A rideshare accident can leave you with serious injuries, mounting bills, and a lot of questions. If someone else caused the crash, you shouldn’t be left dealing with the consequences alone. Whether you were riding in an Uber or Lyft, hit by one while driving in your own car, or struck while walking or biking, these accidents are different from regular car wrecks. More people and companies are involved, and insurance gets tricky fast.
You may already feel the pressure building, and you’re probably looking for help. That’s where an experienced Houston rideshare accident lawyer at AMS Law Group can step in. We handle these types of cases every day and know what it takes to hold rideshare companies, drivers, or other responsible parties accountable.
If you’re hurting or grieving after a rideshare accident, we want to help you move forward. Contact us now for your free consultation.
Table of Contents
Hurt in an Uber or Lyft Accident? Here’s What You Need to Know:
- Multiple Insurance Policies: Liability depends on whether the driver was offline, waiting for a ride, or transporting a passenger.
- Texas Law: State law requires rideshare companies to carry at least $1 million in liability coverage for accidents that happen during a ride.
- Statute of Limitations: You have two years from the crash date to file a lawsuit in Texas.
- You Have Rights: As a passenger, other driver, or pedestrian, you can hold the at-fault parties accountable.
Types of Rideshare Accidents in Houston
Rideshare accidents can happen in many different ways across Houston. Whether it’s on busy roads like Westheimer, near the University of Houston campus, or in neighborhoods like Sharpstown, these accidents often involve unique circumstances. The type of crash can impact who’s responsible, how insurance works, and what kind of recovery you can pursue. Below are the most common types of rideshare accidents people experience in the Houston area.
Passenger Injuries
People who use rideshare services expect a safe ride. But when drivers speed, brake too hard, get distracted by their phones, or make poor decisions in traffic, passengers pay the price. Injuries might happen during a collision, a sudden stop, or even while getting in or out of the vehicle. Regardless of who caused the crash, passengers have the right to pursue financial recovery for their injuries.
Third-Party Vehicle Collisions
Sometimes, another driver crashes into a rideshare car. These crashes often happen at intersections or during lane changes when other drivers aren’t paying attention or break traffic laws. In these cases, both the rideshare driver and the passenger could be hurt. The third-party driver’s insurance may be responsible, but the rideshare company’s insurance might also be involved depending on the situation.
Pedestrian and Cyclist Accidents
Houston sees plenty of pedestrian and bicycle traffic, especially in areas like the Museum District or East Downtown. When a rideshare driver is distracted or trying to find their next pickup, they may fail to notice someone crossing the street or biking nearby. These accidents often cause serious injuries and may involve claims against both the driver and the rideshare company’s insurance, depending on whether the app was active at the time.
Multi-Vehicle Crashes Involving Rideshare Drivers
Heavy traffic on roads like I-10 or the 610 Loop can lead to chain-reaction crashes. When a rideshare vehicle is part of a multi-car accident, figuring out who caused what becomes much harder. More than one person might be responsible. This type of crash often requires deeper investigation and involves several insurance companies. Passengers and drivers can still pursue recovery, even if multiple parties were involved.
Who Is Liable in a Houston Rideshare Accident?
Rideshare accidents bring more players to the table than traditional collisions. Multiple drivers, large corporations, and insurance carriers all have a stake in what happens next. Liability depends on what each person or company did or failed to do.
Rideshare Driver Liability
When the driver makes a bad decision, they can be held responsible just like any other motorist. Speeding, running red lights, or using a phone while driving can all lead to serious crashes. Rideshare drivers must follow the same traffic laws as everyone else, and ignoring those rules often causes harm.
Rideshare Company Insurance Coverage
Uber and Lyft provide coverage when their drivers are working. But the amount changes based on what the driver was doing. If the driver was picking someone up or had a passenger in the car, the company’s full policy usually applies. If they were waiting for a ride request, a much smaller policy may kick in. If they were offline, the company policy doesn’t apply at all.
