Willie Powells is considered to be one of the finest injury lawyers practicing in Houston. Your case will be in the hands of an attorney who genuinely cares about you, your family, and your future.
Houston Rideshare Accident Attorney
Uber & Lyft Accidents in Texas
Were you injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Houston or the surrounding areas? If so, you could be entitled to compensation for damages you incurred due to the crash. Whether you were injured as a passenger in an Uber or were hit by a Lyft driver, you have the opportunity to hold the at-fault party accountable through a personal injury claim or lawsuit.
The Houston rideshare accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Willie D. Powells III has the knowledge and experience to thoroughly investigate the accident that caused your injuries. Our team can determine liability, collect evidence to prove your case, document and calculate losses you suffered, negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, and even take your case to civil court if necessary.
Our Houston Uber & Lyft accident lawyers are ready to fight for you. Call (281) 881-2457 or contact us online to schedule a complimentary consultation today. Hablamos español.
Hear from past clients who worked with our team.
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Mr. Willie Powells was always available to answer any question or concerns that arose at any time of day or night during the time he was handling my case, as well as after. The Firm has a wonderful staff as well as lawyer(s).
- Former Client -
Willie Powells represented me a couple years ago when I was rear-ended. His professionalism, compassion and persistence to ensure that I was made whole were exemplary. I trust Willie to always have our family’s welfare in mind while making legal deci
- Former Client -
Mr. Willie Powells is an amazing business partner and friend. He has been an amazing instrument to me and my family during our disaster of Hurricane Harvey. I recommend him and this law firm to anyone and everyone.
- Former Client -
They’re very professional and on top of everything. Their service and competence is impeccable and definitely Houston’s best! I highly recommend Mr. Powells law firm to represent you, you won’t be let down.
- Former Client -
Willie Powells was very responsive to my calls, questions, and concerns. He constantly kept me updated with my case and was able to give me the results I needed. He really cares about his clients! Highly recommended.
- Former Client
How Are Rideshare Accident Cases Different from Other Car Accident Claims?
Rideshare accidents are more complex than regular car accidents. If you were injured in an Uber accident or a Lyft accident, you will need to determine who was at fault for the accident. The at-fault driver will be responsible for compensating you.
Uber and Lyft’s accident policies are dependent on the driver’s status at the time of the crash. For example, if an Uber driver hits you and is off the clock or not logged into the Uber app, you would file a claim against the driver’s personal liability insurance policy. However, if the driver has accepted a ride or is on a ride, then you would file a claim against Uber’s third-party liability policy of up to $1 million.
Uber and Lyft both recognize three distinct driving periods in which coverage is available to accident victims:
- Period 1: The rideshare driver has the app turned on and is waiting for a ride request
- Period 2: The rideshare driver has accepted a ride request but doesn’t have the passenger in the vehicle yet
- Period 3: The rideshare driver is actively transporting a passenger
If you were injured in an accident caused by a rideshare driver during any of these driving periods, you may be covered by the rideshare company’s insurance policy.
However, it is important to note that Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies generally classify their drivers as “independent contractors,” rather than “employees.” This allows the rideshare company to dispute liability, even when the rideshare driver was clearly at fault for the crash.
If the rideshare company argues that it is not liable, you may need to file a claim against the rideshare driver’s private auto insurance carrier. The insurance carrier will likely deny your claim, however, as most private auto insurance policies do not cover damages incurred when the policyholder is operating a vehicle in a commercial capacity. If this happens, you may need to file a lawsuit directly against the at-fault rideshare driver to receive compensation for your damages.
To determine which entity is liable for compensating you, you should consult with our experienced rideshare accident attorney in Houston about the details of your case.
What Compensation Is Available to Rideshare Accident Victims?
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you might be able to recover compensation for:
- Present and future medical expenses related to your injuries, including hospital bills, rehabilitative care, surgery costs, medication expenses, and more
- Lost income if you cannot return to work because of your injuries
- Lost earning ability if you cannot perform all of your job duties because the accident left you temporarily or permanently disabled
- Vehicle damage if you were hit by the rideshare driver
- Pain and suffering, including physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, loss of quality of life, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
At the Law Offices of Willie D. Powells III, we fight for maximum compensation for our clients. As your Houston rideshare accident attorney, Willie D. Powells III is prepared to pursue every possible source of recovery on your behalf. He understands the complex nature of these cases and has a proven track record of success in helping victims of Uber and Lyft accidents recover the fair settlements they are owed for their pain, suffering, and other damages. If necessary, he is ready and willing to take your case to trial to pursue the fair amount you deserve.
Call us at (281) 881-2457 or contact us online using our secure submission form today to get started. Hablamos español.
Uber & Lyft Accident FAQs
What should I do immediately after an Uber or Lyft accident in Houston?
After an accident, ensure your safety and call 911 if there are any injuries. Seek medical attention, document the scene with photos, get contact information from everyone involved (including the rideshare driver), and report the crash through the Uber or Lyft app. It's also wise to consult a personal injury attorney before speaking with insurance adjusters.
Who is liable in a rideshare accident—Uber/Lyft or the driver?
Liability depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident:
- Offline: The driver’s personal insurance applies.
- Online but no ride accepted: Uber/Lyft may provide limited liability coverage.
- Ride accepted or passenger in car: Uber/Lyft provides up to $1 million in liability coverage.
Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly for damages?
As we mentioned earlier, Uber and Lyft classify drivers as independent contractors, not employees, which limits your ability to sue the companies directly. However, you may be able to file a claim against their insurance policies if the driver was working during the ride.
What if the Uber/Lyft driver was uninsured or underinsured?
If the at-fault driver lacks sufficient coverage, Uber and Lyft provide uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage when the app is on and during trips. You may also be able to use your own UM/UIM policy if necessary.
What if I was a passenger in the Uber or Lyft vehicle?
As a passenger, you are typically not at fault and may file a claim against:
- The rideshare company's insurance
- Another driver who caused the accident
- Or both, depending on fault
You should not hesitate to seek legal representation to navigate the complex insurance issues involved.
How long do I have to file a claim in Houston, TX?
Texas has a two-year statute of limitations from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, it's best to begin the claims process as soon as possible to preserve evidence and build a stronger case.
Do I need a lawyer for a rideshare accident claim in Houston?
While not legally required, having an experienced personal injury lawyer is strongly recommended. Rideshare accident cases involve multiple insurance policies, overlapping liability, and aggressive defense teams. Our Houston Uber & Lyft accident lawyers can help you maximize your compensation and avoid costly mistakes.
Why Choose Our Houston Rideshare Accident Lawyers?
Navigating the aftermath of any motor vehicle accident can be incredibly challenging, but this is especially true after a rideshare accident. The process is complicated, costly, and time-consuming—but you don’t have to do it alone.
When you turn to the Law Offices of Willie D. Powells III, you get an entire team of experienced legal professionals on your side, all of whom are ready to fight tirelessly for you and your recovery. We truly care about our clients and will provide the compassionate, attentive, and personalized legal representation you deserve.
Our team has what it takes to help you seek the compensation you are entitled to. We offer a free, no-risk consultation to all prospective clients.
Contact the Houston Uber and Lyft accident attorney at the Law Offices of Willie D. Powells III today to evaluate your legal options.
