Overview of the Stewart J. Guss Firm

guss speaking

Rideshare Accident Statistics

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business recently conducted an in-depth study examining the onset of ridesharing apps and ride-hailing popularity and the subsequent increase in the number of motor vehicle crashes and deaths.

The study revealed that rideshare services such as Lyft and Lyft have led to a three percent increase in overall car accident deaths. Researchers reached this figure by reviewing the eight financial quarters for both companies before and after their rollout dates.

They assessed the increase in rideshare usage over seven years, evaluating traffic volume, preferred methods of transportation, and the total number of car accidents.

The University of Chicago’s rideshare accident report also took into account statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and compared accident rates in various major cities where the rideshare apps were first launched (adjusted for the total number of vehicle miles traveled). The researchers’ findings reveal some surprising statistics:

Almost 1,000 car accident deaths each day are due to the increasing number of rideshare vehicles on American roadways. Over two recent years, rideshare drivers were in at least 97 deadly crashes, causing 107 fatalities.

Of the fatalities, 21 percent of those crash victims were riders, and 21 percent were drivers. The remaining 58 percent of crash victims were third-party drivers or passengers.

The overarching consequence that the rideshare accident report documented is an increased likelihood of a severe or fatal crash, no matter if someone is a rideshare driver, passenger, or traveler in a third-party vehicle. While rideshare apps are highly convenient and necessary modes of transportation for some, their increased use has essentially made our roads more hazardous due to Uber and Lyft accidents.

Some other critical findings from the report include:

  • The increase in rideshare accidents seems to persist and keeps increasing over time.
  • Surprisingly, the accident rate has stayed steady during weekdays, weeknights, and weekend nights.
  • In 2010, traffic fatalities in the U.S. were the lowest since 1949 at 32,885 fatalities, but in 2016, that figure increased significantly to more than 37,400.
  • Collisions happening at drop-off and pickup points are also on the rise.

Ridesharing app usage increases mean more cars on the road and more accidents. This equates to more injuries and deaths across all types of travelers including drivers, their passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

The study also highlights that an increase in rideshare accidents is due to more rides being summoned by app users and Uber and Lyft drivers simply spending a considerable amount of time on the roads. Remember that rideshare drivers don’t spend their time driving passengers from one place to the next. Roughly 40 to 60 percent of the time, rideshare drivers are either traveling to pick up a new passenger or searching for new passengers, such as driving or idling while waiting for another rider to purchase a trip. Additionally, rideshare users in major cities such as Dallas and Fort Worth are more at risk of rideshare crashes, with 90 percent of Uber accidents occurring in urban areas.

In cities like Dallas, the increase in rideshare traffic isn’t always a direct trade-off for a trip in a personal vehicle—meaning that rideshare trips are a frequent substitute for public transportation. According to the study: “Surveys show that less than half of rides in nine metro areas are actually a substitute for a trip that someone otherwise would have made in a car.”

Dallas LyftRideshare Accident Liability

As is the case with all Texas motor vehicle collisions, liability for injuries or damages is determined according to fault, whether it’s unintentional or intentional. For example, Lyft and other rideshare app companies mandate that their drivers have private liability insurance coverage and uninsured/underinsured coverage up to $1 million per crash.

In addition, Lyft provides third-party liability insurance coverage that pays up to $1 million per accident for any personal injuries or property damage.

However, the third-party coverage only applies after the Lyft driver’s insurance policy has been exhausted. For example, if the rideshare driver was not officially logged into the Lyft app or was off duty during the accident (in other words, they weren’t transporting a paying passenger), the driver's personal insurance policy should cover damages for injuries or fatalities.

If the Lyft driver was logged into the app and transporting a customer at the time of the accident, the company insurance policy should cover any injury or fatality resulting from the wreck.

For accident claims involving injuries—whether minor or severe—the skilled and compassionate Dallas Lyft rideshare lawyers at Trust Guss Injury Lawyers are ready to file a claim on your behalf seeking to recover monetary damages for your medical expenses, pain, and suffering, diminished quality of life, emotional or physical trauma, lost wages and income, vehicle damage or replacement, and any other applicable damages.

