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Knowing what to do if your Uber crashes can help keep you safe and protect your rights. Imagine you’re riding in an Uber when — out of nowhere — the car jolts, tires screech, and everything stops. You’ve been in a crash. Now what?
With more Texans relying on Uber and Lyft for everyday transportation, understanding your rights after a rideshare accident has never been more critical. This guide will explain what to do if your Uber crashes, review applicable Texas laws, and illustrate how a rideshare accident attorney can protect your rights—and your recovery.
If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, contact AK Law Firm for a free case review.
Immediate Steps to Take After an Uber or Lyft Crash
Collisions involving rideshare vehicles can be stressful and confusing. Whether you’re a passenger or sharing the road, the steps you take right after an Uber or Lyft accident can impact your health and your claim.
Here’s what to do, and why each step matters.
Step 1: Check for Injuries and Seek Medical Attention
Start by checking yourself and others for injuries. Even if you feel fine, adrenaline can mask symptoms. If you or anyone else is hurt, call 911 immediately.
Getting medical attention right away ensures your safety and creates documentation of your injuries, a key factor if you decide to pursue compensation later.
Step 2: Call 911 and Report the Accident
Texas law requires that all vehicle accidents resulting in injury, death, or significant property damage be reported. Always call 911 after a rideshare crash, even if the Uber driver or another party says it isn’t necessary.
The police report will serve as an official record, which helps clarify fault and supports your insurance or legal claim.
Step 3: Document the Scene
Use your phone to take pictures of:
- The vehicles involved (license plates, damage)
- The street, traffic signs, and road conditions
- Any visible injuries
- Rideshare driver’s profile in the app
- Also, collect names and contact info from drivers, passengers, and witnesses.
This documentation may become crucial in proving liability and securing your compensation.
Step 4: Report the Crash in the Uber or Lyft App
Both Uber and Lyft have in-app accident reporting features:
Using the app to report the incident as a passenger, driver, or witness helps trigger the rideshare company’s insurance and support process.
Step 5: Avoid Making Statements or Accepting Quick Settlements
Be careful about what you say after the crash, especially to the other driver, rideshare driver, or any insurance adjusters who call you. Avoid phrases like “I’m fine” or “I didn’t see anything,” which could be used against you.
Never admit fault, downplay your injuries, or accept a quick settlement offer without reviewing it with a lawyer. These offers often undervalue your medical bills, lost income, and long-term pain.
Step 6: Contact a Rideshare Accident Attorney
After the chaos clears, talk to a legal professional who knows how to handle Lyft or Uber car accident cases. A qualified Houston rideshare accident attorney can help you understand your rights and take over communication with insurance companies and Uber/Lyft’s legal teams.
Who Is Liable in an Uber or Lyft Accident in Texas?
Determining liability in a rideshare accident can be complex—especially in Texas, where the law distinguishes between personal and commercial use of a vehicle. Understanding how liability works is essential to filing a successful claim and receiving fair compensation.
Texas Is a Fault-Based Insurance State
In Texas, the party responsible for causing the crash is also responsible for the resulting damages. This means that if your Uber or Lyft driver was at fault, their insurance — or the rideshare company’s insurance — may be responsible for covering your injuries.
If another driver caused the crash, that driver (and their insurer) may be liable instead. It all depends on who is found at fault in the official police report and through investigation.
Understanding the Rideshare Driver’s Insurance Coverage
Rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors, not employees. Because of this, the type of insurance that applies depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash:
- Driver offline (app closed): Only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies.
- App on, waiting for a ride request: Uber and Lyft provide contingent liability coverage, which includes:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 for property damage
- Driver en route or transporting a passenger: Uber and Lyft provide $1 million in liability coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
What About the Rideshare Company’s Liability?
While Uber and Lyft provide supplemental insurance coverage, they often try to distance themselves from direct liability by emphasizing the independent contractor status of their drivers. This means:
- You may need to file multiple claims against the driver’s personal policy and Uber’s or Lyft’s policy
- If a third-party driver is involved, their insurer may also share responsibility
These overlapping policies and conflicting responsibilities can make it challenging to get a straight answer—or a fair settlement—without legal support from a rideshare accident attorney.
