Published by J.A. Davis & Associates – San Antonio Personal Injury Lawyers – Car Accidents

Ride-Share Accident Claims: Uber and Lyft Liability Complications

 Rideshare services revolutionized urban transportation, but with over 100,000 Uber and Lyft accidents occurring annually across the United States, understanding liability complications has become essential for injury victims. Recent data reveals that while 99.9% of Uber trips and more than 99% of Lyft trips complete without critical safety incidents, the sheer volume of rides means thousands face serious injury claims each year.

The complexity of rideshare accident liability stems from multiple insurance layers, coverage gaps, and evolving legal frameworks that differ significantly from traditional auto accidents. Uber reported 208 fatalities between 2017 and 2020, while Lyft documented 105 deaths during the same period, with fatality rates of 0.57-0.59 per 100 million miles for Uber and 0.72-0.78 for Lyft.

The Three-Period Coverage System Creates Liability Confusion

Rideshare insurance operates through three distinct periods that determine coverage availability and liability allocation. Period 1 begins when drivers activate their app but haven’t accepted ride requests. During this phase, Uber and Lyft provide minimal third-party liability coverage of $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident for injuries, and $25,000 for property damage. This coverage only activates if drivers’ personal insurance doesn’t apply, creating significant gaps.

Period 2 covers the time between accepting ride requests and passenger pickup. Both companies maintain $1 million liability coverage during this phase, along with contingent comprehensive and collision coverage, though drivers face a substantial $2,500 deductible. Period 3 provides the most robust protection while passengers are in vehicles, maintaining the same $1 million liability coverage with additional first-party benefits.

The critical issue lies in Period 1, where most insurance […]

Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys Corpus Christi: Holding Negligent Drivers Accountable

Drunk driving accidents in Corpus Christi cause some of the most devastating and preventable injuries on our roads. When intoxicated drivers choose to get behind the wheel, they create serious risks for innocent motorists, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists who suffer the consequences of their reckless decisions. At Carabin Shaw, our drunk driving accident attorneys are committed to holding drunk drivers accountable for the harm they cause and securing maximum compensation for victims and their families. More about our personal Injury Lawyer Corpus Christi here
Drunk driving cases often involve both criminal prosecutions and civil liability claims that proceed on separate tracks with different standards of proof and objectives. While criminal cases focus on punishment, civil cases provide compensation for victims’ medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from drunk driving crashes.

The Scope of Drunk Driving in Corpus Christi

Statistical Reality: Despite public awareness campaigns and strict penalties, drunk driving remains a serious problem in Texas, with thousands of alcohol-related crashes occurring annually.

Tourist Factor: Corpus Christi’s tourism industry, particularly during spring break and summer months, can increase drunk driving incidents as visitors unfamiliar with local roads drive while intoxicated.

Entertainment Districts: Areas with high concentrations of bars and restaurants may see increased drunk driving activity, particularly during weekends and holidays.

Repeat Offenders: Many drunk driving accidents involve drivers with previous DWI convictions, highlighting the need for civil liability to supplement criminal penalties.

Legal Standards for Drunk Driving Cases

Criminal vs. Civil Standards: Criminal DWI convictions require proof beyond a reasonable doubt, while civil liability requires proof by a preponderance of evidence, a lower standard.

Blood Alcohol Limits: Texas law presumes impairment at 0.08% […]