Uber Accident at a Red Light or Stop Sign in Texas
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Key Takeaways
- Running a red light or stop sign in Texas can establish negligence per se in your claim.
- Which rideshare policy pays depends on the Uber driver's app status when the crash happened.
- Texas gives you two years from the crash date to file an Uber accident injury claim.
You were riding home through Deep Ellum late one night when your Uber rolled through a stop sign on Commerce Street and got hit hard on the driver’s side. Now you are hurting, your phone is filling up with insurance calls, and no one will tell you who actually pays. The driver broke a traffic law, and you know it.
Why a Signal Violation Changes the Case
A driver who runs a red light or rolls through a stop sign breaks a duty written directly into Texas law. Texas Transportation Code Section 544.007 requires drivers to stop and stay stopped at a steady red signal. Stop signs carry the same weight under Texas Transportation Code Section 545.151. That presumption works in your favor.
Negligence Per Se and Who Is Liable
When a driver breaks a safety law and causes the exact harm that law was meant to prevent, Texas treats the violation itself as negligence. This is called negligence per se. You still have to show the violation caused your injuries, but you no longer have to argue that running a red light was careless.
Texas uses proportionate responsibility under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 33.001. You can still recover as long as you are not more than 50 percent at fault.
Which Insurance Pays After an Uber Crash?
The coverage that applies depends on the driver’s app status. Texas Insurance Code Chapter 1954 sets rideshare insurance requirements by driving period.
Proving the Violation With Evidence
Strong evidence includes camera footage, police report and citation, witness statements, and app and trip records. Camera footage is often recorded over within a few days, so act fast. Knowing what to do after a red light crash is key.
What a Signal-Violation Claim Is Worth
Texas gives you two years from the crash date to file under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003. Value depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost income, the coverage tier available, and how fault gets divided.
Talk With an Experienced Attorney Today
Angel Reyes & Associates has spent over 30 years helping injured Texans hold negligent drivers accountable, including rideshare drivers, with more than $1 billion recovered for clients. We work on a contingency basis with no fee unless we win. Contact us for a free consultation.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Uber Accident at a Stop Sign or Red Light: FAQs
Can my own auto insurance help pay my medical bills as a passenger?
Yes, if your policy includes PIP or MedPay coverage, it can pay your bills regardless of who caused the crash.
How do I get the intersection camera footage?
Request it from the city, camera vendor, or nearby businesses. A formal preservation letter sent right away is the most reliable way to keep it from being erased.
What if the Uber driver had the app off when they ran the signal?
The rideshare company’s coverage generally does not apply; the driver’s personal auto policy is the main source of recovery.
Does the officer have to issue a ticket to prove the violation?
No. A citation supports your case, but you can prove a traffic violation through camera footage, witness accounts, and physical evidence.
Can I still recover money if I was partly at fault?
Yes, as long as your share of the blame is not more than 50 percent under Texas law.
About the Authors
Angel Reyes
Writer
Angel L. Reyes, III is the Founder and Managing Partner of Angel Reyes & Associates. A nationally recognized trial attorney and business leader, Angel has helped over 70,000 injury victims recover more than $1 billion since founding the firm in 1993. Named to the Texas Super Lawyers list annually since 2008, Angel brings Wall Street experience, Ivy League education, and a deep commitment to client advocacy. He is a frequent legal commentator and published author with extensive contributions to legal scholarship, trial strategy, and consumer protection.
Kyle Nicolas
Editor
Kyle Nicolas is the Web Content & SEO Manager at Angel Reyes & Associates. He has more than 10 years of experience as a marketing co...
Angel Reyes
Reviewer
Angel L. Reyes, III is the Founder and Managing Partner of Angel Reyes & Associates. A nationally recognized trial attorney and business...