TLDR: Key Takeaways
- The rideshare driver’s app status affects what insurance coverage is available.
- You might be eligible for up to $1 million in compensation—but only under specific conditions.
- Acting quickly after the crash helps protect your health, rights, and legal options.
Your First Move Matters
After a car crash involving a rideshare vehicle, things get chaotic fast. You might feel dazed, unsure who’s responsible, or overwhelmed by the process ahead.
Start with safety. If you’re able, move to the side of the road and check for injuries. Call 911, even if the car crash seems minor. A police report will be key if insurance companies start pointing fingers later.
Once the scene is secure, document everything. That means taking photos, gathering driver information, and getting medical care—even if you don’t feel pain right away. Internal injuries and soft tissue trauma often show up hours or days later.
And if you were riding in the Uber or Lyft, grab a screenshot of the app to show that a trip was active. That detail directly affects what insurance coverage is available to you.
How Uber and Lyft Insurance Actually Works
Rideshare companies don’t carry blanket coverage for every crash. Rideshare companies’ policies change depending on whether the driver had the app turned on, was waiting for a ride, or was actively transporting a passenger.
If the app was turned off, the driver’s personal insurance is the only available coverage. That means Uber or Lyft won’t be involved at all.
If the ridesharing app was on and the driver was waiting for a ride request, limited coverage may apply—up to $50,000 per person and $25,000 for property damage. This is often just a backup if the driver’s personal policy denies the claim.
The most protection comes if the driver was en route to pick someone up or had a passenger in the car. In that case, Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage. That’s a significant amount—but it doesn’t automatically guarantee payout. You still have to prove the other party’s negligence and show the full extent of your damages.
Car Accident Liability Isn’t Always Clear
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you’re found to be 51% or more at fault, you won’t receive any compensation. And even if you’re only 20% responsible, your payout will be reduced by that amount.
In multi-vehicle crashes, rideshare cases often turn into finger-pointing contests. It may take witness statements, dashcam footage, or trip data from the rideshare app to prove what actually happened.
And even if you’re a passenger, insurers may try to minimize your claim or delay payments. That’s why documenting every detail—pain levels, missed work, out-of-pocket costs—is so important early on.
Why Contacting a Ridshare Accident Lawyer Early Makes a Difference
Many rideshare accident victims wait, hoping insurers will sort things out fairly. That’s rarely how it goes. These lawsuits are full of gray areas—overlapping policies, third-party adjusters, and corporate language that’s hard to decode.
An experienced personal injury attorney helps by:
- Identifying every policy that may apply
- Handling conversations with adjusters
- Preserving evidence before it’s lost
- Filing your claim within Texas’s legal deadlines
At Angel Reyes & Associates, we work on contingency—meaning you don’t pay anything unless we recover compensation for you. For most injured riders or drivers, that’s one less worry during recovery.
FAQs
What should I do right after the crash?
Call 911, get medical attention, take photos, and screenshot your rideshare app. Document everything.
Who pays for my injuries?
It depends on whether the rideshare app was on and who caused the crash. Insurance coverage varies.
Can I sue Uber or Lyft?
It’s difficult. Most claims go through the driver’s or company’s insurance, not the company directly—unless gross negligence is involved.
What can I recover?
Medical costs, missed income, pain and suffering, future care, and possibly punitive damages.
Do I really need a lawyer?
If you’re injured or there’s any dispute about fault, yes. These cases often involve multiple insurers and legal loopholes.
Final Thoughts
Rideshare accidents aren’t like other crashes. One small detail—like whether the app was on—can change everything about your case. If you’re dealing with medical bills, unanswered questions, or a confusing claims process, don’t wait for insurers to do the right thing. Let us take the pressure off. Schedule your free consultation today. No fees unless we win.
