Were you injured in an accident involving an Uber driver in Austin, Texas? Contact Heaton McLean Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation at (512) 503-4878. Our award-winning Austin Uber accident attorneys can help you file a claim for compensation against the responsible party.
We have 32 years of combined experience and have helped clients recover millions in compensation since we were founded. We understand how rideshare cases differ from standard car accident claims and know how to deal with the insurance companies effectively on your behalf.
Get in touch today to learn more. We’ll fight to make you whole again to the very best of our ability if you choose us to represent you.
Why Should I Hire Heaton McLean Personal Injury Lawyers After an Uber Accident in Austin, TX?
Choosing the right lawyer can make all the difference in an Uber accident case. At Heaton McLean Personal Injury Lawyers, we bring 32 years of combined experience and a strong track record of millions recovered for injury victims across Texas.
Here’s why clients turn to our Austin personal injury lawyers for help after serious rideshare crashes:
- Focused experience: We handle complex auto accident claims every day, including those involving Uber and Lyft.
- Track record of success: Our attorneys have secured significant settlements and verdicts for people injured due to negligence, totaling millions of dollars overall.
- Personal attention: We know every case is unique, so we will take the time to understand your situation and goals.
- Trial readiness: Insurance companies know we are fully prepared to take cases to court if they refuse to offer a fair settlement.
- Local insight: As an Austin-based firm, we understand the roads, traffic patterns, and local courts that shape your claim.
When you hire us, you get more than just legal representation; you get a dedicated advocate fighting to protect your rights and secure the full amount of compensation you need. Contact our Austin personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation.
Insurance Coverage in Austin Uber Accident Cases
Uber cases often turn on insurance coverage. Texas law requires Uber to carry different policies depending on whether a driver is offline, waiting for a ride request, or actively transporting passengers.
Here’s how coverage typically works in Texas:
- Driver is not logged into the Uber app: Only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies.
- Driver is logged in and waiting for a request: Uber provides liability coverage up to $50,000 per person injured, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
- Driver has accepted a ride or is transporting a passenger: Uber carries a $1 million liability policy, along with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Determining which stage the driver was in at the time of your crash is crucial to identifying available coverage. Our rideshare accident lawyers will carefully analyze the facts to ensure no potential source of compensation is overlooked.
How Much Is My Austin Uber Accident Claim Worth?
The value of your case depends on many factors. While severe injuries generally lead to larger settlements, every claim is unique.
Key considerations include:
- The extent of your medical treatment and recovery time
- Whether your injuries are permanent or disabling
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, including physical pain and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life or independence
- Available insurance coverage and policy limits
- Whether you share any responsibility for the accident
An experienced Uber accident lawyer can help you assess your damages and build a strong case to pursue the full amount you’re owed. At Heaton McLean Personal Injury Lawyers, our personal injury attorneys will thoroughly investigate how the accident has affected your life so we can fight for compensation that truly reflects your losses.
Common Causes of Uber Accidents in Austin
Like other traffic collisions, Uber accidents often happen because of driver negligence. Uber drivers may face added distractions from their apps or pressure to complete rides quickly.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted driving while using the Uber app
- Speeding or reckless driving to meet demand
- Fatigue from driving long hours
- Failure to yield at intersections
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Improper lane changes
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Poor road conditions or visibility
- Vehicle defects or mechanical failures
No matter how your crash happened, we can investigate and determine who was at fault. Once liability is clear, we’ll pursue claims against the responsible driver and/or Uber itself, if possible.
What Damages Are Available in an Austin Uber Accident Case?
If you’re eligible to bring a claim, Texas law allows you to pursue both economic and non-economic damages. You can also pursue punitive damages, but only in specific kinds of circumstances.
Economic Damages
Economic damages may include:
- Current and future medical bills
- Lost wages and reduced earning potential
- Property damage repair or replacement
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to your injuries
By carefully documenting these financial losses, our Austin Uber accident lawyers can present a clear picture of how the crash has affected your life and fight for every dollar you deserve.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages address the personal impact of your accident, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish or emotional distress
- Loss of companionship or support
- Diminished quality of life
These intangible losses can be just as devastating as financial ones, and our attorneys will work tirelessly to ensure the full impact of your suffering is reflected in your claim.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future, but they may be available if the at-fault driver acted egregiously.
Who Can Be Held Liable for an Austin Uber Accident?
Determining liability in an Uber accident can be complex because multiple parties may share responsibility. In addition to the Uber driver, other drivers on the road, vehicle manufacturers, or even government entities responsible for road maintenance could be liable.
Uber itself may also bear responsibility under certain circumstances, particularly if its policies or practices contributed to the crash. Our Austin Uber accident lawyers will carefully evaluate the facts, identify all potentially liable parties, and pursue every available source of compensation to maximize your recovery.
We’ll Fight for Compensation Based on All of Your Uber Accident Injuries
Uber crashes can cause a wide range of injuries, some of which may require long-term treatment.
Our firm can help clients who have suffered:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Back and neck injuries, including whiplash
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal organ injuries and bleeding
- Burns and scarring
- Soft tissue damage
- Wrongful death of a loved one
No matter the severity, we can connect you with medical professionals, document your injuries, and seek full compensation for both your financial and personal losses.
What if I’m Being Blamed for My Uber Accident in Texas?
It’s common for insurers to argue that the injured person was partly at fault for the accident. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence law with a 51% bar. That means:
- You can still recover damages if you are 50% or less at fault
- Your compensation is reduced in proportion to your share of blame
- If you are 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything
- For example, if you were awarded $20,000 in damages but found 20% responsible, your recovery would be reduced to $16,000
Our attorneys are skilled at countering unfair blame-shifting tactics. We’ll work to minimize your share of fault and preserve your right to compensation.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Uber Accident Lawyer in Austin?
You don’t need to worry about upfront legal fees when hiring Heaton McLean Personal Injury Lawyers, as we represent clients on a contingency fee basis. That means you can hire us without paying anything up front, and you also won’t have to pay by the hour. Instead, we only get paid if we successfully handle your case (whether through a jury verdict or settlement).
How Long Do I Have to File an Uber Accident Lawsuit in Texas?
Texas law gives most accident victims two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. Miss this deadline, and you could lose the right to recover compensation altogether.
Certain exceptions may apply, such as cases involving minors or government vehicles, which can shorten or extend the timeframe. The safest step is to contact an Uber accident attorney in Austin as soon as you can for legal help.
Contact Our Austin Uber Accident Attorneys to Set Up a Free Consultation
An Uber accident can turn your life upside down, but it’s crucial to remember that you have rights and may be able to take legal action for substantial compensation. At Heaton McLean Personal Injury Lawyers, we know what it takes to stand up to a powerful corporation like Uber and won’t hesitate to take your case all the way to trial if that’s what’s best.
With 32 years of combined experience and millions recovered, our Austin Uber accident lawyers are qualified to help you from start to finish. Call today to schedule a free initial consultation.
Visit Our Personal Injury Law Office Located in Austin, TX
Heaton McLean Personal Injury Lawyers
3933 Steck Avenue, Suite B-115, Austin, TX 78759
(512) 503-4878
Hours: M-F 8:30 AM–5:30 PM