Who Is Liable for Damages in a Texas Rideshare Accident?

 Posted on April 11, 2025 in Car Accidents

Uber, Lyft, and rideshare accidents can happen just as easily as any other type of car crash. In Texas, the person responsible for a typical accident should be liable for the damages, and their insurance company should pay. However, the insurance aspect can be slightly more complex in cases involving rideshare drivers. If you sustained losses as the result of an Uber or Lyft driver’s negligence, our Texas rideshare accident attorneys may be able to help you recover compensation. 

How Is Fault Determined in a Rideshare Accident?

The police are the first on the scene to assess fault in an auto accident case. Determining liability is sometimes simple, especially if one driver clearly violated a traffic law that resulted in the crash. The officers will interview witnesses, talk to the people involved, collect physical evidence, and review footage of the crash when available. Their goal is to verify the sequence of events that led to the accident before submitting their report, which can often include their fault determination and documentation of any traffic violations issued at the scene.

The insurance company investigates independently once a claim is filed. An assigned adjuster will research the collision, talk to witnesses, review medical reports and vehicle damage, and verify policy coverages. They also make a fault determination, sometimes assigning percentages of fault to each driver.

Who Pays for Damages When the Rideshare Driver is Liable?

Uber and Lyft carry the market of rideshare services, and both provide insurance coverage for drivers. If an Uber driver causes an accident, you can usually sue the Uber driver and recover compensation through Uber’s insurance policy under Texas’ fault-based system. The coverage includes:

• Nothing when an Uber driver is offline, meaning they are not logged into the app

• $100,000 per accident for injuries and $25,000 per accident in property damage when the driver is online and available for a trip

• $1,000,000 per accident for any injured parties and property damage involved when the driver is en route to a pick up or on a trip

Lyft provides the same level of coverage under the same circumstances. Both companies require the driver to carry personal insurance as a prerequisite for working with them. If you are unable to recover damages from the rideshare company’s policies, you could potentially seek compensation from the driver’s personal provider.

How Could an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Help?

An experienced attorney will investigate your accident, gather evidence to prove your claim, and handle all relevant paperwork within the mandated deadlines. Identifying all recoverable damages is a crucial part of filing a personal injury lawsuit, and a knowledgeable legal representative will ensure you claim the maximum amount available to you.

Contact Our El Paso County, TX Rideshare Accident Attorneys

Having a professional on your side to handle negotiations and fight to protect your right to compensation is invaluable, particularly when you are recovering from the physical and emotional trauma a serious collision can cause. At James Kennedy, P.L.L.C., we understand the need for fast and fair compensation and will fight to protect your rights. Call 915-544-5200 to schedule a free consultation with our El Paso, TX rideshare accident lawyers to start your claim today. Se habla Español.