Third-Party Driver Responsibility
Sometimes, another driver caused the crash. In that case, they could be held liable for the damage. For example, a drunk driver who runs a red light and hits a rideshare car is likely responsible for the crash, even if the rideshare driver had a passenger.
Vehicle Defect Claims
Mechanical failure can cause or worsen a crash. If faulty brakes, tire blowouts, or steering problems led to an accident, the vehicle manufacturer or a mechanic might be responsible. These claims require thorough investigation and often involve expert witnesses.
Insurance Coverage Complexities
Insurance coverage is one of the biggest issues in rideshare cases. The way policies apply changes depending on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. That confusion can delay your claim or lead to denied coverage if you don’t have help sorting it out.
Rideshare drivers have personal car insurance, but those policies usually don’t cover accidents that happen while working.
Uber and Lyft divide their insurance into three stages, based on the driver’s activity:
- Offline: The app is off. Only the driver’s personal insurance applies.
- Online and Waiting: The driver has the app on but hasn’t accepted a ride yet. The rideshare company offers limited liability coverage during this period, typically up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for injuries.
- On a Ride or En Route: The driver has accepted a trip or has a passenger in the car. The full company insurance policy kicks in. This usually includes up to $1 million in liability coverage and some coverage for uninsured or underinsured drivers.
These rules mean that one second can make a big difference in coverage. If the driver accepted a ride just before the crash, the higher coverage might apply. But if they were still waiting, a smaller policy could be in play.
Texas law requires rideshare drivers to carry higher limits than regular drivers, but even those limits may not be enough depending on the crash. Insurance companies may try to point fingers or deny responsibility based on the timing of the accident, so having someone dig into the details can make all the difference.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Rideshare Accident?
A rideshare crash can lead to steep financial losses. Injuries may keep you from working or require treatment for months or even years. Property damage adds more pressure. The law allows injured people to seek payment for these and other losses.
Medical Expenses and Future Care Costs
Many injuries need immediate care, but recovery doesn’t always stop there. Some people need surgeries, physical therapy, medication, or long-term treatment. You can seek payment for those bills, plus the cost of any care you’ll need down the road.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
Missed work days mean missed paychecks. If injuries stop you from working or force you to switch to a lower-paying job, that income loss counts. Long-term loss of earning power may also be included if your injuries prevent you from returning to your career.
Pain and Suffering Compensation
Not every injury leaves a scar you can see. Lasting pain, emotional distress, or loss of enjoyment in your daily life may qualify for financial recovery. Texas law allows for this type of payment, even though it’s harder to measure than medical bills.
Property Damage Recovery
If your car, bike, or other property got damaged during the crash, you can seek payment for repairs or replacement. This may include phone replacements, broken glasses, or other valuables damaged during the collision.
Houston Rideshare Accident Laws and Regulations
Texas has passed laws that apply specifically to Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services. Houston also has its own rules that may affect how your claim works.
Texas law classifies these companies as Transportation Network Companies. They must perform background checks on drivers, maintain insurance, and keep certain records.
While Texas law creates a statewide framework for rideshare companies, understanding how these rules apply in Harris County courts requires local knowledge.
You have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. If you miss that deadline, the court may block your case entirely.
Texas also uses modified comparative negligence rules. If you were partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced. But if the other party holds most of the blame, you can still recover damages. Anyone more than 50 percent at fault cannot recover.
How Can a Houston Rideshare Accident Lawyer Help You?
Working with a lawyer helps level the playing field. Insurance companies and rideshare corporations have teams of attorneys working to limit how much they pay. You deserve someone looking out for your side.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
Proving your case starts with solid evidence. A lawyer can gather rideshare app data, police reports, dashcam footage, and witness statements. Sometimes, expert analysis helps show how the crash happened or who’s responsible.
Dealing with Multiple Insurance Companies
Most rideshare accidents involve more than one insurer. That adds red tape and finger-pointing. A lawyer can handle those communications and push back when companies try to deny or delay coverage.
Negotiating Fair Settlement Offers
Insurance companies often make low offers at first. They hope you’ll accept it and move on. A lawyer can push for a better outcome by showing how the crash affected your health, finances, and life.
