Texas Ridesharing Accident Lawyer

Services like Uber and Lyft offer fast and easy transportation at your fingertips. But when an accident happens during one of these rides, figuring out who's responsible isn’t always straightforward.

Ridesharing accident claims don’t work the same way as other car accidents. With multiple companies, apps, and insurance policies involved, sorting out the details takes more than just filing a report or making a few phone calls. That’s where help from an experienced legal team becomes important. A Texas ridesharing accident lawyer at Cowen | Rodriguez | Peacock can step in to protect your rights and pursue the maximum compensation available under Texas law.

If you were injured in a rideshare accident, reach out for a free consultation. Our firm can review your case, explain your options, and help you decide what comes next.

Understanding Texas Ridesharing Laws and Regulations

Ridesharing laws in Texas cover how companies like Uber and Lyft operate, how drivers must be insured, and how liability works in the event of a crash. These laws aren’t just state-wide; cities like Austin, Houston, and Dallas may also add local rules that affect drivers and passengers. Knowing how these rules apply can help determine who’s responsible after an accident.

Texas Transportation Network Company (TNC) Regulations

House Bill 100 created rules for companies that connect riders and drivers through an app, also known as Transportation Network Companies (TNCs). To operate in Texas, TNCs must register with the state, conduct background checks on drivers, maintain proper insurance coverage, and share ride data when requested by officials.

The law preempts most local rideshare rules, meaning cities cannot override these regulations unless they involve things like traffic laws or local fees. That means ridesharing companies can operate more consistently across the state, but the same law also puts specific responsibilities on companies when accidents happen.

Insurance Requirements for Rideshare Drivers

Insurance requirements for rideshare drivers in Texas depend on what the driver is doing at the time of the accident. The law breaks this down into three periods:

• App Off: The driver’s personal auto insurance applies. Uber or Lyft is not involved.
• App On, No Ride Accepted: Texas law requires the driver to have minimum liability coverage of $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident for injuries, and $25,000 for property damage. Uber and Lyft provide this coverage if the driver’s personal policy doesn’t.
• Ride Accepted or Passenger Onboard: Uber and Lyft must provide at least $1 million in liability coverage, plus contingent coverage for uninsured/underinsured drivers and some property damage protection.

These coverage levels are higher than what’s required for regular drivers, but that doesn’t mean the claims process is any easier. Insurers may still delay or deny claims unless the facts are clearly documented and supported.

Differences Between Personal and Commercial Coverage

Personal car insurance policies generally exclude coverage when the driver is working for a ridesharing service. That’s why Uber and Lyft provide extra coverage that kicks in during certain periods. However, some drivers may also carry their own rideshare-friendly policy or commercial auto policy.

Problems arise when insurance companies point fingers at each other. The driver’s insurer may deny the claim, saying the driver was working. The rideshare insurer may try to limit coverage if the app wasn’t fully active. This gap often delays payment unless someone pushes the insurance company to honor the policy.

Municipal Regulations in Major Texas Cities

Although the state law overrules most local ordinances, some Texas cities still have local rules that affect how rideshare companies operate. These might include:

• Permit fees or city registration
• Fingerprint-based background checks (like in Austin)
• Specific pickup and drop-off zones
• Limitations on airport pickups

City regulations don’t directly affect insurance coverage, but they may play a role in accident investigations. For example, if a rideshare driver picked up a passenger in a restricted area or during prohibited hours, that violation might affect how liability is viewed.

Common Causes of Ridesharing Accidents in Texas

Like other drivers, rideshare drivers sometimes make poor choices behind the wheel. In other cases, outside conditions or poor vehicle upkeep contribute to the crash.

• Driver fatigue and long hours: Many rideshare drivers work late nights or long shifts without rest. Drowsy driving slows reaction time and increases crash risk.
• Distracted driving: Drivers often look at phones to accept rides, check GPS, or message passengers. Even a few seconds of distraction can cause a crash.
• Inadequate vehicle maintenance: Uber and Lyft require basic inspections, but drivers are in charge of maintaining their cars. Worn brakes or bad tires can turn dangerous.
• Inexperienced or unqualified drivers: Rideshare apps don't require professional driving experience. Some drivers may not know how to handle busy intersections, night driving, or highway speeds.
• Dangerous road conditions: Narrow lanes, missing signs, poor lighting, or road construction in Texas cities can make accidents more likely.

Who Is Liable in a Texas Ridesharing Accident?

Accidents involving rideshare vehicles bring more parties into play than typical car crashes. Identifying the right person or company to hold accountable depends on several factors.

Rideshare Driver Liability

If the driver caused the crash, they may be personally responsible. Their liability depends on whether they were driving for personal reasons, waiting for a fare, or carrying a passenger at the time of the crash.

