Do I Need a Rideshare Accident Attorney in Dallas, Texas? What to Consider Before Filing a Claim – Guest Post

Driving in today’s world is a little easier with the convenience brought about by companies like Uber and Lyft, who have managed to make transportation easier. Sadly, increased usage on the other hand has correspondingly increased the number of rideshare vehicle accidents. Among the million things that might pop into your head if you get injured in a rideshare accident in Dallas, Texas, one of the frequently asked questions in the minds of most injured persons if hurt in such incidents is whether it is really necessary to seek an attorney. Below, learn about some of the most salient things your attention should be focused on before filing a claim and how a rideshare accident attorney protects your rights.

Understanding Texas Rideshare Accidents

Less typical than the ordinary car accident, other key differences that set rideshare accidents apart include highly critical complications of insurance policies and issues related to liability. In most instances, for example, rideshare drivers are covered both by their own personal auto insurance and by the company’s commercial policy, depending on their status at the time of an accident. This may be the case in Texas State.

• Off the App: This again would fall under a driver’s personal insurance.
• Logged In Without a Passenger: Then, the rideshare company’s limited liability insurance takes over. 
• En Route to Pick Up or Transporting a Passenger: Here is where the $1 million liability of the rideshare company usually comes into play.

Which of these policies involved will go a long way toward identifying liability and compensation.

When to Hire a Rideshare Accident Attorney?

While there are some accidents that are usually straightforward, the reality is that most of the claims of rideshare mean legal complexity that is eventually overwhelming for victims. In various situations, one may need to hire an attorney to represent them in court. This is including but not limited to:

Liability is Contested

These companies do not want to pay a single penny for the damages and hence fight liability. An experienced lawyer will get accident reports, statements of witnesses, and camera footage to prove liability.

Serious Injuries or Substantial Damages

If there has been a serious injury in which a person either lost wages or incurred substantial medical expenses, your attorney will tabulate all your damages and negotiate an equitable settlement.

Insurance Issues

Ride-share companies and their insurance carriers will often retain attorneys for the explicit purpose of keeping any payouts as minimal as possible. The attorney will negotiate with them on your behalf to make sure that your claim is not lowballed or denied for the wrong reasons.

Ambiguous Coverage

Sometimes it isn’t obvious whose insurance policy would apply. An attorney will identify what coverage applies and make sure every avenue of compensation is pursued.

Key Factors to Consider Before Filing a Claim

If you’re contemplating filing a rideshare accident claim in Dallas, Texas, keep these critical considerations in mind:

Texas Statute of Limitations

It is a two-year statute of limitation in Texas, which requires that personal injury claims must be filed within the date of the accident. This, if not filed within that period may be interpreted to mean one is losing their right to compensation.

Documenting the Accident

You will most probably document your claim accordingly. In this regard, ensure that you:

• Report the accident to the police.
• Take as much evidence as possible: photos of the scene, possibly the name and contact information of a witness, ask for a copy of the receipt of that particular rideshare. The receipt will show the platform the driver was using online at the time of the incident.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if your injuries seem minor, see a doctor immediately. Medical records are the most vital form of evidence in documenting an injury.

Dealing with Insurers

Do not provide recorded statements to the insurers prior to having an opportunity to consult with your attorney. The insurance adjusters will seize every opportunity to lowball your claim.  

How a Rideshare Accident Attorney Can Assist You

Benefits accrued from having a professional rideshare accident lawyer in Dallas include, but are not limited to:

Legal Knowledge

The various rideshare and respective insurances’ laws may get so complicated. An attorney with mastery of all the subtleties will take you through the legal process and protect your rights.

Thorough Case Assessment

In this way, an attorney will be able to investigate your case for liability of parties and matching damages for medical treatment, loss of income due to injury, pain and suffering, and other possible damages.

Aggressive Negotiation

These people would love to settle with the minimum required. An attorney will go the extra length in getting proper settlement or take your case to trial if so desired.

Peace of Mind

Knowing that one can deal with life after an accident is overwhelming and daunting. Once a lawyer is retained, he is free to deal with recovery-the attorney handles the legwork of one’s claim.

How to Choose a Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Dallas

The right attorney can really make all the difference in the success of one’s case. A few tips that help one find the right fit are as follows:

• Experience: Ascertain whether he has established his talent in the handling of ride-share accidents.
• Reputation: This you might consider discussing through online reviews, customer testimonials, and professional ratings.
• Communication: Whatever the field of professionalism, it always happens to be good to go with a lawyer who would be clear in his communication and let you know what’s going on throughout the process.
• Contingent Fee: Most personal injury attorneys take a case on contingent fee. All this really means is the injured parties are not required to pay a thing unless some type of success in their claim has been reached by the attorney.

Final Thoughts

An injury claim resulting from a ride-share accident can easily become overwhelming in Dallas. Not to say that every accident requires an attorney, but the more complicated they get, an experienced rideshare attorney certainly increases a person’s chances of receiving fair compensation.

Knowledge of your rights, incident documentation, and expertise in legal matters will see you through to this recuperation period with your interests intact. By all means, don’t be shy to look for a qualified lawyer who can assess your situation and devise the best way forward for you.

If you want to find out more about your options or schedule a free consultation, be sure to contact a trustworthy Dallas rideshare accident attorney today!