Ridesharing with Uber or Lyft is common in Texas, but if you’re injured in a crash it can be confusing who is responsible. Texas law treats rideshare drivers as independent contractors, not employees, so figuring out who you can sue after an Uber or Lyft accident in Texas can be tricky.
Who Can You Sue After a Rideshare Crash?
In a Texas car accident, you sue any negligent party for damages. For a rideshare crash, that usually includes:
-
Rideshare driver: If the Uber or Lyft driver caused the crash by speeding, running a light, texting, etc., you can sue the driver. Their auto insurance (and any applicable Uber/Lyft policy) should cover your injuries and damages. For example, if an Uber driver ran a red light and hit you, you could sue that driver and let their insurance pay for your medical bills and repairs.
-
Other drivers or parties: If another motorist or third party (for example, a drunk driver) contributed to the crash, you can sue them too. Multiple negligent parties can share liability in a wreck.
-
Uber or Lyft?: Because Texas law makes drivers independent contractors, Uber and Lyft are generally not directly liable for a driver’s mistake. Instead, the companies must provide the insurance noted below. In practice, you sue the at-fault driver (or other negligent party) and use the applicable policy to pay your claim.
Driver’s App Status Determines Insurance
Who pays after a Texas rideshare crash depends on what the driver’s app was doing:
-
App Off (Offline): If the driver was not logged into the app, Uber/Lyft provide no coverage. It’s treated like any other crash — you would seek recovery through the driver’s personal auto insurance.
-
App On & Waiting: If the driver was logged in and waiting for a ride request (no passenger yet), Texas law requires a $50,000/$100,000/$25,000 liability policy. Uber/Lyft maintain this contingent coverage. If a crash happens now, that policy covers any injuries or damage not paid by the driver’s own insurer.
-
App On & En Route/With Passenger: Once the driver has accepted a trip (either en route to pick up someone or carrying a rider), Uber and Lyft must provide at least $1,000,000 in liability coverage. This policy covers injuries and damages to passengers and others if the driver is at fault.
In short, if you were a passenger on a ride in progress, the $1M policy applies. If the driver was waiting with the app on, only the 50/100/25 policy applies. If the driver was off duty, you rely on their personal insurance.
Rideshare Company Liability
Because drivers are independent contractors, Uber and Lyft themselves aren’t treated like employers. You generally do not sue the company for a driver’s error. Instead, their obligation is to carry the insurance policies above. Your claim is really against the at-fault driver (or any other negligent party); Uber/Lyft’s insurer may pay your damages, but the company itself has limited liability.
How a Texas Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
Rideshare crashes can involve complex facts and multiple insurers. A Texas attorney can help by:
-
Investigating the accident: We gather police reports, medical records, witness statements, and Uber/Lyft trip data to prove what happened.
-
Sorting insurance and negotiating: We determine which insurance applies (the driver’s or the rideshare company’s) and negotiate with insurers or litigate to maximize your compensation.
-
Managing your claim: We handle all paperwork and deadlines (Texas generally gives you two years to file suit) and keep you informed. We work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we win.
Let us handle the legal details and insurance companies while you focus on healing.
Contact Adley Law Firm for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one was injured in a Texas Uber or Lyft accident, the Adley Law Firm is here to help. We understand rideshare accident liability and will explain your rights in plain terms. Call (713) 999-8669 or contact us online for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, answer your questions, and pursue the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait, let our experienced Texas rideshare accident lawyers go to work for you today. Remember, Texas law generally gives you only two years to file an injury claim, so don’t delay in seeking help.
