With the rapid growth of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, along with delivery giants such as DoorDash and Uber Eats, Houston streets have seen a dramatic increase in these vehicles. While they offer unmatched convenience, the surge in rideshare and delivery vehicle traffic has unfortunately led to more accidents involving these drivers.
If you’ve been injured in a crash involving an Uber, Lyft, or delivery driver, it’s critical to understand your legal rights and how a skilled rideshare accident lawyer in Houston can help you navigate the complex aftermath.
Why Are Rideshare and Delivery Vehicle Accidents Increasing in Houston?
The demand for on-demand transportation and delivery has skyrocketed in recent years. However, these services come with risks:
- Extended hours: Drivers often work long shifts to meet customer demand, increasing fatigue-related risks.
- Distracted driving: Managing apps, GPS, and orders can divert attention from the road.
- Mixed insurance coverage: Rideshare and delivery drivers have complicated insurance situations that vary depending on whether they’re on a trip or waiting for a ride request.
- Untrained drivers: Many rideshare drivers have minimal commercial driving training.
All these factors contribute to a higher chance of accidents and injuries for passengers, other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
What Happens After a Rideshare or Delivery Vehicle Accident in Houston?
If you’re injured in a crash involving an Uber or delivery driver, it’s important to:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor at first. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, may appear later.
- Call 911 and report the accident. Obtain a police report — it’s a crucial piece of evidence.
- Document the scene with photos and videos of the vehicles, damages, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Exchange information with the driver, including their name, insurance, and rideshare or delivery company details.
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies without consulting a lawyer.
Understanding Insurance in Rideshare and Delivery Accidents
One of the biggest challenges in these cases is navigating insurance coverage:
- When a driver is offline or not logged into their app, their personal auto insurance typically applies.
- When a driver is logged into the app but has no passenger or delivery in the car, rideshare companies like Uber generally provide limited liability coverage.
- When a driver is actively transporting a passenger or delivery, rideshare or delivery company insurance kicks in with higher coverage limits.
This complex layering of insurance policies means victims often face delays or denials in compensation claims. Insurance companies may argue about liability or coverage, making it essential to have an expert lawyer on your side.
Why You Need a Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Houston
Rideshare and delivery accident cases require specialized legal expertise because:
- The companies often try to limit liability by classifying drivers as independent contractors.
- Insurance policies can be confusing and hard to interpret.
- Victims may be unsure which insurance policy applies or how to get compensated for lost wages, medical bills, or pain and suffering.
- Rideshare companies may push for quick, lowball settlements before you understand the full extent of your injuries.
An experienced Uber accident lawyer in Texas will investigate the accident, gather all evidence, identify liable parties, and fight for your maximum compensation.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Rideshare or Delivery Accident?
Victims may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages or diminished earning capacity
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy costs
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Property damage
- Wrongful death damages in fatal cases
How Orange Law Firm Can Help You
At Orange Law Firm, we have extensive experience handling rideshare and delivery vehicle accident cases across Houston and throughout Texas. Our team understands the nuances of these complex claims and is dedicated to protecting victims’ rights.
- We provide free consultations to review your case.
- We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win.
- We aggressively negotiate with insurance companies and are prepared to take your case to trial if necessary.
Contact a Houston Rideshare Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a rideshare or delivery vehicle accident in Houston, don’t wait. The sooner you contact an experienced lawyer, the better your chances of securing the compensation you deserve.
📞 Call Orange Law Firm at (713) 885-9787
