Corpus Christi Uber Accident Lawyer

If you were involved in an accident while using a ride-sharing service in Corpus Christi, contact the Law Offices of Joe Brad Brock for a free consultation. We can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Imagine a fun night with hanging out at Dr. Rockit’s Blues Bar, where the spirits are flowing, the laughter is robust, and the live music keeps you on the dance floor. You choose to responsibly end the night with what you expect is a safe ride home from Uber. Instead, your vibrant night ends in a jarring accident.

The aftermath of such incidents isn’t just bent metal and shattered glass. The victims can suffer from lasting trauma, mounting medical bills, and life-altering consequences. If you find yourself in this dilemma, securing the help of a dedicated Corpus Christi Uber accident lawyer is not just a wise choice—it’s necessary.

A Trusted Advocate for Corpus Christi Uber Accident Victims

After a distressing Uber accident, injured victims need more than just legal counsel; they deserve a human touch, understanding, and assurance. At the Law Offices of Joe Brad Brock, that’s what we offer.

In the aftermath of a rideshare accident, you need a trusted confidante who can ease the burdens associated with legal battles. With over 20 years of experience, Attorney Joe Brad has earned a reputation as Texas’s go-to personal injury attorney. Your well-being is his focus, and he’s here to ensure justice is served. Ready to move forward? Reach out for a free consultation today at (361) 884-1086.

Rideshare 101: Understanding the Basics

The convenient transportation service connects passengers with nearby rideshare drivers using a mobile app or website. This innovative approach to transportation gained immense popularity in the early 2010s with the launch of companies like Uber and Lyft.

One of the most significant benefits of using a rideshare service is the convenience and ease of payment. Passengers can easily make payment through the mobile app once their ride has ended. Additionally, rideshare services typically offer a more personalized experience, allowing passengers to rate their driver and provide feedback to improve future rides. Overall, ridesharing services provide a modern alternative to traditional taxi services.

The state of Texas welcomed Uber into its transportation market in Dallas in 2012. Since then, this well-liked ridesharing service has extended its reach to other major cities such as Austin and Houston. Now, The Lone Star State is home to Uber’s second headquarters.

How Uber and Lyft Accidents Differ from Other Car Accidents

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized transportation. They offer convenience at our fingertips. With a few taps on your smartphone, rideshare will show at your home, workplace, or favorite hangout spot. However, this modern convenience can result in an unexpected crash. Although any car crash is traumatic, Uber and Lyft accidents pose unique issues for the victims.

Multiple Parties at Play

In a traditional car accident, only two parties are typically involved: the vehicles’ drivers. However, for ridesharing companies, accidents introduce additional complexities because they often involve multiple parties:

• The Rideshare Driver: The driver of the Uber or Lyft vehicle.
• Rideshare Company: Uber or Lyft may bear liability, depending on the driver’s status during the accident.
• Other Drivers and Pedestrians: They can also be involved in the accident, making liability harder to determine.

Insurance Challenges

Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage for their drivers. The policies vary depending on whether the driver is actively transporting a passenger, waiting for a ride request, or off-duty. This intricacy can complicate the claims process.

Unique Legal Responsibilities

Rideshare companies must conduct background checks on drivers and ensure vehicle safety. If it’s determined the negligent driver or the company failed in its duty to ensure your safety, this could impact the outcome of your case.

Liability Issues

Proving liability can be more challenging in rideshare accidents. Establishing who is liable for your damages and to what extent can be complex. A Corpus Christi Uber accident lawyer is equipped to investigate the circumstances, collect evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf.

Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Corpus Christi

According to Uber’s second published Safety Report, between 2019 and 2020, 91 fatal Uber-related crashes resulted in 101 lives lost. Sadly, the “Sparkling City by the Sea” is no stranger to these rideshare accidents. Like most car accident cases, there are common risk factors passengers face with each trip. The cause of these incidents includes:

• Speeding
• Tailgating
• Failing to yield the right of way
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Passing in a no-passing zone
• Driving while under the influence (DUI)
• Distracted driving
• Driver fatigue

The safety report mentions that 94% of the reckless conduct, such as impaired driving and speeding, was due to third-party motorists. Rideshare drivers and passengers must take precautions to reduce the likelihood of accidents. Following traffic rules, wearing seat belts, and avoiding distractions while driving or riding are important.