Rideshare Company Liability

Uber or Lyft may share responsibility in some situations. If the driver was working and carrying a passenger or en route to pick someone up, the company’s insurance coverage likely applies.

Third-Party Driver Liability

If another driver caused the crash, that person’s insurance may cover the damages. This includes situations where another vehicle hits the rideshare car.

Multiple Party Liability Scenarios

In some crashes, blame falls on more than one party. A drunk driver might hit a rideshare car, but the Uber driver could have also been speeding. Sorting out these layers requires careful review of the evidence.

Types of Compensation Available

Accidents can disrupt your entire life. You might need medical treatment, miss work, or struggle with daily tasks. If someone else caused your injuries, the law allows you to seek financial recovery.

• Medical expenses and ongoing treatment costs: These include ER visits, surgery, medication, rehab, and future care needs.
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity: If your injuries keep you from working, you may recover the money you didn’t earn. If you can’t return to the same type of work, long-term earnings could also be considered.
• Pain and suffering damages: This category accounts for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the crash.
• Property damage: If your car, phone, or personal items were damaged, you may be reimbursed.
• Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence: In rare cases where someone acted with extreme recklessness, courts may award additional money to punish the behavior.

How Does Insurance Work in Ridesharing Accidents?

Insurance coverage plays a huge role in rideshare claims. Who pays often depends on what the driver was doing when the crash happened.

Driver's Personal Insurance Coverage

When a rideshare driver is off duty, their personal auto policy usually applies. Most personal policies don’t cover commercial use, so coverage may not extend once the driver opens the app.

Rideshare Company Insurance Policies

Uber and Lyft provide insurance that covers both passengers and third parties. This includes $1 million in liability coverage when the driver has a rider or is en route to pick someone up.

Coverage Gaps and Periods

As mentioned previously, the rideshare insurance model divides driver activity into three periods:

• App off: Personal insurance applies
• App on, no ride accepted: Limited rideshare coverage applies
• Ride accepted or passenger onboard: Full rideshare coverage applies

If the crash happens while the driver waits for a ride request, insurance might only cover up to a certain amount, leaving gaps in coverage.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Claims

If the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough to cover the damages, Uber and Lyft may offer extra coverage. You may also need to go through your own insurance if other options fall short.

Challenges in Texas Ridesharing Accident Cases

These cases bring extra complications that don’t come up in regular crashes. That’s why legal guidance helps level the playing field.

• Determining driver status at time of accident: Figuring out whether the driver had the app on or had accepted a ride can affect coverage and liability.
• Accessing rideshare company data and records: Uber and Lyft hold the trip logs, GPS data, and messaging records. These can be hard to access without legal help.
• Dealing with multiple insurance companies: Each company will try to minimize its responsibility. They may pass the blame back and forth or offer quick settlements to close the claim.
• Proving negligence in complex scenarios: Legal teams must piece together the driver’s actions, road conditions, vehicle performance, and more to prove who caused the crash.

How Our Attorneys Can Help

At Cowen | Rodriguez | Peacock, we’ve handled rideshare accident cases across Texas. Our attorneys understand how these claims work and know what it takes to hold the right parties accountable.

• We thoroughly investigate the facts of each case
• We collect photos, witness statements, dashcam footage, medical records, and company data
• We deal directly with Uber, Lyft, and insurance companies so you don’t have to
• We identify every available source of coverage and pursue the maximum compensation available
• We work with financial experts to calculate long-term losses, future medical care, and other damages
• We prepare every case for trial and won’t hesitate to file a lawsuit if needed
• We work on contingency, so you don’t pay upfront legal fees

Why Choose Our Firm

Choosing Cowen | Rodriguez | Peacock means putting experienced legal advocates in your corner. Here’s why clients throughout Texas trust our team.

• We’ve handled many rideshare accident claims throughout the state
• We’ve secured strong settlements and jury verdicts in motor vehicle cases
• We understand how Texas laws apply to Uber, Lyft, and other TNCs
• We have the staff and resources to take on big companies and insurers
• We stay in close contact with clients and return calls promptly
• We work with respected experts in medicine and accident reconstruction to build strong cases

Frequently Asked Questions About Rideshare Accident Claims

Our Rideshare Accident Attorneys in Texas Can Help

Time matters after a rideshare accident. Evidence fades. Insurance companies get to work quickly to protect their interests. You deserve a team that works just as hard for you.

Call Cowen | Rodriguez | Peacock today at (210) 941-1301 to schedule a free and confidential consultation. Let our attorneys review your case and explain how we can help pursue the maximum compensation available. Whether through settlement or courtroom representation, we’re prepared to hold the responsible parties accountable.