Houston Rideshare Accident Attorneys

Pursuing Justice for Uber & Lyft Accident Victims

While ridesharing has made travel more convenient and accessible, the rise of ride-hailing services has also led to a 3% increase in motor vehicle fatalities. From affording medical bills to going back and forth with evasive insurers, we understand the stress, frustration, and financial uncertainty of recovering from an Uber or Lyft accident. If you were wrongfully injured in a rideshare vehicle, you deserve swift and fair compensation for healthcare costs, lost wages, and other losses. 

At JJ Law, we are committed to pursuing justice and holding liable parties accountable. Our goal is to help you take back your life by providing tenacious advocacy and caring support at every step. When you work with our rideshare accident lawyers, you can expect personalized representation backed by decades of collective experience. Our firm prepares every case for trial and has recovered over $70 million for injured Texans, underscoring our impressive results in and out of the courtroom. 

If you were injured in a rideshare accident in Houston, we can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more. Call (888) 495-3339 to schedule a free consultation.

Texas Rideshare Laws

Rideshare companies operating in Texas must follow specific state laws and insurance requirements designed to protect passengers and other motorists. These regulations fall under the Texas Transportation Network Company (TNC) laws, which apply to companies like Uber and Lyft.

Key aspects of Texas rideshare laws include:

• Background Checks: Rideshare companies must perform background checks on drivers before allowing them to operate on their platforms.
• Driver Requirements: Drivers must have a valid driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.
• Vehicle Safety Standards: Vehicles used for rideshare services must meet certain safety requirements and pass inspections.
• Insurance Coverage: Rideshare companies must provide specific insurance coverage depending on the driver’s activity within the app.
• Digital Record Keeping: Uber and Lyft must maintain trip records that can help determine what the driver was doing at the time of a crash.

These laws play a crucial role in determining liability and insurance coverage following a rideshare accident. A Houston rideshare accident lawyer can examine the circumstances of your crash and identify which policies apply to your case.

Who is Liable for an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Determining liability in a rideshare accident depends on the "Period of Coverage" the driver was in at the time of the crash. Unlike a typical fender bender, there are three distinct phases that dictate which insurance policy is active:

The Driver is Logged Off (App Off)

When a driver is not logged into the Uber or Lyft app, they are considered a private citizen.

• Liability: The driver’s personal auto insurance is responsible for any damages.
• The Problem: Most personal policies in Texas have "commercial use" exclusions. If the driver was actually working but the app was off, their insurer might deny the claim, leaving victims in a difficult position.

Logged On, But No Ride Request

In this phase, the driver has the app open and is waiting for a "ping" but hasn't accepted a passenger yet.

• Liability: If the driver is at fault, Texas law requires the TNC to provide contingent liability coverage if the driver’s personal policy denies the claim.
• Coverage Limits: Typically $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per incident, and $25,000 for property damage.

Ride Accepted or Passenger Onboard

This is when the highest level of coverage applies. It begins the moment a driver clicks "Accept" and lasts until the passenger safely exits the vehicle at their destination.

• Liability: Uber and Lyft are required to provide a $1 million commercial insurance policy.
• Coverage: This policy covers third-party liability and often includes Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which protects you if another negligent driver causes the crash but lacks sufficient insurance.