Common Injuries in Corpus Christi Uber and Lyft Accidents

Rideshare accidents can result in many injuries and damages, from minor cuts and bruises to serious, life-threatening conditions. Some of the most common injuries and damages associated with rideshare vehicle accidents include:

• Soft tissue injuries: Soft tissue injuries damage the body’s muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These injuries can be challenging to diagnose and treat but can be painful and long-lasting. For example, an Uber or Lyft passenger may suffer a torn rotator cuff if the vehicle is involved in a side-impact collision.
• Whiplash: A neck injury caused by sudden, forceful head movement. This rapid motion can strain or damage the soft tissues in the neck, leading to symptoms such as neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: Auto accidents can cause painful broken bones requiring significant medical treatment. A collision can lead to fractures in various parts of the body, such as arms, legs, ribs, and wrists. Fractures may require surgery or prolonged immobilization to heal.
• Neck and Back Injuries: Ridesharing accidents can cause whiplash, which strains neck muscles and ligaments. Symptoms may not show up immediately, so monitoring any pain or discomfort in the days following the accident is important.
• Internal Injuries: Internal injuries may not be immediately visible but can be life-threatening if left untreated. These injuries can include internal bleeding, organ damage, or punctured lungs. It’s essential to watch for symptoms like abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, or changes in consciousness.
• Head and Traumatic Brain Injuries: Head injuries from rideshare accidents can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Seek medical attention immediately if you experience headaches, confusion, or memory problems.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Rideshare accidents can also result in spinal cord injuries, which can have life-altering consequences. These injuries may lead to partial or complete paralysis, impacting mobility and independence. Prompt medical attention and ongoing rehabilitation are crucial for improving the chances of recovery.
• Psychological and Emotional Trauma: Rideshare accidents can lead to emotional and psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. It’s important to seek support and counseling to overcome these challenges.

It’s almost hard to imagine life without rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. This traveling option gives Corpus Christi passengers convenient access from the Padre Island Seashore to the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History and every spot in between. However, we can’t ignore the common occurrence of accident-related injuries. Identifying any bodily harm can be the first step toward seeking legal action.

Action Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident

Rideshare services like Uber have transformed how we travel. However, as convenient as these services are, accidents still happen. If you’ve been in a rideshare accident in Texas, take these steps to protect yourself and your rights.

1. Get Medical Treatment

After an Uber or Lyft accident, seek medical attention even for minor injuries. Keep records of medical bills and treatment as evidence of the injuries, their impact on daily life, and the cost of care.

2. Gather Information

Collect as much information as possible at the scene. This includes:

• Driver Information: Get the rideshare driver’s name, contact information, and license plate number.
• Insurance Details: Ask the driver for their insurance information, including the rideshare company’s insurance policy details.
• Witness Information: Obtain their names and contact information if there are any witnesses.
• Photos: Take pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries. Visual evidence can be invaluable later.

3. Report the Rideshare Accident

File a report with the police as soon as possible. This official documentation can be critical when filing a claim or lawsuit. Key information the document provides includes:

• Date, time, and location of the accident
• Description of the accident, including the direction of travel and the vehicles involved
• Diagrams or photos of the accident scene and damages to the vehicle
• Police officer’s observations and opinions on the cause of the accident
• Any injuries sustained by Uber and Lyft drivers or passengers

4. Notify the Rideshare Company

Inform the rideshare company (e.g., Uber) about the accident immediately. They may have specific procedures for reporting accidents.

5. Preserve Evidence

Keep all evidence of the accident, including medical records, bills, repair estimates, and correspondence with the rideshare company. These documents will be crucial when seeking to recover compensation.

