If you live in Houston or El Paso, ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have become a convenient way to get around town. Whether it’s a quick trip downtown, a ride to the airport, or avoiding parking hassles, these apps have transformed transportation in Texas’s largest cities.
However, when a ride-share trip ends in a car accident, questions about liability and insurance coverage can quickly become complicated—especially when injuries occur.
At Daws & Associates, PLLC, we understand how overwhelming these situations can be. Our founder, Joshua A. Daws, personally handles each case to ensure injured victims receive the care and compensation they deserve, rather than being shuffled through an assembly line of cases.
Understanding Liability in Texas Ride-share Accidents
Both Uber and Lyft carry insurance for their drivers, but coverage depends heavily on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. Texas law distinguishes between three main statuses:
1. Driver Was “Offline”
If the driver was not logged into the Uber or Lyft app at the time of the crash, they are considered off-duty. In this case, only the driver’s personal auto insurance is generally responsible for damages, and Uber or Lyft typically are not liable.
2. Driver Was “Online” and Waiting for a Ride Request
If the driver had the app on but had not accepted a trip, rideshare companies may provide some coverage, though it is often limited and secondary to the driver’s personal insurance. Coverage depends on the accident details and the insurance policies involved.
3. Driver Was Actively on a Trip
If the driver was en route to pick up a passenger or transporting one, Uber and Lyft generally provide broader insurance coverage, which may include liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist protections.
Common Accident Scenarios
Rideshare accidents can happen in multiple ways, including:
- Being hit by an Uber or Lyft vehicle while driving.
- Being injured as a passenger in a rideshare.
- Being struck as a pedestrian or cyclist by a rideshare driver.
- Multi-vehicle crashes caused by a rideshare driver.
Each scenario requires a careful investigation into fault and insurance coverage, especially considering the driver’s app status at the time of the crash.
Why the Driver’s Status Matters
In Texas, knowing whether the driver was “offline,” “available,” or “on a trip” is crucial. It determines:
- Which insurance policy applies.
- Who is liable for your injuries.
- The coverage limits and compensation you may be entitled to.
Insurance companies may try to minimize their responsibility, making it vital to have an attorney experienced with rideshare accidents
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Steps to Take After an Uber or Lyft Accident
Following these steps can protect both your health and legal rights:
- Ensure Safety & Call 911 – Get medical help if needed.
- Seek Medical Attention Promptly – Some injuries may not appear immediately.
- Document the Scene – Take photos or videos of vehicles, damages, road conditions, and visible injuries.
- Collect Driver Information – Name, license, insurance, and rideshare status.
- Save Trip Information – Keep details from the Uber or Lyft app if you were a passenger.
- Gather Witness Contacts – Names and numbers can be critical.
- File a Police Report – Creates an official record.
- Consult a Personal Injury Attorney – Before speaking with insurance companies or signing documents.
Why Contact a Houston or El Paso Ride-share Accident Lawyer?
Rideshare accident cases often involve multiple parties and insurance companies, making them complex. At Daws & Associates, PLLC, we:
- Investigate every angle of your accident.
- Preserve critical evidence that insurance companies may overlook.
- Personally handle your case, ensuring large corporations don’t take advantage of you.
- Fight for full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Even if the case settles, we take an outside-the-box approach to maximize results for each client.
Contact Daws & Associates, PLLC for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Houston, El Paso, or anywhere in Texas, don’t wait. Joshua A. Daws personally handles every case and will fight to protect your rights.