Litigation and Trial Representation
Sometimes, insurers or companies refuse to take responsibility. In those cases, your lawyer can take the case to court. That includes preparing legal filings, presenting evidence, questioning witnesses, and making your case in front of a jury.
Why Choose Our Houston Rideshare Accident Law Firm?
AMS Law Group knows the ins and outs of rideshare injury claims. We’ve helped people throughout Houston hold rideshare drivers and companies responsible after serious crashes. From The Heights to Alief, we’ve built cases that stand up to tough opposition.
Our results speak for themselves. We’ve helped clients secure significant settlements and verdicts in cases involving Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies. We don’t back down from large corporations or tricky insurance issues.
We also invest in every case. That means hiring investigators, working with expert witnesses, and gathering the documentation needed to prove your claim.
Our firm handles rideshare accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover money for you through a settlement or court award. Case expenses, such as court filing fees or expert witness costs, may be the client’s responsibility. We explain this arrangement fully in a written agreement during your free consultation.
FAQs About Houston Rideshare Crashes
How long do I have to file a rideshare accident claim in Texas?
You have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. That deadline applies even if you’re still getting treatment or waiting for insurance decisions. The sooner you act, the easier it is to gather strong evidence.
Can I sue both the rideshare company and the driver?
Sometimes. It depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. If they were working and logged into the app, the rideshare company’s insurance may apply. If the company was negligent in some way, they may also share legal responsibility.
What if the rideshare driver was using a personal vehicle for work?
Most rideshare drivers use personal cars. When they’re logged into the app and working, company insurance typically covers the accident. When they’re offline, their own personal insurance is responsible.
Do rideshare accidents require different evidence than regular car accidents?
Yes. In addition to standard evidence like police reports and witness statements, these cases often involve app data, driver logs, and company insurance records. Your car accident lawyer may need to subpoena documents or hire investigators to get everything needed.
Can passengers sue for accidents caused by their rideshare driver?
Yes. Passengers can seek payment if the rideshare driver caused the crash. That includes medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
What is the first thing I should do after a rideshare accident in Houston?
- First, ensure everyone is safe and call 911 to report the crash and request medical assistance for anyone injured.
- Use your phone to take pictures of the vehicles, the accident scene, and your injuries.
- Get the names and contact information of the rideshare driver, any other drivers involved, and any witnesses.
- Report the accident to the rideshare company through the app but avoid giving a recorded statement to any insurance company before speaking with a lawyer.
- Call our Houston rideshare accident attorneys to see how we can help you.
How does my own auto insurance policy fit into a rideshare accident claim?
If another driver was at fault and they were uninsured or underinsured, your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may apply.
Additionally, if you have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, you can use it to pay for your initial medical bills regardless of who was at fault.
Using your own benefits does not prevent you from pursuing a claim against the at-fault parties.
What if my pre-existing condition was aggravated in the rideshare crash?
Under Texas law, you can still recover damages if the accident worsened a pre-existing injury or condition. The at-fault party must pay for the full extent of the harm they caused, which includes the aggravation of a prior health issue. Document how the accident made your condition worse with help from your doctors.
Will I have to go to court to resolve my rideshare accident case?
Most personal injury claims, including those involving rideshare companies, resolve through a negotiated settlement without going to trial. A settlement occurs when the insurance company or defendant agrees to pay an amount you find acceptable.
However, if the responsible party refuses to offer fair compensation, you may need to file a lawsuit and proceed toward trial to protect your rights and pursue the full value of your claim.
Contact Our Rideshare Accident Attorneys in Houston Now
Rideshare accident claims involve tight deadlines and shifting insurance policies. The sooner you get legal help, the better your chances of building a strong case.
AMS Law Group can help you hold the responsible parties accountable. We know what it takes to deal with rideshare companies, insurers, and courts. Our team is here to answer your questions, investigate your case, and pursue a result that reflects everything you’ve been through.
Call us today at (888) 960-8363 for a free consultation. There’s no risk to you. Let us help you take the next step toward recovery and justice.