Can you file an injury claim after a rideshare accident in Texas?
Yes, a person injured in a Texas rideshare collision may have a personal injury claim when another party is legally responsible. The available insurance can depend on who caused the crash and the rideshare driver’s status at the time, including whether the driver was offline, logged into the app and waiting for a request, traveling to pick up a passenger, or transporting a passenger.
Why Are Rideshare Accident Claims Different?
A rideshare collision can involve more than a driver and a passenger. Depending on the circumstances, the investigation may involve the rideshare driver’s personal automobile policy, insurance associated with the transportation network company, another driver’s insurer, or additional responsible parties.
Determining the driver’s app status at the moment of the collision can therefore be important.
What If the Rideshare Driver Was Offline?
When a driver is not logged into the rideshare platform, the circumstances may differ significantly from a collision occurring during an accepted trip.
The applicable insurance should be determined from the actual policies and facts rather than assumed simply because the driver sometimes works for a rideshare company.
What If the Driver Was Logged In and Waiting for a Ride?
Texas law regulates insurance requirements for transportation network company drivers during defined periods of rideshare activity.
Coverage can differ depending on whether the driver merely logged into the digital network or had already accepted a ride request.
What If a Passenger Was in the Vehicle?
A passenger injured during a rideshare trip may potentially have claims against whichever driver or other party legally caused the collision.
The passenger’s position is often different from a dispute between the two drivers because a passenger may have had no role in causing the crash.
What Should You Document?
If possible, preserve:
- Screenshots showing the trip and driver
- Ride receipts
- Pickup and destination information
- Driver and vehicle information
- Crash-report information
- Photographs and video
- Witness contact information
- Messages exchanged through the rideshare application
- Medical records and bills
What If Another Driver Caused the Crash?
The fact that you were riding in a rideshare vehicle does not mean the rideshare driver necessarily caused the collision. Another motorist may be responsible.
All potentially responsible drivers and applicable insurance policies should be investigated.
What If the At-Fault Driver Is Uninsured?
Uninsured or underinsured motorist issues may arise depending on the available policies, applicable law and circumstances. Policy language should be reviewed rather than assuming a particular layer of coverage applies.
Should You Report the Collision Through the App?
Preserve the trip information and follow appropriate reporting procedures, but be accurate and concise. Do not speculate about medical issues or fault that you do not yet understand.
For additional information about motor-vehicle injury claims, visit the firm’s Dallas car accident page or Fort Worth car accident page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a rideshare passenger file an injury claim?
Potentially. A passenger injured because of another person’s negligence may have a claim against the legally responsible party or parties.
Does the rideshare company’s insurance always apply?
No. Applicable coverage can depend on the driver’s status, the facts of the collision and the governing insurance policies.
Should I screenshot my ride information after a crash?
Yes, preserving trip information can help document the driver, vehicle, timing and ride status.
What if two drivers blame each other?
Evidence should be gathered from both sides of the collision. A liability dispute between drivers does not necessarily eliminate an injured passenger’s potential claim.
Injured During a Texas Rideshare Trip?
The Piri Law Firm can evaluate the collision, identify potentially responsible parties and examine available insurance coverage.
This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Rideshare insurance coverage depends on the driver’s status, policy language, facts and applicable Texas law.