6. Consult with a Corpus Christi Uber Accident Lawyer

Consulting with an experienced ridesharing accident lawyer can help with legal procedures, insurance claim negotiations, and maximizing compensation. A study by the Insurance Research Council (IRC) found that hiring a lawyer can result in settlements 3.5 times larger than not hiring one.

Don’t delay in seeking legal help. Texas has a statute of limitations for personal injury cases, which imposes a time limit for filing your case. Specifically, you have two years from the rideshare accident date to pursue a personal injury lawsuit.

Rideshare Sexual Assault: Addressing a Grave Concern and Steps to Report It

According to a 2020 CNN article, there were 998 sexual assaults mentioned in Uber’s safety data. The rideshare service has taken steps to improve women’s safety. For example, in-app features allow family and friends to track their loved one’s trip in real-time. However, these crimes remain a serious issue.

In the same year, 17 new lawsuits were filed against Lyft by victims of physical and sexual assault. As of August 2023, roughly 700 lawsuits have been filed against Uber. Rideshare sexual assault is an issue that affects individuals across the country, including right here in Texas. If you or someone you know has been a victim, here’s what you can do:

1. Ensure Your Safety

Your safety is the top priority. If you feel threatened or unsafe during a ride, call 911 immediately or seek help from nearby individuals.

2. Keep Evidence

Try to preserve any evidence that may be helpful later. This can include taking photos, noting the driver’s name and license plate number, and keeping any relevant text messages or emails.

3. Contact the Police

Report the incident to the local police department as soon as possible. Provide them with all the details you remember, including the driver’s description and the time and location of the incident.

4. Seek Medical Care

If you’ve suffered any physical injuries, get medical treatment. This ensures your well-being and creates a medical record that can be important for future legal actions.

5. Report to the Rideshare Company

Contact the rideshare company immediately to report the incident. They have a responsibility to take your complaint seriously and investigate the matter. Uber, for example, has a dedicated 24/7 Incident Response Team.

6. Consult with a Rideshare Attorney

Consider consulting with a personal injury attorney specializing in rideshare accidents and incidents. They can guide your legal options and help you pursue justice and compensation.

7. Support and Counseling

Reach out to support organizations and counselors who can provide emotional and psychological support during this difficult time. You are not alone, and resources are available to help you heal. For instance, you can call the sexual assault hotline at 361-881-8454 or the Women’s Shelter of South Texas.

Your Right to Safety

Report incidents of sexual assault during rideshare trips to hold perpetrators accountable and ensure future passenger safety. Seek justice with the support of a Corpus Christi ridesharing accident lawyer. You deserve to be heard and supported during this challenging time.

When to Consider Filing a Lawsuit After an Uber or Lyft Car Accident

You can file a lawsuit after an Uber or Lyft car accident. There are several reasons why you may consider this option. The primary reason is to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages resulting from the injuries caused by the accident.

You can receive compensation for injuries or damages if you get into a car accident while using Uber in Corpus Christi. The payment or maximum compensation you can receive will depend on several factors, including the following:

• Who was at fault for the collision
• The Uber driver’s car insurance coverage
• The rideshare company’s commercial liability insurance policy

The insurance coverage available will depend on who was at fault for the Corpus Christi rideshare accident. If the Uber or Lyft driver was at fault, their personal car insurance policy would likely cover the first $20,000 in damages, with any additional damages covered by the rideshare company’s commercial liability insurance policy.

Under Texas law, rideshare companies must have liability insurance coverage. Uber and Lyft have insurance policies that cover up to $1 million for any harm caused to someone else’s property or person in an accident.

These companies also have insurance plans that protect passengers if the liable party does not have enough insurance to cover their losses, with third-party liability coverage up to $1 million per car accident.

Compensation also depends on the policy limits. For example, if the damages exceed Uber’s $1 million liability insurance coverage limit, you may need to file a lawsuit to recover additional compensation.

Your Right to Compensation After a Corpus Christi Rideshare Accident

A rideshare accident is a daunting experience. In the turmoil, you have rights and options. Once your health is secured, consider pursuing compensation for your damages. You may be entitled to numerous types of financial relief to help you recover from the incident.

