appreciate all their hard work and will be happy to refer to them should the need come up for friends and acquaintances.”

- Sandi
They got me the help I? needed within a few days of hiring them.
“My settlement was awesome and I got everything I needed to get back on my feet”

- Karina
I would recommend Briggle & Polan to all my friends and family!
“Hayden and Parker's level of expertise, integrity, and client care changed my opinion towards lawyers.”

- Julie
They were very patient and thorough when explaining the process.
“Parker and Hayden were there for me when I needed representation after being injured in a car accident.”

- Lauren
Parker and Hayden were positive, energetic, and did everything in their power to help me.
“I would definitely recommend them to anyone that needs help with their case.”

- Matt
I highly recommend Briggle & Polan, PLLC.
“If you are looking for excellent and honest attorneys, call them. You will not be disappointed.”

- Paige
These guys really helped me when no one else would.
“They really fought for me and their paralegals were the best. They were constantly in communication with me and I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a lawyer.”

- Lauren

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Settling Isn't An Option

When the stakes are high, we fight harder

We don’t back down when the pressure is on. For high-stakes cases, we bring experience, strategy, and tenacity to fight for every dollar, every right, and every bit of justice you deserve.

Rideshare Accident FAQs

After a rideshare accident, your priority should be ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone involved. This means calling emergency services and receiving immediate medical attention if needed. Documenting everything at the scene is critical. Take photos and videos of any damages and obtain contact details of all parties involved and any witnesses present. It's also essential to report the incident to the rideshare company through their app, as they might have protocols that could assist in your process. Reaching out to your insurance company promptly will also be necessary for filing claims. However, avoiding detailed statements before consulting a rideshare accident attorney from Briggle & Polan, PLLC can safeguard your rights and potentially improve your case outcome.
Common injuries in rideshare accidents often mirror those seen in other motor vehicle collisions, though the presence of additional passengers and varying vehicle sizes can increase severity. Whiplash is a frequent outcome, typically caused by the sudden stop-and-go motion of a crash, resulting in neck strain and stiffness. Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries could occur when a passenger's head strikes a window, headrest, or dashboard during impact. Back injuries, which include herniated discs and spinal cord trauma, may also arise, especially in high-speed or rear-end collisions.
Passengers and drivers alike can suffer broken bones, with fractures to the ribs, arms, and legs being prevalent due to the force of a crash or from being thrown against hard surfaces. Internal injuries, like organ damage or internal bleeding, may result from seatbelt pressure or blunt force trauma. In more severe accidents, victims can experience lacerations and contusions from shattered glass or flying debris. Emotional and psychological trauma, including anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), could also develop after a rideshare accident, even if physical injuries are relatively minor.

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