Lubbock, Midland, Odessa, Wichita Falls
Rideshare Accident Attorneys
Rideshare accidents look like ordinary car accidents on the surface, but the claims process is far more complicated. Multiple insurance policies, a large corporation's legal team, and confusing Texas rideshare laws all stand between you and fair compensation. At Malone Legal Group, Matt and Valeri Malone cut through that complexity and hold the right parties accountable for your injuries.
Why Rideshare Accidents Are Different
When you're hurt in a typical crash, you usually deal with one or two drivers' insurance policies. An Uber or Lyft accident can involve the rideshare driver's personal insurance, the company's commercial coverage, another driver's insurer, and your own policy. Determining which one pays—and how much—depends entirely on what the driver was doing the moment the crash occurred.
Texas regulates Uber, Lyft, and other Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 2402, which sets statewide insurance requirements that override local rules.
Uber & Lyft Insurance Coverage by "Period"
The single most important factor in a rideshare claim is the driver's status at the time of the accident. Coverage is broken into periods:
- Period 0 — App off: The driver is using the car personally. Only their personal auto insurance applies.
- Period 1 — App on, waiting for a ride request: Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage (in Texas, at least $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident for injuries and $25,000 for property damage).
- Period 2 — En route to pick up a passenger: The company's $1 million third-party liability policy applies.
- Period 3 — Passenger in the vehicle: The full $1 million liability coverage remains in effect, often with additional uninsured/underinsured motorist protection.
This tiered structure is why rideshare companies and their insurers fight so hard over the driver's exact status. Establishing which period applies can mean the difference between a $25,000 cap and a $1 million policy.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents
Many of the same factors behind ordinary collisions cause Uber and Lyft crashes—often made worse by the pressure to complete rides quickly:
- Distracted driving — checking the app, GPS, or messages
- Impaired driving by the rideshare or another driver
- Fatigue from long shifts or driving for multiple platforms
- Speeding and unsafe maneuvers to maximize trips
- Sudden stops for pickups and drop-offs in traffic
- Unfamiliar routes in busy Lubbock corridors
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distraction and impairment remain leading contributors to serious crashes nationwide, and rideshare drivers face heightened exposure to both.
Common Rideshare Accident Injuries
Passengers often ride unbelted in back seats and have no control over the vehicle, leaving them vulnerable to serious harm:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Back and neck injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal injuries
- Fatal injuries leading to a wrongful death claim
Who Is Liable in a Rideshare Accident?
Liability depends on the facts. The at-fault party may be the rideshare driver, another motorist, or in some cases a third party such as a truck or motorcycle operator. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 33.001: you can recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50% at fault, though your award is reduced by your share of responsibility.
As a rideshare passenger, you are almost never at fault—which often makes recovery more straightforward, even when the insurers involved are not. You can confirm a company's coverage and licensing requirements through the Texas Department of Insurance.
Compensation Available After a Rideshare Accident
Injured riders and drivers may pursue the same categories of damages as any other car accident compensation claim:
- Medical expenses — emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and future treatment
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering and emotional distress
- Property damage
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
What to Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident
The steps you take immediately afterward protect both your health and your claim:
- Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor.
- Call 911 and ensure a police report is filed.
- Screenshot the ride in the Uber or Lyft app—trip details, driver info, and timestamps establish which insurance period applies.
- Photograph the scene, vehicles, and injuries.
- Get contact and insurance information from all drivers and witnesses.
- Do not give a recorded statement to any insurer before speaking with an attorney.
How Malone Legal Group
Can Help You With Your Rideshare Accident Case
Legal Expertise: Our knowledgeable attorneys understand the specific laws and regulations that pertain to rideshare accidents. They can navigate the complexities of liability, insurance coverage, and potential negligence on the part of the rideshare driver or the rideshare company.
Investigation: Malone Legal Group will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident, gathering evidence, speaking to witnesses, and analyzing accident reports. This investigation can be crucial in establishing liability.
Negotiation Skills: Rideshare companies and their insurers often have teams of legal professionals working to minimize their liability. Our lawyers can negotiate with these parties on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Understanding Damages: Malone Legal Group can help you accurately assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. This ensures that you pursue adequate compensation.
Court Representation: If negotiations fail, your attorney can represent you in court. We will build a strong case, present evidence, and advocate for your rights before a judge and jury.
Peace of Mind: Dealing with the aftermath of a rideshare accident can be overwhelming. Having a lawyer on your side allows you to focus on recovery while they handle the legal aspects.
In most cases you pursue the company's insurance policy rather than suing Uber or Lyft directly, because drivers are classified as independent contractors. However, the company's $1 million coverage typically applies when a driver is en route to or transporting a passenger. An attorney can identify every liable party and available policy to maximize your recovery.
If your rideshare driver was at fault while you were in the vehicle (Period 3), Uber or Lyft's $1 million liability policy generally covers your injuries. If another driver caused the crash, their insurance pays first, with the rideshare company's uninsured/underinsured coverage available as backup. Determining the correct source of payment is exactly where legal help matters.
Coverage depends on the driver's app status. If the app was off, only their personal insurance applies. If the app was on and they were waiting for a request (Period 1), Texas law requires lower limits—at least $50,000 per person. If they were heading to a pickup (Period 2), the $1 million policy applies.
Texas generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline usually bars recovery entirely. Exceptions exist—claims involving government entities may require notice within months, and deadlines for minors can be delayed. Because rideshare cases involve extra investigation, consulting an attorney promptly is essential.
No. Initial offers from rideshare insurers are typically far below the true value of your claim and often come before the full extent of your injuries is known. Once you sign a release, you cannot seek more. An attorney can calculate your complete damages and negotiate from strength before you agree to anything.
