Rideshare insurance coverage in Texas changes depending on the driver’s app status at the time of the crash. Understanding which policy applies is critical to recovering full compensation for your injuries.

Board-Certified Trial Attorneys Protecting Rideshare Accident Victims in Bryan

Rideshare accidents in Bryan and College Station involve insurance rules that do not apply to standard car crashes. Depending on whether the driver’s app was on, whether a passenger was in the vehicle, and who caused the collision, multiple insurance policies may come into play. Scott Scherr at The Payne Law Group provides experienced legal representation to passengers, other motorists, and pedestrians injured in Uber and Lyft accidents. Our Bryan car accident attorneys investigate every detail, identify the responsible parties, and pursue the full compensation you are owed.

Why Choose Scott Scherr at The Payne Law Group?

For more than 70 years, The Payne Law Group has represented injured clients throughout Bryan, College Station, and Brazos County. Our firm brings resources and courtroom experience that make a difference in complex rideshare cases. When you work with Scott Scherr at The Payne Law Group, you get:

  • Board-certified personal injury attorney with decades of trial experience
  • A proven track record of securing compensation against major insurance companies
  • Aggressive advocacy willing to challenge corporate legal teams from Uber and Lyft
  • Free, no-obligation consultations and no attorneys’ fees unless we recover for you
  • 24/7 availability, with services in both English and Spanish
  • The resources to retain experts to assist with your case as needed

Our team of attorneys understands the layered insurance structures and corporate tactics rideshare companies use to limit payouts. We fight to hold every responsible party accountable.

Who Is Liable in a Bryan Rideshare Accident?

Determining fault in a rideshare accident is more complicated than in a typical car crash. Multiple parties may share responsibility, and Texas’s modified comparative negligence rule means your compensation can be reduced if you are found partially at fault. However, as long as you are less than 51 percent responsible, you can still recover damages. Potentially liable parties include:

  • The rideshare driver: If the Uber or Lyft driver was speeding, distracted by the app, fatigued from long shifts, or otherwise negligent, they may be liable for your injuries.
  • Another driver: If a third-party motorist caused the collision, their insurance should be the primary source of coverage.
  • The rideshare company: Under Texas law, Uber and Lyft must carry commercial insurance policies that apply when their drivers are logged into the app or transporting passengers.
  • Other parties: Vehicle manufacturers, government entities responsible for hazardous road conditions, or employers of at-fault commercial drivers may also share liability.

Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations to identify every responsible party and every available source of insurance coverage to maximize your recovery. 

How Does Rideshare Insurance Work in Texas?

Texas Insurance Code Chapter 1954 establishes specific insurance requirements for transportation network companies that depend on the driver’s app status at the time of the crash. The coverage breaks down into three distinct periods:

App off (personal use): When the driver is not logged into the Uber or Lyft app, only their personal auto insurance applies. The rideshare company’s policy does not provide coverage during this period.

App on, waiting for a ride request: Once a driver is logged in and available to accept trips, Texas law requires minimum liability coverage of $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. Uninsured/underinsured motorist and personal injury protection coverage as required by the driver’s policy under Insurance Code §§1952.101 and 1952.152.

Prearranged ride (en route to pickup or passenger in vehicle): When the driver has accepted a ride and is either heading to pick up a passenger or actively transporting one, the required coverage increases to at least $1 million in liability. This higher coverage reflects the increased risk during active rideshare service.

Insurance companies often use these distinctions to delay claims, deny coverage, or shift responsibility between the driver’s personal insurer and the rideshare company’s commercial policy. Scott Scherr at The Payne Law Group knows how to identify which coverage applies and hold the right insurer accountable.

Who Can File a Claim After a Rideshare Accident?

Several types of accident victims may be entitled to compensation after a rideshare crash in Bryan or College Station:

  • Passengers: If you were riding in an Uber or Lyft when the accident occurred, you may be covered under the rideshare company’s $1 million liability policy.
  • Other drivers and their passengers: If a rideshare driver caused the collision, you can pursue a claim against the driver and potentially the rideshare company’s insurance.
  • Pedestrians and cyclists: Anyone struck by a rideshare vehicle may have a claim against the driver and the applicable insurance policy.
  • Rideshare drivers: If another motorist caused the accident, the rideshare driver may be able to pursue compensation through the at-fault driver’s insurance or their own uninsured/underinsured coverage.

Identifying all potential parties in a rideshare accident is crucial. Our legal team thoroughly analyzes the evidence and factors in your case to ensure all parties who could be liable for your damages are identified. 

Common Injuries in Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare collisions can cause the same range of injuries as any motor vehicle accident, but the consequences can be especially severe for passengers who have no control over the vehicle. Common injuries include:

Even injuries that seem minor at first, such as headaches or back pain, can develop into serious conditions requiring ongoing medical treatment. Seeking immediate medical attention protects both your health and your legal rights.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

If you were injured in a rideshare accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for economic and non-economic damages including:

  • Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, physical therapy, and future treatment costs
  • Lost wages from missed work during recovery
  • Reduced earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job
  • Pain and suffering, including physical discomfort and emotional distress
  • Property damage to your vehicle or personal belongings
  • Loss of enjoyment of life and quality of life
  • Out-of-pocket expenses and costs

In cases involving fatal injuries, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship. Scott Scherr at The Payne Law Group fights to recover the maximum compensation available under Texas law.

What Should You Do After a Rideshare Accident in Bryan?

The steps you take immediately after a rideshare crash can affect your ability to recover compensation. To protect your rights:

  1. Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel fine. Some injuries do not show symptoms for hours or days.
  2. Call 911 and file a police report. This report is valuable evidence for your claim.
  3. Document the scene by taking photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
  4. Collect contact and insurance information from all drivers involved, and note the rideshare driver’s name and vehicle details.
  5. Report the accident through the Uber or Lyft app to create an official record.
  6. Avoid giving detailed statements to insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney.
  7. Contact Scott Scherr at The Payne Law Group for a free case evaluation.

Acting quickly preserves critical evidence, including rideshare app data, GPS records, and surveillance footage that can prove how the accident occurred.

Talk to a Bryan Rideshare Accident Attorney Today

Rideshare accident claims involve corporate insurers, layered coverage rules, and aggressive defense tactics. You should not have to navigate this process alone. Scott Scherr at The Payne Law Group brings board-certified expertise and more than 70 years of firm experience to every case. Contact our office today for a free consultation. We charge no attorneys’ fees unless we recover compensation for you.

FAQ

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

Texas law generally allows two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can permanently bar you from recovering compensation. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed on time.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

Potentially, yes. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can recover damages as long as you are less than 51 percent at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.

What if the rideshare driver’s personal insurance denies my claim?

Personal auto insurers in Texas are permitted to exclude coverage for accidents that occur while a driver is logged into a rideshare app. If the driver’s personal policy denies your claim, the rideshare company’s commercial policy may still apply depending on the driver’s app status. An experienced attorney can identify the correct source of coverage and pursue your claim against the right insurer.