Are Rideshare Accidents Considered Commercial Vehicle Accidents in San Antonio?

Rideshare companies have revolutionized the way we travel. As of 2021, ridesharing services had facilitated 11 billion trips in 10 years, and public transportation use decreased by 6% in the same time period in the United States.

With a click of a button, we can order a private ride to virtually anywhere we want to go.

But ridesharing has its faults, just like any other service – a 2018 study found that ridesharing contributed to a 2-3% increase in motor vehicle accident fatalities and fatal accidents. The study found that the main reason for this is the spike in the number of vehicles on roads due to the popularity of rideshare services.

Are Ubers/Lyfts Commercial Vehicles?

Just because the vehicle belongs to the driver doesn’t mean it’s not a commercial vehicle.

In Texas, a commercial vehicle is defined as:

• A vehicle other than a motorcycle used for the transportation of property or delivery purposes;

• A self-propelled or towed vehicle used to transport passengers or cargo on a public highway;

• A vehicle used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver, and

• A vehicle used to transport hazardous materials.

Because Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies transport passengers, they are considered commercial vehicles while they are working in that capacity.

Important Note: In order to be considered a commercial vehicle accident, the Uber/Lyft driver must be logged in OR have a passenger in the vehicle (or both) at the time of the accident.

What to do After a Rideshare Accident in San Antonio

If you were in a rideshare accident as a passenger, pedestrian, motorcycle, or other vehicle, take these steps to protect your rights:

• Check for Injuries – Asses yourself, your passengers, and the occupants of the other vehicle for injuries.

• Call 9-1-1 – If anyone is injured or if damage to either vehicle exceeds $1,000, call the police immediately. It’s a good idea to call the police even if the accident doesn’t meet these requirements, as most insurance claims require a police report.

• Collect Information – Get the driver’s name, address, phone number, license plate, and insurance.

• Report the Accident – Uber and Lyft have a reporting system designed to initiate the claims process.

• Get Evaluated by a Medical Professional – Even if you don’t think your injuries are severe, get evaluated anyway. Many injuries can show themselves later, especially head injuries.

• Call Carabin Shaw – Commercial Vehicle liability is complicated, and rideshare companies will have teams of lawyers backing them up. Don’t fight alone!

Hit by an Uber or Lyft in San Antonio? Call Carabin Shaw.

When you take on big companies like Uber or Lyft, they start with the advantage. We can level the playing field. If you were the victim of a commercial vehicle accident in Texas, you could be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical Bills,

• Ambulance Costs,

• Rehabilitation,

• Pain and Suffering,

• Mental Anguish,

• Wrongful Death,

• And More.

Insurance companies will likely call you with a settlement offer – don’t take it. Odds are, your case is worth more than what they want to give you.

We’ll help you find out for free. Call Carabin Shaw Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorneys today at 800-862-1260 or use the live chat to get started. We’ve been a trusted name in San Antonio for over 30 years because we care.

We look forward to serving you.