Texas Law and TNCs (Transportation Network Companies)
Under Texas law, Uber and Lyft are classified as “transportation network companies” and are required by law to maintain minimum levels of liability coverage for their drivers.
These rules are designed to protect passengers and others on the road, but navigating them can be a challenge without a Abogado de accidente de coche en Texas on your side.
See: Texas Occupations Code Sec. 2402, Rideshare Statistics for 2024
Overview of Texas Rideshare Laws and Insurance Requirements
Texas has implemented clear legal standards to address the growing number of rideshare vehicles on the road. These laws define the insurance obligations of companies like Uber and Lyft and help protect passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers after an accident.
Mandatory Insurance Coverage for Rideshare Companies
Under Texas law, rideshare companies—officially called Transportation Network Companies (TNCs)—must provide insurance coverage that supplements the driver’s personal policy. These insurance requirements shift based on the driver’s activity in the app:
1. App On, No Passenger Yet (Period 1)
When a rideshare driver is logged into the app but hasn’t accepted a ride request, Uber and Lyft provide contingent liability coverage:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 for property damage
This coverage only activates if the driver’s personal insurance doesn’t fully cover the claim.
2. En Route or Passenger in Car (Period 2 & 3)
When the driver is either on the way to pick someone up or has a passenger in the vehicle, Uber and Lyft must provide $1 million in third-party liability insurance, along with:
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage
- Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage (if the driver has their own)
This is the broadest and most protective tier of rideshare insurance.
HB 1733: The Texas Rideshare Insurance Law
Texas House Bill 1733, passed in 2015, was one of the first laws in the country to specifically regulate rideshare company insurance policies. The law established:
- Clear insurance minimums for each phase of a driver’s activity
- Provisions for when coverage must be primary vs. secondary
- Definitions of TNC operations and who qualifies under the law
See: HB 1733
Why This Matters After an Accident
If you’re involved in an Uber or Lyft crash in Texas, the company’s insurance coverage may protect you, but only if the driver was in the right phase of the app. These distinctions are often the reason claims are denied, delayed, or shifted between insurers.
This is why it’s essential to work with a rideshare accident lawyer who understands both Texas derecho de daños personales and the specifics of TNC regulations.
Source: Ride Sharing: 3 Questions to Ask; Texas Department of Insurance, Auto Insurance Guide
What If You’re a Passenger, Another Driver, or a Pedestrian?
Liability and insurance coverage can look very different depending on your role in a rideshare accident. Whether you were inside the Uber or Lyft, driving another vehicle, or simply walking across the street, Texas law treats each situation uniquely.
Uber or Lyft Passenger
As a passenger, you are rarely considered at fault for the crash. This means you can typically file a claim against:
- The Uber or Lyft driver’s insurance (if they were at fault)
- The rideshare company’s $1 million liability coverage (if the app was active and the ride was ongoing)
- Another driver’s insurance, if a third party caused the accident
Passengers often face the fewest legal hurdles when seeking compensation, but you’ll still need documentation of your injuries and medical bills to make a successful claim. Rideshare accident attorneys know exactly what to do if your Uber crashes and will ensure that all insurance options are pursued to their maximum.
Driver of Another Vehicle
If you were hit by an Uber or Lyft driver while driving your own car, determining liability depends on whether the rideshare driver was:
- Off duty (covered by their personal insurance), or
- On duty (covered by Uber or Lyft’s policies)
In many cases, both the driver’s insurance and the company’s policy may be involved in covering your damages. Consulting with a Dallas car accident lawyer o un Houston abogado de accidente de coche can help you figure out which policies apply and how to get the compensation you deserve.
Pedestrian or Bicyclist Hit by a Rideshare Car
Pedestrians and bicyclists are at higher risk of serious injuries when involved in rideshare accidents. Whether you were crossing the street or riding in a bike lane, you may be entitled to compensation through:
- The rideshare driver’s insurance
- Uber or Lyft’s $1 million liability coverage (if the driver was active on the app)
Given the severity of injuries that can occur, these claims often involve substantial medical expenses and long-term recovery. A Houston pedestrian accident attorney o un Houston bike accident attorney can help protect your rights and pursue full compensation for your injuries.