If the claim involves a fatality, various surviving family members or dependents can file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages such as the decedent’s medical expenses before their death, funeral or burial expenses, loss consortium, loss of companionship, and many others. Proving liability in a Lyft rideshare accident is best left to qualified rideshare accident attorneys, as companies like Lyft will deploy a team of lawyers and insurance representatives to fight your claim.

Other Party Liability

The Lyft driver isn’t the only potential party liable for your accident. Many other additional parties may be at fault or partially at fault in the accident.

They can include:

  • Lyft due to negligent hiring practices
  • Government agencies responsible for the maintenance and safety of the roads and the traffic stoplights and stop signs
  • Other motorists
  • Employers of other motorists, for example, Amazon or FedEx
  • Owners of other vehicles
  • Motor vehicle manufacturers
  • Parts manufacturers

It’s essential to determine the correct party or parties liable for your accident. For example, if you hold the wrong ones accountable, you won’t receive compensation for your injuries. When you hire a Dallas Lyft accident attorney, they will perform a comprehensive investigation to determine how the accident occurred and who is at fault.

We work with accident reconstructionists, private investigators, and other professionals to ensure we leave no stone unturned when seeking full and fair compensation for your injuries.

Suppose our investigation determines there is more than one party at fault. In that case, we will maximize your compensation by ensuring they are all held accountable for their negligent actions. If your case goes to court, a judge or a jury will determine the degree to which each party is at fault and how much compensation they each owe you. For example, perhaps your Lyft driver has a history of DUI/DWI that Lyft blatantly overlooked when allowing them to work on their platform. In addition, a set of traffic lights malfunctioned. The Lyft driver, Lyft, and the government agency can all be held liable for your injuries and damages.

The court might apportion their fault as follows:

  • The Lyft driver: 50 percent
  • Lyft: 30 percent
  • Government agency: 20 percent

If your damages are worth $100,000, they will pay $50,000, $30,000, and $20,000 respectively for your damages.

Determining Faultin Lyft Accidents

In most Lyft accident cases, the negligence of one or multiple parties is the cause of the accident. There are four elements of negligence. The first two seek to determine who, if anyone, is to blame for the accident.

They are:

  • Duty: Did one or multiple parties owe the injured victim a duty of care? For example, a Lyft driver owes their passengers a duty of care to not drink and drive and to obey traffic laws.
  • Breach of Duty: Did one or multiple parties breach or violate their duty of care to the injured party? For instance, did a Lyft driver fail to yield to oncoming traffic, or did a vehicle manufacturer fail to detect a defective design flaw in part?

If your Dallas Lyft accident attorney can prove that someone owed you a duty of care and violated that duty, they satisfy the first two elements of negligence. These are typically the easiest ones to prove.

However, your attorney must prove two additional elements of negligence to receive full compensation.

They are:

  • Proximate cause or cause in fact: Your injuries arose from the other party’s breach of duty. For example, a Lyft driver used their app and ran a red light, hitting your car. As a result of the accident, you suffered a broken leg and a concussion.
  • Damages: It’s not enough to prove that the other party caused you harm; you or your attorney must also prove that you sustained damages such as pain and suffering, medical expenses, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Woman holding her neck

Causes of Lyft Accidents

Lyft drivers can get into accidents for all the reasons that other drivers can be involved in accidents. However, due to the nature of their job, there are several common causes of accidents specific to rideshare drivers. These include:

  • Driving in strange areas: Many rideshare drivers drive in areas they aren’t familiar with. Driving in these areas increases the risk of an accident, especially if the driver must look at their GPS frequently.
  • Using the Lyft app: Lyft drivers must log in to the Lyft app while working. While understandable and helpful, the app can create an additional source of distraction, further increasing the risk of an accident. Drivers frequently consult the app regarding their destination and to pick up their next passengers.
  • Passengers: Whether chatting with passengers or being concerned about their behaviors, simply having them in the vehicle increases the chances of an accident as they distract the driver.
  • Fatigue: Many Lyft drivers drive as a side hustle and have regular full-time jobs. As a result, these drivers are more fatigued as they do not get the sleep or rest they need. However, recent studies show that drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving.

