Fort Worth Rideshare Accident Lawyers

Texas Rideshare Laws

Texas regulates Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft under Texas Transportation Code Chapter 1954. This legal framework was established to ensure that rideshare companies carry sufficient liability insurance to protect passengers, other motorists, and pedestrians.

Under Texas law, rideshare companies must maintain a primary commercial auto liability insurance policy that meets or exceeds specific limits depending on what phase of the ride the driver is in. These regulations prevent rideshare platforms from shifting all liability to their drivers' personal insurance policies, which almost always contain strict exclusions for commercial "driving-for-hire" (livery) activities.

Who is Liable for an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Determining liability and identifying which insurance policy applies depends entirely on the rideshare driver’s activity at the exact moment of the crash. Insurance coverage operates on a "three-period" system governed by the status of the rideshare mobile application:

Period 1: The App is Off (Logged Off)

If the driver is operating their vehicle but is logged off the Uber or Lyft app, they are legally considered a standard motorist.

The rideshare company's corporate insurance policy does not apply. If the driver causes an accident during this time, you must file a claim against the driver’s personal auto insurance policy. Under Texas law, drivers must carry minimum liability coverage of $30,000 per injured person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage (commonly known as 30/60/25 coverage).

Period 2: The App is On, but No Ride Has Been Accepted

If the driver is logged into the app and actively waiting for a ride request, but has not yet accepted a passenger, a limited corporate backup policy applies.

If the driver's personal insurance denies coverage because they were using the car for business, Uber and Lyft are required by Texas law to provide a secondary liability policy. This policy must provide at least:

• $50,000 for bodily injury per person.
• $100,000 for bodily injury per accident.
• $25,000 for property damage.

Period 3: Ride Accepted or Passenger On Board (Active Trip)

From the exact millisecond a driver accepts a ride request on the app—including while they are driving to pick up a passenger—until the passenger is safely dropped off at their destination, the maximum corporate coverage is active.

During this active trip window, both Uber and Lyft provide a primary commercial auto liability policy of $1 million. This substantial policy covers bodily injury and property damage for injured passengers, occupants of other vehicles, and pedestrians if the rideshare driver was at fault.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Rideshare Accident?

Depending on the circumstances, several parties may share responsibility for a rideshare accident, including:

• The rideshare driver, if their negligence directly caused the crash
• Uber or Lyft, through applicable commercial insurance coverage
• A third-party driver, if another motorist caused the collision
• A vehicle manufacturer, if a mechanical defect contributed to the accident
• A government entity, if poor road conditions or signage played a role

Compensation Available After a Rideshare Accident

Victims of rideshare accidents may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses, including emergency care and ongoing treatment
• Lost wages and diminished future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Out-of-pocket expenses related to recovery

Were You a Passenger, Driver, or Third Party?

Your role in the accident can affect how your claim is approached:

• Rideshare passengers are generally covered under the rideshare company's commercial policy while in an active trip, offering some of the strongest protection available.
• Rideshare drivers injured by another negligent motorist may pursue a claim against that driver, and potentially their own rideshare-provided coverage, depending on the circumstances.
• Third parties, such as other drivers or pedestrians struck by a rideshare vehicle, may have a claim against the rideshare driver, the company's insurance, or both, depending on the driver's app status at the time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a rideshare accident lawsuit in Texas?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims resulting from a motor vehicle accident is two years from the date the collision occurred. If you fail to file a lawsuit before this deadline, you will lose your legal right to seek compensation.

Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly after an accident?

In most cases, claims are pursued against the applicable insurance policy rather than the rideshare company directly, since drivers are typically classified as independent contractors. However, the specific policy that applies depends on the driver's status at the time of the crash.

What if the rideshare driver was logged off the app when the accident happened?

If the driver was logged off entirely, the rideshare company's insurance generally does not apply, and the driver's personal auto policy would be responsible for the accident.

I was a passenger in an Uber that got into an accident. What are my options?

As a passenger during an active trip, you're generally covered under the rideshare company's commercial insurance policy, which typically offers higher coverage limits than a driver's personal policy.

What if another driver hit the Uber or Lyft I was riding in?

You may be able to pursue a claim against the at-fault third-party driver's insurance, and potentially the rideshare company's policy as well, depending on the circumstances.