How Texas Laws Handle Uber and Lyft Accidents During the Holidays

The holiday season means more gatherings, travel, and celebrations, which often leads to a higher demand for rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. While these services provide a convenient and safe alternative to driving under the influence or navigating busy roads, accidents involving rideshare vehicles still happen. Texas laws treat these cases differently than standard car accidents because multiple parties may be involved, including the rideshare driver, the rideshare company, and other motorists.

When an accident occurs with an Uber or Lyft vehicle, determining liability can be complex. Insurance coverage depends on whether the driver was actively transporting a passenger, waiting for a ride request, or off duty. If you or a loved one were injured in a rideshare accident, The Law Firm of Chaile Allen can help you know what steps to take next. Pursuing compensation may be complicated, but legal guidance can ensure your rights are protected and that you receive the support you need to recover.

How Texas Insurance Laws Apply to Uber and Lyft Accidents

Unlike traditional car accidents, where insurance coverage is more straightforward, rideshare accidents involve multiple layers of insurance depending on the driver’s status at the time of the crash. Texas law requires Uber and Lyft drivers to carry personal auto insurance, but their rideshare company’s insurance may also apply in certain situations.

If the driver is not logged into the app, their personal insurance is the only coverage available. When the driver is online but has not yet accepted a ride request, Uber and Lyft provide limited coverage, which includes up to $50,000 per person for injuries, $100,000 per accident for injuries, and $25,000 for property damage. However, once a ride is accepted, and the driver is en route or transporting a passenger, Uber and Lyft provide a $1 million liability policy that covers injuries and damages.

Determining which policy applies can be difficult, especially when insurance companies attempt to deny or limit coverage. Texas law allows injured parties to seek compensation from all applicable sources, but the process often involves back-and-forth negotiations with insurers. Having legal support can make a significant difference in ensuring the correct insurance policy covers your injuries.

Proving Liability in a Rideshare Accident Case

Establishing who is responsible for a rideshare accident is not always clear. Liability may fall on the rideshare driver, another driver involved in the crash, or even the rideshare company in certain cases. Texas follows a comparative fault system, meaning multiple parties can share responsibility for an accident, which may impact the amount of compensation available.

To prove liability, several key factors are examined, including driver behavior, road conditions, and potential mechanical failures. Rideshare drivers, like all drivers in Texas, are required to follow traffic laws, but distractions such as using the rideshare app while driving can contribute to accidents. If another driver caused the crash, their insurance may be responsible for damages, but the rideshare company’s insurance could still come into play if the Uber or Lyft driver was transporting a passenger at the time.

Additionally, Uber and Lyft have been challenged in lawsuits regarding their responsibility for ensuring drivers are properly vetted and trained. If a driver with a history of reckless driving or prior accidents was allowed to operate under Uber or Lyft, the company may share liability for the crash. These cases often require extensive evidence, including rideshare records, phone data, and witness testimony, to build a strong claim.

Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident

If you are involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, taking the right steps can help protect your rights and strengthen your claim for compensation.

• Call 911: Texas law requires all accidents involving injuries or significant damage to be reported. Failure to do so may result in fines.
• Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, injuries from car accidents may not appear immediately. A medical record also serves as evidence for your claim.
• Obtain rideshare information: If possible, gather details about the rideshare driver, the status of their ride, and any trip receipts from Uber or Lyft.
• Document the scene: If you are able, take photos of the accident, including vehicle damage, traffic conditions, and visible injuries.
• Avoid discussions with insurance adjusters: Insurance companies often look for ways to minimize claims. Speaking with them without legal guidance may affect your case.

Following these steps can help ensure all relevant details are documented, and you have the necessary information to pursue compensation.

How Can The Law Firm of Chaile Allen Help?

Dealing with insurance companies and liability disputes in a rideshare accident can be overwhelming, especially while recovering from injuries. At The Law Firm of Chaile Allen, I understand how Texas laws apply to Uber and Lyft accidents and what it takes to hold the responsible parties accountable. Whether you were a passenger, a pedestrian, or another driver affected by a rideshare crash, I may be able to help you seek the compensation you deserve.

With over 26 years of litigation experience and deep roots in West Texas, I am committed to providing personalized legal representation tailored to your situation. I take pride in offering straightforward, client-focused guidance, ensuring your case is handled with the attention and care it deserves. To discuss your case, call (325) 670-9282 or fill out our contact form.