Dallas Lyft Accident FAQs

If you or a family member were recently involved in a Lyft or other rideshare service accident, you may feel confused and overwhelmed. You likely have a lot of questions and concerns. The best way for you to address them is to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Dallas Lyft accident attorney at Trust Guss Injury Lawyers. We know that some of your questions are pressing, and so we’ve addressed some here as well.

Should You See a Doctor After Being Involved in a Lyft Accident?

Yes, regardless of whether you feel pain or have visible injuries, it's important to seek a medical evaluation from a licensed doctor after any motor vehicle accident. Some injuries may not present immediate symptoms due to shock but can be serious if left unchecked. Prompt medical attention can also provide necessary documentation for insurance claims, as delays in seeking care may be used by insurers to dispute the cause and severity of injuries.

When Should You Call a Dallas Lyft Accident Attorney?

You should contact a Dallas Lyft accident attorney as soon as possible after your accident, especially if you've sustained injuries or property damage. Early consultation ensures you don't miss critical filing deadlines, protects you from insurance company tactics aimed at minimizing your claim, and allows you to focus on recovery while your attorney handles legal proceedings to maximize your compensation.

What Insurance Policy Covers Dallas Lyft Drivers?

The insurance coverage for Dallas Lyft drivers varies depending on their activity at the time of the accident: - **App Off (Off Duty):** The driver's personal auto insurance applies, which must meet Texas minimum liability requirements of $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage. - **App On, No Ride Accepted:** Lyft provides third-party liability coverage of $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage if the driver's personal insurance doesn't apply. - **Ride Accepted or In Progress:** Lyft offers $1,000,000 in third-party liability coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and contingent comprehensive and collision coverage up to the car's actual cash value (with a $2,500 deductible). These policies ensure coverage during all phases of ride-sharing operations.

Why Should You Hire Trust Guss Injury Lawyers?

Trust Guss Injury Lawyers offer comprehensive legal support for Lyft accident victims due to their: - **Experience:** Over 20 years handling complex catastrophic injury cases. - **Client-Centered Approach:** A commitment to putting clients first, providing personalized and dedicated representation. - **Specialization:** Exclusive focus on personal injury law ensures deep expertise and effective strategies. - **Local Presence:** Strong roots and multiple offices in Texas, including Dallas, providing convenient and accessible services. - **Proven Results:** Positive testimonials and a track record of successful outcomes for clients. - **Free Consultations:** Offering complimentary case evaluations to help victims understand their rights and options without initial financial commitment.

What Are the Common Injuries Suffered by Victims of Lyft Accidents?

Injuries from Lyft accidents can vary widely depending on the severity of the collision. Common injuries include: - Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) - Concussions - Contusions or bruises - Spinal cord injuries (SCI) - Fractured bones (ribs, wrists, ankles, legs, pelvis, skull) - Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) - Internal organ damage or bleeding - Sprains and strains - Whiplash and other neck injuries - Amputations - Burns Some of these injuries may result in long-term consequences, extensive recovery periods, or permanent disfigurement. Victims deserve fair compensation for their suffering and related expenses.

What Are the Most Dangerous Intersections and Roads in Dallas?

According to data from the Texas Department of Transportation, some of the most dangerous intersections and roads in the Dallas-Fort Worth area include: 1. LBJ (I-635) and Skillman Street in Dallas 2. Henderson Street and Weatherford Street in Fort Worth 3. South Sherman Street and Spring Valley Road in Richardson 4. LBJ (I-635) and Central Expressway (Highway 75) in Dallas 5. Belt Line Road and the Dallas North Tollway (Dallas Parkway) in Dallas 6. Northwest Highway and Walton Walker Boulevard in Dallas 7. Six Flags Road and Watson Road in Arlington 8. Buckner Boulevard and Military Parkway in Dallas 9. East Park Row Drive and Watson Road in Arlington 10. Buckner Boulevard and John West Road in Dallas Other notable dangerous intersections include I-35W and Western Center Boulevard in Fort Worth, Preston Road and Plano Parkway in Plano, and Commerce Street and Lamar Street in Dallas. High traffic volume and complex road designs contribute to increased accident risks in these areas.

