If you have been involved in a car accident in Texas, the immediate aftermath can be confusing and overwhelming. When that accident involves a rideshare vehicle—like an Uber or Lyft—the situation can become even more complex. And while a rideshare accident differs from a regular car accident in significant ways, you still have options for seeking the compensation you deserve.
Understanding the Key Difference: Insurance
The most critical distinction between a standard car accident and a rideshare accident lies in the insurance coverage.
In a typical car accident, the insurance claim process is relatively straightforward: you file a claim with the at-fault driver's personal insurance policy.
With rideshare companies, however, a multi-layered system of insurance policies may come into play, depending on the status of the rideshare driver at the time of the accident:
Offline/App Off: If the rideshare driver was not logged into the app, only their personal car insurance applies.
App On, Waiting for a Ride Request: If the driver was logged into the app and waiting for a match, both their personal insurance and a limited coverage policy provided by the rideshare company may apply.
En Route to Pick Up Passenger or During a Trip: Once the driver has accepted a trip or has a passenger, the rideshare company’s full commercial liability policy kicks in. This policy typically provides high-limit coverage, which is necessary due to the nature of commercial driving.
Navigating which policy applies—and dealing with the large corporate insurance providers—is often far more challenging than dealing with a personal insurance claim.
Why This Matters for Your Claim
The insurance company you pursue directly impacts your claim and the amount of compensation you may be able to recover.
Complexity: Dealing with a rideshare company's corporate insurance policy introduces a significant layer of legal complexity. These are massive insurance companies that aggressively protect their financial interests, even in the face of valid claims.
Liability Investigation: Proving liability and determining which policy is primary requires a meticulous and often immediate investigation into the driver’s actions and app status right before the crash.
Higher Stakes: Because catastrophic injuries—such as brain, spinal cord, or severe burn injuries—are always a risk, the higher policy limits provided by the commercial insurance are vital. It takes a law firm with resources and skill to successfully negotiate or litigate against these large insurers to secure the full compensation you need for long-term care and recovery.
Our Compassionate Approach
At The Packard Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping Texans navigate the confusing aftermath of any accident, especially complex rideshare cases. We know that suffering an injury or facing a disability is an overwhelming time, and we work tirelessly to handle all the legal processes, allowing you to focus entirely on your recovery.
We are not afraid to take on the big insurance companies or hold liable parties accountable. Our commitment to a personalized approach means we tailor our legal services to meet your specific needs. We bring generations of experience and a record of results to your side.
If you were injured in a rideshare accident or any other vehicular collision, you don't have to face the legal system alone. We will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured, please schedule a free consultation by calling (210) 972-8918 or contacting us online.