• Medical Expenses: Your health is the top priority after a rideshare accident. You could receive compensation for medical bills, including hospitalization, surgeries, doctor visits, medication, and rehabilitation costs. Future expenses may also be covered.
• Lost Wages: If you’re injured and can’t work, you may be compensated for lost income and future earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: These damages cover the bodily injury and mental agony you’ve experienced due to the accident. It’s challenging to assign a specific dollar value to these damages, but they are essential to your recovery.
• Property Damage: If your personal belongings, such as a cracked laptop, dented luggage, or damaged jewelry, were harmed in the accident, you can seek compensation for repair or replacement expenses.
• Wrongful Death Damages: When a loved one passes away due to a Corpus Christi rideshare accident, compensation may be available for funeral expenses, lost companionship, and financial loss.
• Punitive Damages: Punitive damages may be awarded for extreme negligence or intentional misconduct by the at-fault party. These damages are designed to penalize the wrongdoer and prevent similar acts in the future.

A quote from Helen Keller says, “Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.” Remember that you have the right to seek compensation to overcome the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that lie ahead. It’s advisable to consult with a personal injury lawyer who specializes in Corpus Christi rideshare accidents to support you in your journey to recovery.

How a Corpus Christi Uber Accident Lawyer Can Help You

You’re suffering through serious injuries. The medical bills keep coming. Dealing with insurance companies is a hassle. The good news is, there’s no need to handle it by yourself. A dedicated Corpus Christi rideshare accident lawyer can be your strongest ally.

We offer various legal services to help victims of ridesharing accidents receive maximum compensation for their injuries and damages. Additionally, rideshare accidents often present unique complexities compared to typical car accident cases. It takes an experienced attorney to sort through the matters that may include:

• Multiple Parties Involved: Rideshare accidents can involve multiple parties, including the drivers, the company, other drivers, and passengers. Determining liability and the responsible party can be challenging.
• Insurance Complications: Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have specific insurance policies that vary depending on the driver’s status during the accident (e.g., waiting for a ride request, en route to pick up a passenger, or transporting a passenger). Navigating these policies isn’t easy.
• Legal Responsibilities: Rideshare companies must conduct driver background checks and ensure vehicle safety to avoid negatively impacting your case.

A skilled rideshare accident lawyer in Corpus Christi can offer invaluable assistance in the following ways:

• Case Evaluation: A lawyer will assess the details of your accident to determine the strength of your case and the potential liability of the involved parties.
• Evidence Collection: Your lawyer will collect all relevant evidence, including accident reports, witness statements, medical records, and communication with the rideshare company, to build a compelling argument for your claim.
• Insurance Company Negotiations: Dealing with insurance companies and negotiating with them can be a daunting task. Your lawyer will ensure you receive fair compensation and protect your rights.
• Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will take your case to court and advocate for your rights before a judge and jury.

Lawyers handling Corpus Christi Uber or Lyft accidents must understand the rideshare industry, technology, and regulations to get the best outcome for clients.

Rideshare Justice: Your Path to Fair Compensation

In one moment, you’re enjoying a carefree Corpus Christi rideshare. The next? You’re in an ambulance, racing to the hospital. You’ve been thrust into a new harsh reality. Now, you’re grappling with mounting medical bills and the inability to work. Your financial struggles and uncertain recovery leave you feeling lost.

Rideshare motor vehicle accidents aren’t like regular car crashes. They involve complex liabilities between drivers, the rideshare company, and sometimes other third parties. Without proper legal representation, your financial and legal battles can worsen.

The Law Offices of Joe Brad Brock has over two decades of experience and local know-how to champion Corpus Christi’s rideshare accident and injury victims throughout Texas. Attorney Joe Brad and his legal team of personal injury attorneys will protect your rights and fight for the justice you deserve. Don’t let big rideshare companies and their armies of lawyers push you around.

Live outside of Corpus Christi? Not a problem. We represent clients in all the following areas in Texas:

• Beeville
• Brownsville
• Harlingen
• Kingsville
• Mathis
• McAllen
• Portland
• Refugio
• Sinton
• Victoria