Michael Piri | Texas Accident Attorney | Rideshare Accidents

The Complex World of Rideshare Accident Claims

Unlike a typical car accident involving two private drivers, a rideshare accident involves multiple parties and layers of insurance coverage. This complexity often works against the injured victim.

Who is Liable? Determining Fault

Determining liability is the first major hurdle. Is the rideshare driver at fault? Was it the driver of another vehicle? Or could the rideshare company itself hold some responsibility? Texas is an “at-fault” state, which means the person who caused the accident is responsible for the damages.

However, rideshare drivers are independent contractors, not employees. This distinction is one that companies like Uber and Lyft use to distance themselves from liability. Proving fault requires a thorough investigation, which can be difficult to manage while you are recovering from an injury.

Navigating Complicated Insurance Policies

Rideshare companies carry large insurance policies, often up to $1 million in coverage. However, accessing this coverage is not straightforward. The applicable policy depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash:

• Offline or App Off: If the driver was not logged into the app, their personal auto insurance is the primary coverage. This can be a problem if their policy has low limits or if their insurer denies the claim because they were using their vehicle for commercial purposes.
• App On, Waiting for a Request: When the driver is logged in but has not yet accepted a ride, a lower-tier company policy applies. This typically includes liability coverage for injuries you sustain if another driver is at fault and is uninsured or underinsured.
• En Route to Pick Up or During a Ride: Once the driver has accepted a ride or has a passenger, the full $1 million liability policy is active. This policy covers injuries to passengers, pedestrians, and occupants of other vehicles.

Insurance companies are businesses focused on minimizing payouts. They may try to push liability onto another party or offer a quick, lowball settlement that doesn’t cover the full extent of your damages.

How Michael Piri Fights for You

Facing off against large corporations and their insurance carriers alone is a daunting task. Michael Piri levels the playing field, providing the expertise and resources necessary to build a strong claim.

A Compassionate and Client-Focused Approach

Michael Piri understands that a car accident is more than just a legal case—it’s a traumatic life event. He takes the time to listen to your story, understand your concerns, and explain your legal options in clear, simple terms. You are not just another case number. He and his team are committed to providing personalized support, handling all the legal complexities so you can focus on your recovery.

This compassionate approach builds a foundation of trust, ensuring you feel heard and supported throughout the entire process. He believes that every client deserves respect and dedicated attention during their toughest moments.

Expertise in Texas Personal Injury Law

Michael Piri has a deep understanding of Texas traffic laws and personal injury statutes. He knows the tactics that insurance companies use to deny or devalue claims and is prepared to counter them effectively. His experience includes:

• Thorough Investigations: He will gather all necessary evidence, including police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and the rideshare driver’s digital data.
• Accident Reconstruction: If needed, he works with experts to reconstruct the accident scene to definitively prove fault.
• Calculating Full Compensation: He ensures that your claim accounts for all current and future damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term rehabilitation costs.

This meticulous preparation puts his clients in a strong negotiating position and demonstrates to the insurance company that he is ready to go to trial if a fair settlement is not offered.

A Proven Track Record of Success

Results matter. Michael Piri has a long history of securing favorable settlements and verdicts for his clients. His reputation as a skilled litigator often encourages insurance companies to negotiate in good faith. They know he is not afraid to take a case to court to protect his client’s rights. This track record provides peace of mind, as you can be confident that your case is in the hands of a proven winner.

Practical Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident

What you do in the moments and days following an accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. If you are involved in a rideshare crash, try to take the following steps:

1. Prioritize Safety and Medical Care: Your health is the top priority. Move to a safe location if possible and call 911 immediately. Accept medical attention at the scene and be sure to get a full medical evaluation at a hospital or with your doctor, even if you feel fine. Some serious injuries may not show symptoms right away.
2. Report the Accident: File a police report. This official document is a critical piece of evidence for your claim. Also, report the accident to the rideshare company through their app.
3. Gather Information: If you are able, collect contact and insurance information from all drivers involved. Take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
4. Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of your medical treatments, expenses, and any time missed from work. Write down your recollection of the accident and how your injuries are affecting your daily life.
5. Do Not Give a Recorded Statement: Do not speak to any insurance adjusters or give a recorded statement without first consulting an attorney. Their questions are designed to find reasons to limit or deny your claim.

Why You Need an Experienced Attorney

Trying to handle a rideshare accident claim on your own puts you at a significant disadvantage. The legal and procedural hurdles are designed to be confusing. An experienced attorney is your most important ally.

Michael Piri can immediately take over communication with the insurance companies, protecting you from their tactics. He will handle the paperwork, deadlines, and negotiations, freeing you to concentrate on healing. Most importantly, clients who are represented by a personal injury attorney consistently recover significantly more compensation than those who are not.

Take the First Step Toward Justice

If you or a loved one has been injured in a rideshare accident in Texas, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Michael Piri is ready to help you navigate this difficult time with skill, compassion, and unwavering dedication.

Contact his office today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case. Let Michael Piri help you through your toughest moments and fight for the fair compensation you need to rebuild your life.