How a Rideshare Accident Attorney Can Help
Lyft and Uber accidents are more complicated than typical car crashes. Multiple insurance policies may apply, liability isn’t always clear, and Uber and Lyft are protected by large legal teams. That’s why working with a qualified attorney can make all the difference in your recovery.
Why Hire a Rideshare Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, you’re going up against:
- A corporate legal team trained to reduce payouts
- Insurance companies that are skilled at denying valid claims
- Complex policies with confusing coverage timelines
Rideshare accident attorneys know exactly what to do if your Uber crashes and how to handle these obstacles. They understand Texas law and the documentation required. They are dedicated to the fight to get you the compensation you deserve — whether it’s for medical bills, lost wages, or long-term pain and suffering.
What a Rideshare Accident Attorney Does
An experienced rideshare attorney can guide you through the legal process while you focus on healing. Here’s what they do:
- Investigate the Crash: Collect police reports, witness statements, app data, and video footage.
- Preserve Key Evidence: Secure records from Uber/Lyft and protect crucial app data before it disappears.
- Identify All Liable Parties: This could include the rideshare driver, another driver, the rideshare company, or even third-party vendors.
- Handle Negotiations and Litigation: Your lawyer deals directly with insurance adjusters, files legal paperwork, and prepares for trial if necessary.
- Maximize Your Compensation: You may be entitled to:
- Emergency and follow-up medical care
- Lost income during recovery
- Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
Hire a Texas Rideshare Accident Attorney
Houston y Dallas are among the busiest rideshare markets in Texas. With high usage comes higher accident risk, and more legal complexities. If you were injured while riding in an Uber or Lyft, you need someone local who understands the courts, insurance providers, and transportation laws in your area.
By choosing a Texas attorney who focuses on rideshare injury claims, you benefit from:
- Local Experience with Texas personal injury and liability laws
- Sin costes iniciales thanks to cuota de contingencia agreements (you don’t pay unless you win)
- Board Certified Expertise in personal injury law
If you’ve been hurt in a rideshare accident, don’t wait. Póngase en contacto con AK Law Firm and speak with a legal team who can help you move forward with confidence.
FAQ: Uber & Lyft Accidents in Texas
What should I do immediately after an Uber crash?
Check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 right away. Document the scene with photos, exchange information with all involved parties, and report the incident in the Uber or Lyft app. Finally, contact a rideshare accident attorney to protect your legal rights.
Who pays for my injuries after a rideshare accident?
That depends on who was at fault and what phase the rideshare driver was in. You may file a claim against the Uber or Lyft driver’s personal auto insurance, the Uber or Lyft’s commercial insurance policy (up to $1 million), or a third-party driver’s insurance if they caused the crash.
What if the Uber driver was at fault?
If the rideshare driver caused the accident while the app was active, Uber or Lyft’s commercial policy should cover your injuries. If the app was off, only the driver’s personal insurance applies. A rideshare accident lawyer can help determine which coverage applies.
Do I need a lawyer for an Uber accident?
Yes. Rideshare accidents are complex and often involve multiple insurance companies. Without legal representation, you could accept a lowball offer or miss key compensation. A skilled attorney will fight for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
How long do I have to file a claim in Texas?
In most cases, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Texas is two years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to compensation. Start your claim now by contactar con AK Law Firm for a consultation.
Injured in a Texas Rideshare Accident?
Uber and Lyft have made getting around easier, but convenience can come with legal headaches when something goes wrong. Whether you’re a passenger, a pedestrian, or another driver, knowing what to do if your Uber crashes is key to protecting your health, your rights, and your future.
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in Texas, don’t go it alone. A local attorney with experience in complex rideshare claims can help you navigate the system and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Programe su consulta gratuita today to discuss your options with a rideshare accident attorney at AK Law Firm.