What Is the Statute of Limitations?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those from Lyft accidents, is generally **two years** from the date of the injury. Exceptions include cases involving minors, individuals of unsound mind, or if the at-fault party leaves the state, which can extend or pause the filing deadline. It's crucial to file within this timeframe; otherwise, you may lose the right to pursue compensation. Additionally, claims involving government entities may have shorter deadlines, so consulting with an attorney promptly is essential.

Got a Question? Contact the Trust Guss Team

Injured in a Rideshare Accident? Let Our Dallas Lyft Accident Lawyers Advocate for You

At Trust Guss Injury Lawyers, we know how tragic rideshare accidents can be. One minute you are on your way out for a night on the town with your friends or to another regular day at work. The next, you wake up in the emergency room, wondering what happened. We represent injured clients with many different damages and injuries, and we aren’t afraid to stand up to insurance company giants to do what’s right for our clients.

The legal team of Trust Guss Injury Lawyers, is nationally recognized for protecting the rights of injured victims for more than 20 years. If a Lyft accident injured you, call our office right now for a free consultation! Because we take all of our Lyft accident cases on a contingency fee basis, you will not owe us a dime unless we win your case. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so call us today or contact us now by clicking here. So get your claim started today with a complimentary case consultation from us.

Stewart J. Guss Personal Injury Lawyers

10 Pacific Avenue, Suite 6000
Dallas, TX 75201

Testimonials

They are not too pushy but provide you with the information to make an informed decision.

Heka

Guss, has a phenomenal Team and has hired great staff that is very caring! They are not too pushy but provide you with the information to make an informed decision. They are also really resourceful! Some of the staff have had real experiences that happened to them and were also taken great care of which prompted them to begin working for such a great law firm. Thank you Guss and Associates.

Stewart J. Guss and his team did an outstanding job handling my case.

James

From start to finish, they were professional, attentive, and incredibly effective. I was thrilled with the results – they secured a settlement that was twice what I expected! Their expertise and dedication truly set them apart. I highly recommend Stewart J. Guss for anyone in need of top-notch legal representation.

Mr. Stewart Guss is such a kind and caring attorney.

Ben

Mr. Stewart Guss is such a kind and caring attorney. In a world of attorneys that is very difficult to maneuver these days he stands out from the crowd not only for his expertise but for his integrity. Should you need a personal injury attorney to help you with a case do not hesitate; Run and get his help. You won’t regret it!!

I had the best experience with this firm. I have never gotten in an accident, so I didn’t know the process or what to expect at all.

Sabrina

I worked with Whitney and Kristen and they explained everything thoroughly from start to finish. They were always prompt in responding to any questions or concerns I had, and always kept me updated. My sister had also used them and I didn’t even know, but they said they liked working with them so that put me at ease. They honestly made a really great impression on me. And I would definite...

I recommend Mr. Guss to anyone who seeks hard-working staff.

Amanda

The law office of Stewart J Guss has very friendly staff, and is always accurate and reliable.  They got me what I deserved and was fast and on point with the whole case. They keep you up-to-date with your case and return any calls you place to them in a timely manner.  They answer your questions and concerns appropriately for all parties involved.  I recommend Mr. Guss to anyone...

I made the right decision to choose Stewart J Guss law firm.

Khanh

I made the right decision to choose Stewart J Guss law firm. Especially thanks to Ms Andrea Yoss and Whitzney. They were professional and communicative. Though it took time longer than expected but it was finally settled well. I highly recommended the law firm to anyone whom need help with auto accident cases!

Dallas Office

1910 Pacific Ave Ste 6000,
Dallas, TX 75201

Areas Served:

Get a Free Consultation

2 minute response

24 hours a day, 7 Days a Week

Dedicated Trust Guss Intake Team

This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
Send Message
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (214) 831-7905.
Contact Us