Rideshare accidents are not regular car accidents. When you are injured in an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare vehicle in Brownsville — or hit by one as a pedestrian, cyclist, or driver of another car — the insurance available to you depends entirely on what the rideshare driver was doing in the app at the moment of the crash. Uber and Lyft each operate a three-period insurance structure. Most attorneys do not know how to navigate this. We do. Free consultation. No fee unless we win. Call (956) 542-2264.
What Are the 3 Insurance Periods for Uber and Lyft in Texas?
- Period 0 — App OFF. Driver personal auto policy only.
- Period 1 — App ON, no ride accepted. Uber/Lyft contingent liability ~$50K/$100K bodily injury, $25K property damage if personal policy denies.
- Period 2 — Ride accepted, en route. Uber/Lyft $1 million third-party liability + UM/UIM.
- Period 3 — Passenger in vehicle. Same $1 million coverage.
Determining which period applied at the exact moment of the crash is the single most important factual question. We subpoena the rideshare app trip data within hours of being retained.
Does Uber Insurance Cover My Injuries?
If you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft when the crash occurred, you are in Period 3 and the rideshare company $1 million policy applies. If you were hit by an Uber or Lyft driver who was actively transporting a passenger or en route (Period 2 or 3), the same $1 million policy applies.
Can I Sue Uber or Lyft Directly?
Generally no. Uber and Lyft classify drivers as independent contractors. We sue the driver and pursue the rideshare company commercial liability insurance — structured specifically to cover passenger and third-party injuries during active rides.
FAQ
What if I was the rideshare driver and got into an accident?
Coverage depends on the period. If a third party caused the crash, you may have a claim against them and against your UM/UIM coverage.
Should I report a rideshare accident to Uber or Lyft?
Yes, but do not give a recorded statement or sign anything before consulting an attorney.
How long do I have to file a rideshare claim in Texas?
Two years from the date of the crash under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code Sec. 16.003.
How does a rideshare case differ from a regular car accident case?
Higher available insurance ($1 million in Period 2/3), additional defendant analysis, app-period determination, and more aggressive claims-handling teams.
What evidence is critical?
The trip data from the rideshare app (timestamps, GPS, ride status), driver insurance, the rideshare commercial policy, the police report, dashcam, and witness statements.
¿Lesionado en un Uber o Lyft en Brownsville? Llame al abogado Ignacio G. Martínez al (956) 542-2264. Consulta gratis.
Related: Car Accidents | PI Hub