If you were injured in a crash involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle in Texas, one of the first questions you may face is: who is actually responsible? Rideshare accident liability in Texas is more complicated than a standard car accident claim because multiple parties, including the driver, the rideshare company, and potentially other motorists, may share responsibility depending on the circumstances. Understanding how liability works in these situations can make a significant difference in whether injured victims recover the compensation they need for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
How Rideshare Insurance Works in Texas
Uber and Lyft are required to carry commercial insurance, but the coverage that applies to your accident depends heavily on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. Texas law and the rideshare companies themselves structure coverage across three distinct phases. The Texas Department of Insurance provides general guidance on auto insurance requirements that apply to all drivers in the state, including those operating as rideshare drivers.
During the first phase, when the driver’s app is off and they are not available for rides, only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies. Rideshare companies provide no coverage during this period.
During the second phase, when the driver has the app on and is waiting for a ride request, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage, typically up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, along with $25,000 for property damage. This coverage only applies if the driver’s personal insurance does not cover the loss.
During the third phase, once a driver has accepted a ride request or has a passenger in the vehicle, the rideshare company’s full $1 million liability policy becomes active. This is the broadest coverage available and applies until the passenger is dropped off and the trip is ended in the app.
Who Can Be Held Liable
Depending on the facts of the crash, liable parties may include the rideshare driver, the rideshare company itself, another at-fault driver, or a combination of these parties. Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 33, meaning that as long as an injured party is not more than 50% responsible for the accident, they may still recover damages, though their compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault.
One common challenge in rideshare cases is determining which insurance policy applies and whether coverage limits are sufficient to compensate for serious injuries. Rideshare companies often dispute whether a driver was actively working at the time of a crash, which can affect which layer of coverage is triggered.
Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident
Taking the right steps after a rideshare accident can help protect your claim. Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor at first. Document the scene with photos, gather contact information from all parties involved, and note the driver’s name, vehicle details, and the rideshare app status at the time of the crash. Report the accident through the rideshare app as well as to local law enforcement.
Avoid giving recorded statements to any insurance company before consulting with an attorney. Insurance adjusters, whether representing the driver or the rideshare company, may use early statements to minimize or deny a claim.
How Ruhmann Law Firm Can Help
Rideshare accident cases in Texas involve overlapping insurance policies, corporate liability questions, and tight deadlines under the state’s statute of limitations. At Ruhmann Law Firm, our legal team is dedicated to helping injured victims navigate these complexities and pursue the full compensation they deserve.
To learn more about your options after a rideshare accident, visit our rideshare sexual assault and accident attorneys page or our Uber and rideshare accident attorney page for Midland. You can also explore your rights under our car accident attorney page.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your situation with our team.