You never expect your quick trip across town to end in a car wreck. Whether you’re riding in an Uber after a night out or working as a rideshare driver on a busy Friday, a collision can leave you shaken and unsure of what to do next. The moments that follow can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not aware of your legal rights. Who’s responsible for your medical bills? Does the rideshare company’s insurance cover your injuries?
At the Law Office of David J. Lopez PLLC, we understand how stressful and uncertain these situations can be. Rideshare incidents are not like typical car crashes. There are often multiple parties and insurance policies involved, making it difficult to know where to turn. In this article, we’ll break down what a rideshare wreck is, what rights you have under Texas law, and how Austin attorney David Lopez can help you maximize your compensation and secure your rights.
What are rideshare incidents in Texas?
Rideshare incidents are motor vehicle collisions involving drivers or passengers using services like Uber or Lyft. These may involve a rideshare vehicle hitting another car, being hit by another driver, or colliding with a pedestrian or cyclist. What makes these cases more complicated is that they involve drivers using personal vehicles for commercial purposes, under the umbrella of large tech companies.
There are numerous possible causes of car wrecks, but fatigue, distraction from GPS, and pressure to quickly accept new rides contribute to higher risk among rideshare drivers. While data on rideshare-specific wrecks is limited, rideshare services in general have been linked to a 2-3% increase in traffic fatalities in cities across the U.S, including Texas. Whether you’re a passenger, driver, or third-party injured in such an incident, it’s important to know what protections Texas law offers and when a rideshare company may be liable.
What to know about your rights
You have the right to pursue compensation
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare incident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
The key factor is determining who was at fault and what insurance coverage applies. In rideshare wrecks, this depends on whether the driver was actively working at the time (logged into the app, en route to pick up a passenger, or transporting someone). At the Law Office of David J. Lopez PLLC, we help you identify the responsible party and pursue maximum compensation, whether from the driver’s personal insurance, the rideshare company’s coverage, or both.
Rideshare companies carry different levels of insurance
Uber and Lyft are required by Texas law to carry tiered commercial insurance policies for their drivers. These include:
- App off: Only the driver’s personal insurance applies.
- App on, waiting for ride request: Limited company liability insurance; typically up to $50,000 per person/$100,000 per wreck for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.
- Ride accepted or passenger on board: Full commercial policy; up to $1 million in liability coverage, plus contingent comprehensive and collision.
Understanding which phase the ride was in at the time of the crash is crucial for determining which policy pays out. The Law Office of David J. Lopez PLLC will help gather app data, witness statements, and incident reports to clarify the situation and help maximize your compensation.
You don’t have to accept the first settlement offer
Insurance companies, whether representing the driver or the rideshare company, may offer quick settlements that fall way short of your actual expenses. Many victims accept these early offers without realizing the full extent of their injuries or the long-term costs of recovery. You have the right to review any offer, get a second opinion, and negotiate the terms. With legal guidance, you can confidently pursue a settlement that truly reflects your damages.
Pedestrians and other drivers have rights, too
You don’t have to be a rideshare passenger to be protected. If you’re a pedestrian, cyclist, or driver hit by a rideshare vehicle, you may still have a valid claim. The same tiered insurance policies apply, depending on whether the driver was actively engaged in rideshare work at the time of the incident. Austin attorney David Lopez helps non-passenger victims understand how to hold rideshare companies accountable when their drivers cause harm.
You may need legal help to navigate complex claims
Unlike straightforward auto incidents, rideshare incidents often involve multiple insurance policies, disputes about status, and large corporate legal teams that aim to delay and deny compensation. Filing a claim can become complex, especially if liability is unclear. By working with an experienced legal team like the Law Office of David J. Lopez PLLC, you’ll have someone who knows how to interpret rideshare policies, file timely claims, and push back against insurance denials.
Why choose the Law Office of David J. Lopez PLLC?
Rideshare incident cases can be overwhelming, especially when you’re injured, stressed, and trying to figure out who’s supposed to help. At the Law Office of David J. Lopez PLLC, we bring clarity to this process. We thoroughly investigate the details of your case, handle communication with insurers, and fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve and need.
With experience representing Texans in a wide range of personal injury cases, including auto and rideshare collisions, we provide clear guidance and effective legal representation when you need it most. Schedule a free consultation today in Austin to discuss your case.