Attacked in an Uber or Lyft in Dallas TX? How a Lawyer Can Help Your Claim

Rideshare transportation is supposed to be safe when people need alternative transportation options in Dallas, TX, yet physical assaults on Uber and Lyft vehicles are not unheard of. Victims of physical assaults have economic and noneconomic damages, and it isn’t always clear what party is liable for those damages. People seeking compensation through legal measures should hire a qualified personal injury attorney.

The Dallas personal injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw understand that physical assaults yield traumatic emotional injuries that require compassion and understanding. They also want you to receive compensation for all your losses, not just those for which you have receipts. Check out our client reviews, and find out why you should contact Carabin Shaw for a free case review.

Physical assaults on rideshare vehicles are difficult to track for numerous reasons, including lack of reporting and a lack of clarity surrounding the definition of assault. One report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) states that Uber publicly reported 9 fatal physical assaults in 2019 and then 11 more fatal assaults in 2020.

Examples of Rideshare non-fatal physical assaults are plentiful, despite the overall low percentage of rides resulting in assaults. In 2021, a California man and his fiancé claimed that their Uber driver physically assaulted them and instigated a fight for no apparent reason, leaving them with minor injuries. Passengers have also attacked their drivers in many instances, as the driver is in a vulnerable position when behind the wheel. Attacks include strangulation and beatings from groups of passengers.

Uber has provided drivers with safety tips, but they are unable to remove the risk of assault when drivers pick up strangers in their personal vehicle. There is inherent risk involved in rideshare businesses that companies have not addressed successfully.

As the injuries in rideshare physical assaults are economic and noneconomic, victims must consider their psychological injuries as well as those that generated bills. Injuries that the court will consider in a personal injury claim include:

• Medical bills
• Loss of wages
• Future loss of earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Disfigurement or disability

These injuries can be complex and difficult to translate into monetary terms, which is why it is important that you hire a lawyer for your Texas Uber / Lyft assault lawsuit.

Your Dallas Uber or Lyft assault attorney will help you determine the party to file a claim against. In some cases, this will be the rideshare company, while in others, it will be the driver or passenger.

The business entity involved in the rideshare complicates the legal process and makes hiring an attorney necessary to improve compensation outcomes. The rideshare company as well as their insurance company will likely be involved in the process. Sometimes, the insurance company settles the lawsuit without either party ever setting foot in the courtroom.

Whether the Dallas, TX courts hold the company or the individual liable for damages, either party can receive punitive damages in situations of gross negligence. This happens when a negligent act severely disregards personal safety or is intentional. In physical assault cases, there is a higher probability of gross negligence than in lawsuits brought about by accidents or carelessness.

At Carabin Shaw, our team is ready to offer sound legal advice about your physical assault involving a rideshare vehicle. We offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, so you don’t have to worry about additional costs while you heal from your injuries. We have English- AND Spanish-speaking staff available 24/7 to answer your call to our toll-free number at 800-862-1260. A review of your case could put you on the path to successfully seeking compensation for your losses.

For more information:

• The American Bar Association
• Statutes Capitol Texas
• 10news
• United States Government Accountability Office
• Uber