Texas Rideshare Injury Lawyer: Uber & Lyft Claims Help
Injured in a Texas Uber or Lyft crash? Learn how claims work, who may be liable, what insurance may apply, and how a Texas rideshare injury lawyer can protect your rights from day one.
- Multiple parties can share fault; investigate all potential sources of liability and insurance.
- Insurance depends on the driver’s app status; Texas law sets different requirements for logged-in and on-trip periods.
- Deadlines can be short. Speak with a Texas lawyer promptly to preserve your rights.
Who can be liable after an Uber or Lyft crash in Texas?
Responsibility can involve multiple parties depending on how the crash happened: the rideshare driver, another at-fault motorist, a commercial vehicle, a vehicle manufacturer (defect), or a governmental entity for roadway issues. In some cases, claims proceed against insurance made available by the rideshare company based on the driver’s app status under Texas law. Whether a rideshare company itself is directly liable depends on the specific facts and applicable law.
A thorough investigation—police report review, witness statements, scene photos/video, vehicle data, and relevant app metadata—is essential to identify all potentially responsible parties.
How rideshare insurance generally works
In Texas, insurance availability for Uber and Lyft typically depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash:
- App off: Generally, only the driver’s personal auto policy applies.
- App on, waiting for a ride: Contingent liability coverage may be available as required by Texas Insurance Code; specific terms and limits depend on the policies and facts. See Tex. Ins. Code § 1954.051.
- En route to pick up or during a trip: Higher third-party liability coverage is generally in place; additional coverages (such as uninsured/underinsured motorist) may apply depending on policy language and circumstances. See Tex. Ins. Code § 1954.052.
Exact coverage, limits, and conditions depend on the facts, policy language, and Texas law.
Common injuries and losses
Rideshare collisions often involve whiplash and soft-tissue injuries, fractures, concussions and other traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, internal injuries, scarring, and psychological trauma.
Recoverable damages may include medical expenses, future care, lost wages and earning capacity, property damage, and pain and suffering. In serious cases, claims can involve long-term disability and life-care planning.
What to do after a rideshare crash
- Call 911 and get medical care. Your health and safety come first.
- Report the crash in the rideshare app and to law enforcement.
- Photograph vehicles, the scene, visible injuries, and insurance/ID details.
- Preserve trip information and app screenshots showing status, driver name, and timestamps.
- Do not give a recorded statement to an insurer before speaking with counsel.
- Follow all medical advice and keep copies of bills and records.
Post-crash checklist
- Save your trip receipt and in-app messages.
- Write down the driver’s name, license plate, and insurance info.
- Capture names/contacts for witnesses and first responders.
- Request the police report number and agency.
- Back up photos/videos to cloud storage.
- Track missed work and out-of-pocket costs.
- Ask your providers for itemized bills and records.
Pro tips to strengthen your claim
- See a doctor quickly: Gaps in treatment can hurt credibility.
- Keep communication simple: Provide facts, not opinions, when speaking with insurers.
- Preserve digital data: Do not delete app screenshots or phone location data.
- Avoid social media posts about the crash or your injuries.
How a Texas rideshare injury lawyer can help
An attorney can secure app and telematics data, preserve evidence, identify all liable parties and insurance, manage communications with multiple carriers, coordinate medical documentation, calculate full damages, and negotiate or litigate your case. If liability is disputed or injuries are serious, legal representation can be critical to protecting your claim.
Texas laws that may affect your claim
- Comparative negligence: Texas uses modified comparative fault; damages are reduced by your percentage of responsibility, and recovery is barred if you are more than 50% at fault. See Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 33.001 and § 33.012.
- TNC insurance requirements: Texas sets insurance obligations that vary by app status (logged in vs. during a prearranged ride). See Tex. Ins. Code ch. 1954, including § 1954.051 and § 1954.052. See also Tex. Occ. Code ch. 2402 (TNC regulation).
- Governmental claims: If a public entity may be involved (e.g., roadway defect), special notice rules and liability limits can apply. See Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 101.101.
- Deadlines: Many personal injury and wrongful death claims have a two-year limitations period, with exceptions. See Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003.
Dealing with Uber, Lyft, and insurers
Multiple insurers may be involved, each with different coverage positions and reservation-of-rights letters. Adjusters may request recorded statements or broad medical authorizations. Provide only necessary, accurate information and avoid speculation about fault or injuries. An attorney can handle carrier communications, protect you from unfair practices, and pursue all available coverage.
Evidence to preserve
- Trip receipts, in-app messages, and screenshots of the ride details
- Photos/videos of the scene and vehicles
- Dashcam footage (yours or others’)
- Names and contacts for witnesses and first responders
- Medical records and billing statements
- Employment records showing missed work
- Any vehicle maintenance or defect information
Frequently asked questions
What if the Uber or Lyft driver was not at fault?
You may pursue a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurer, and rideshare coverages may still apply depending on app status and available UM/UIM coverage.
Can I bring a claim as a passenger?
Yes. Passengers rarely share fault. Claims may involve the rideshare driver’s coverage, another driver’s policy, and potentially UM/UIM.
What if the at-fault driver is uninsured?
During an active ride, UM/UIM coverage may be available through the TNC policy, subject to terms and proof of loss.
How long do I have to file?
Many Texas injury claims have a two-year statute of limitations, but exceptions and special notice rules can apply. Act promptly to protect your rights.
Do I need a lawyer?
Serious injuries, disputed liability, or multiple insurers are strong signals to consult counsel to preserve evidence and maximize recovery.
Time limits and notice requirements
Texas injury and wrongful death claims are subject to statutory deadlines. Many claims must be filed within two years, but exceptions and shorter notice rules can apply—especially if a governmental entity is involved. See Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003 and § 101.101. Because deadlines vary by facts and claim type, speak with a Texas attorney promptly to avoid missing your window to file.
Get a free consultation
If you were hurt as a passenger, driver, pedestrian, or cyclist in a rideshare crash, we can evaluate your situation, explain your options, and act quickly to protect your claim. Consultations are free, and there are no attorney’s fees unless we recover for you, consistent with a written fee agreement.
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Legal disclaimer (Texas): This post is for general information only, is not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and deadlines change and can vary by circumstance. Consult a licensed Texas attorney about your specific situation.