Whether you were heading home after dinner in downtown Houston, traveling to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), or taking an Uber or Lyft through Pearland on FM 518, you expect your ride to be safe. Unfortunately, rideshare accidents happen every day, and injured passengers often find themselves caught between multiple insurance companies, conflicting accounts of the crash, and complicated liability issues.
Unlike the drivers involved, passengers are rarely responsible for causing a collision. Even so, obtaining full compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages is not always straightforward. Understanding how Texas rideshare insurance works can help you protect your rights and avoid costly mistakes.
Insurance Coverage Available to Injured Rideshare Passengers
Texas regulates transportation network companies (TNCs), including Uber and Lyft, through Chapter 1954 of the Texas Insurance Code. While a driver is actively transporting a passenger during a prearranged ride, TNCs are generally required to maintain up to $1 million in third-party liability insurance. Insurance professionals commonly refer to this stage of the trip as “Period 3.”
If another party is legally responsible for the collision, this commercial insurance coverage may be available to compensate injured passengers for losses such as:
- Emergency room treatment and hospitalization
- Surgery, diagnostic testing, rehabilitation, and future medical care
- Lost wages during recovery
- Reduced earning capacity if injuries affect future employment
- Physical pain, mental anguish, and other damages recognized under Texas law
Every claim depends on the specific facts of the accident, the available insurance policies, and the evidence establishing liability.
What Happens If Another Driver Caused the Crash?
Many rideshare accidents occur because another motorist runs a red light, drives while distracted, or otherwise causes the collision. In these situations, the at-fault driver’s automobile insurance is typically the first source of compensation.
However, Texas drivers are only required to carry minimum liability insurance limits, which may be insufficient to fully compensate someone who has suffered serious injuries.
Depending on the circumstances and the terms of the applicable insurance policies, additional uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may also be available if the at-fault driver has little or no insurance. Determining which insurance policy applies often requires a careful review of the facts and the available coverage.
Five Important Steps to Take After an Uber or Lyft Accident
The actions you take immediately following a rideshare accident can significantly affect your claim.
1. Call 911 and Request a Police Report
Always contact law enforcement after a collision involving injuries. The responding officer will prepare a Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3), which often becomes important evidence during an insurance claim or lawsuit.
2. Save Information from the Rideshare App
Before closing the app, take screenshots showing:
- Your driver’s name
- Vehicle information
- License plate number
- Trip route
- Fare receipt
- Trip confirmation
These records help establish that you were an active passenger during the ride.
3. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Some injuries—including concussions, whiplash, soft tissue injuries, and internal bleeding—may not become apparent until hours or even days after a collision. Prompt medical evaluation protects both your health and your legal claim by creating contemporaneous medical documentation.
4. Report the Accident Through the App
Uber and Lyft both provide methods for reporting crashes within their apps. Keep your report brief and factual. Avoid speculating about fault or discussing the extent of your injuries before speaking with an attorney.
5. Be Careful When Speaking with Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters may contact you shortly after the accident and request a recorded statement or ask you to sign medical authorizations. Before providing detailed statements or accepting any settlement offer, consider consulting an attorney who can explain your legal rights and evaluate whether the proposed resolution fairly compensates you.
Why Rideshare Accident Claims Can Become Complicated
Although rideshare companies maintain significant insurance coverage during active trips, determining which insurer is responsible is not always simple. Multiple insurance policies may be involved, including:
- The rideshare company’s commercial policy
- The Uber or Lyft driver’s personal automobile insurance
- Another driver’s liability insurance
- Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, when applicable
Insurance companies may dispute who caused the crash, question the necessity of medical treatment, or disagree about the value of an injury claim. An experienced attorney can investigate the collision, preserve evidence, identify all available insurance coverage, and pursue compensation on your behalf.
Talk to a Texas Rideshare Accident Attorney
If you were injured while riding as an Uber or Lyft passenger anywhere in Texas, you may have the right to pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
At Hildebrand & Wilson, LLP, we represent accident victims throughout Pearland, Houston, Harris County, Brazoria County, Fort Bend County, and surrounding communities. We investigate rideshare accident claims, identify all available insurance coverage, and fight to recover the compensation our clients deserve.
If you have questions about your rights after an Uber or Lyft accident, contact Hildebrand & Wilson, LLP today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you move forward.