Rideshare accidents in Texas involve complex insurance policies and multiple parties who may share responsibility for your injuries. When Uber and Lyft drivers transport millions of passengers across Dallas, Houston, Fort Worth, and other Texas cities each day, collisions happen. Texas law provides specific protections for rideshare passengers, but the insurance coverage that applies depends on whether the driver had accepted a ride request at the time of the crash. A Texas rideshare accident lawyer can explain these coverage details and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Bailey & Galyen understands how rideshare accidents differ from typical car crashes. With over 40 years of experience handling personal injury claims throughout Texas, our attorneys know how to navigate the unique challenges these cases present.
Key Takeaways
- Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims following rideshare accidents
- Rideshare companies provide substantial liability coverage during active trips
- Texas law requires ride-sharing companies to have insurance that covers injuries if drivers lack adequate coverage
- Insurance coverage varies based on the driver's activity status within the app
- Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule that may reduce compensation if you share partial responsibility
Understanding Rideshare Insurance Coverage in Texas
Rideshare insurance operates differently than standard auto coverage. Under the Texas Transportation Code, rideshare companies—legally called Transportation Network Companies (TNCs)—must carry specific insurance amounts based on the driver’s activity in the app.
When drivers log into the Uber or Lyft app but haven't accepted a ride request, they must carry increased liability coverage: $50,000 per person for bodily injuries, $100,000 per accident total, and $25,000 for property damage. This represents significantly higher coverage than Texas's standard minimum requirements.
Once drivers accept ride requests through passenger drop-off, they must maintain $1 million in combined bodily injury and property damage coverage. Both major rideshare companies provide this substantial coverage to protect passengers and others who might suffer injuries during active trips, making rideshare accidents in Texas a serious matter when determining insurance responsibility.
Who Pays for Your Injuries After a Rideshare Crash?
Determining financial responsibility after a rideshare accident requires examining who caused the collision. Several parties may bear responsibility for compensating accident victims, and these potentially liable parties often work to minimize their financial exposure, which is why getting legal advice if you were injured in an accident with a rideshare driver can help protect your claim.
- The rideshare driver if their negligence caused the crash through speeding or distracted driving
- Another driver who struck the rideshare vehicle or caused a multi-vehicle collision
- The rideshare company's insurance during active trips or while traveling to pick up passengers
- Your own coverage, including personal injury protection or uninsured motorist benefits
- Multiple parties when several factors contribute to the accident
The rideshare company will argue that the driver was not its "employee," but rather an independent contractor. This relationship affects how victims pursue compensation and which insurance policies respond to claims.
Steps to Protect Your Legal Rights
Taking the right actions immediately after a rideshare accident protects your ability to recover fair compensation. Your health takes priority, but documenting the incident properly strengthens your legal position, and knowing how to stay safe during and after the crash can prevent further harm while you wait for help.
Seek Medical Treatment
Visit an emergency room, urgent care facility, or your doctor as soon as possible after the accident. Some injuries, particularly soft tissue damage or traumatic brain injuries, may not show symptoms immediately. Medical professionals can identify hidden injuries and create documentation that links your injuries to the rideshare accident, which also supports your right to seek compensation to pay for medical care after an accident.
Document Everything
Take photographs of vehicle damage and visible injuries. Screenshot the rideshare app immediately to preserve your trip details and the driver's information. This documentation proves the driver's status at the time of the crash.
Contact local police to file an official report. Texas law requires reporting accidents that result in property damage exceeding $1,000, injuries, or death. Notify the rideshare company through their app within 24 hours, providing factual information without admitting fault.
How Insurance Coverage Changes During Rideshare Trips
Texas law recognizes distinct periods that determine which insurance policies apply to rideshare accidents. Each phase carries different coverage requirements and claim procedures that affect your potential compensation.
Driver Offline or Personal Use
The driver's personal auto insurance applies, with no rideshare company coverage available.
App On, Waiting for Rides
Drivers must carry enhanced liability limits while available for trips. Rideshare companies provide contingent coverage if the driver's personal insurance denies claims.
Active Trips
From ride acceptance through passenger drop-off, rideshare companies provide $1 million in liability coverage. This protection covers both passengers and third parties injured in accidents.
Pursuing Full Compensation After Your Accident
Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule that affects rideshare accident claims. Understanding how fault determinations impact your case helps protect your right to compensation. You may recover damages as long as you bear less than 51% responsibility for the accident.
Your compensation may include economic damages like medical bills and lost wages, plus non-economic damages for pain and suffering. Working with attorneys who understand rideshare accident claims helps identify all sources of recovery and build a strong case.
Insurance companies often present settlement offers quickly after accidents. Carefully review any settlement proposals before accepting, as initial offers may not account for ongoing medical needs or the full impact of your injuries. Legal representation helps ensure fair evaluation of your claim's value, and understanding your rights when you have an insurance company settlement offer helps you decide if it truly reflects your losses.
FAQ for Rideshare Accidents in Texas
What happens if the rideshare driver wasn't at fault for my accident?
You can still pursue compensation when another party caused the crash. The at-fault driver's insurance becomes the primary source of recovery. If their coverage proves insufficient, the rideshare company's insurance may provide additional protection depending on the driver's app status during the accident.
How long do I have to file a rideshare accident lawsuit in Texas?
Texas law provides two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim. Two years can pass quickly, especially when you’re recovering from injuries. Missing this deadline typically prevents any recovery, making prompt legal consultation important.
Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly for my injuries?
Rideshare companies classify drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. This classification generally prevents direct lawsuits against the companies for driver negligence. However, their insurance policies provide coverage for passenger injuries during covered periods.
Taking Action After Your Rideshare Accident
Rideshare accidents create unique legal challenges that benefit from guidance. Multiple insurance policies, varying coverage periods, and corporate legal teams make these cases complex for injured victims to handle alone.
Bailey & Galyen brings over 40 years of experience fighting for injured Texans. Our attorneys understand rideshare accident claims and work to help clients pursue the compensation they need for recovery. Contact Bailey & Galyen today for your confidential consultation. Call 817-345-0580 to speak with our experienced personal injury attorneys about your rideshare accident claim.