Rideshare accident cases involve some of the most complex insurance scenarios in personal injury law. There can be three different insurance policies on the same trip — the driver's personal coverage, Uber/Lyft's contingent coverage, and Uber/Lyft's full $1 million policy — depending on what the driver was doing at the exact moment of the crash. Knowing which policy applies (and forcing them to honor it) is what we do.
The three phases of rideshare insurance
Uber and Lyft's insurance coverage changes depending on what the driver was doing at the moment of the crash. Understanding these phases is critical:
Phase 0: App Off
If the rideshare driver was off-duty (app closed), only their personal auto insurance applies. Their personal policy may exclude commercial use, creating complications.
Phase 1: App On, Waiting for a Ride Request
Uber/Lyft provide contingent liability coverage — typically $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, $25,000 property damage. This only kicks in if the driver's personal insurance denies the claim.
Phases 2 & 3: Driver En Route to Pickup or During Trip
Uber/Lyft provide $1 million in third-party liability coverage. This is the most generous coverage and what we always pursue when applicable.
Knowing which phase applied — and proving it — often requires obtaining trip data, driver app logs, and crash records. We do that work.
Who you are matters
Passengers
If you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft when the crash happened, you are typically the easiest case — Uber/Lyft's $1M policy applies, and you almost certainly bear no fault. We move quickly to lock in your medical care and pursue full recovery.
Other Drivers and Pedestrians
If you were hit by an Uber or Lyft driver, your case depends on which phase the driver was in. We investigate trip data to establish what coverage applies.
Rideshare Drivers
If you were driving for Uber/Lyft and got hit by another driver, you may have personal injury claims against that driver and access to UM/UIM coverage through the rideshare company in some scenarios.
People Hit by Uninsured Drivers While Rideshare Was Active
Both Uber and Lyft provide $1M in UM/UIM coverage during active trips. If the at-fault driver was uninsured or underinsured, that coverage can apply.
Texas & New Mexico rideshare law
Both Texas and New Mexico have transportation network company (TNC) laws that govern Uber, Lyft, and similar services. Both states require TNCs to provide specific minimum levels of insurance coverage during different operational phases. The companies typically exceed these minimums during active rides — both Uber and Lyft maintain $1M policies in Phase 2/3.
Statute of limitations remains the same as other personal injury claims: 2 years in Texas, 3 years in New Mexico.
"Uber and Lyft want their drivers treated as independent contractors when there's a claim. We make sure that doesn't mean you lose access to the policies you're entitled to."
What to do after a rideshare crash
- Get medical care immediately.
- Take screenshots of the rideshare app — the trip details, driver info, and trip status are critical evidence.
- Report the incident through the app to Uber/Lyft.
- Get the driver's information — name, phone, license, personal insurance.
- Take photos of all vehicles, the scene, and any injuries.
- Get witnesses' information.
- Do not give a recorded statement to Uber/Lyft's insurance.
- Call an attorney who handles rideshare cases — the insurance complexity makes these significantly different from ordinary auto cases.
If you've been hurt, don't wait. Call us now or fill out our free case review form. We listen, evaluate honestly, and tell you what we think — no obligation, no pressure.