Houston Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer
Smart Legal Representation for Rideshare Accident Victims in Houston
When you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Houston, Texas, you’re facing a uniquely complex legal situation. Rideshare accident cases involve multiple insurance companies, complicated coverage rules, and corporate legal teams determined to minimize payouts. At 713 Justice, our experienced Houston rideshare accident attorneys understand the intricacies of Uber and Lyft claims and have successfully recovered millions of dollars for rideshare accident victims throughout Harris County and the greater Houston metropolitan area.
Understanding the Rideshare Boom and Rising Accident Rates
The Growing Rideshare Industry Statistics
Over 1.7 billion active rideshare users worldwide used digital ride-hailing apps in 2023, with Uber and Lyft dominating the U.S. market.
Uber completed 1.8 billion trips between 2021 and 2022 – approximately 30 rides every second. The company reported 6.3 billion trips in 2021 alone.
The U.S. rideshare market is expected to grow by more than 40% between 2023 and 2028, with a projected 2028 market value of $216 billion. This massive growth means more rideshare vehicles on Houston’s already congested roads.
Over 75% of U.S. survey respondents used Uber in the past year, and 60% used Lyft, making rideshare services a ubiquitous part of transportation in Houston.
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Rideshare Accident Statistics: The Sobering Reality
While rideshare companies claim that 99.9% of Uber trips and more than 99% of Lyft rides are completed without safety issues, accidents do happen with alarming frequency:
Nearly 1,000 car accidents occur every day involving rideshare vehicles across the United States.
Between 2017 and 2018, Uber vehicles were involved in 97 fatal accidents resulting in 107 deaths nationwide.
A 2018 University of Chicago study concluded that rideshare services accounted for a 2-3% increase in the number of fatal crashes across the U.S. As rideshare driver numbers continue to climb, this percentage is expected to rise significantly.
Uber reported 0.87 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled in 2021-2022, up from 0.62 in the previous period. Lyft saw fatalities rise from 0.74 to 0.94 in the same timeframe.
42% of Uber-related fatalities involved vulnerable road users – 64% were pedestrians, 29% were motorcyclists, and 7% were scooter and bicycle riders.
Ridesharing contributed to a 1% increase in congestion on U.S. highways, with congestion time increasing by 4.5% due to rideshare vehicles.
Houston-Specific Rideshare Statistics
Houston has emerged as a major rideshare market with several dangerous hotspots:
- Houston experienced 312 fatal crashes in 2021, with 327 individuals losing their lives and 6,930 severe and minor injuries reported. Many of these involved rideshare vehicles.
- Over 65% of rideshare accidents in Texas occur when drivers are actively carrying passengers, meaning the most dangerous period is when you’re actually in the vehicle.
- Houston’s dangerous intersections and highways – including I-45, I-10, US 59/I-69, and the Sam Houston Parkway – see frequent rideshare accidents due to high traffic volume and driver distraction from app use.
These numbers represent real people whose lives were forever changed. At 713 Justice, we hold negligent rideshare drivers and companies accountable for the harm they cause.
Why Choose Our Houston Rideshare Accident Law Firm?
Proven Track Record in Uber & Lyft Cases
- Over 25 years serving Houston accident victims
- Extensive experience navigating complex rideshare insurance claims
- Deep understanding of Texas rideshare regulations and liability laws
- Known for aggressive advocacy against corporate insurance teams
- Successfully recovered millions for clients injured in Uber and Lyft accidents
We Understand Rideshare Insurance Complexity
Rideshare accidents involve multiple layers of insurance coverage that change based on the driver’s app status. Unlike typical car accidents, determining which insurance policy applies requires specialized knowledge. Our attorneys understand:
- The three periods of rideshare coverage and how they affect your claim
- How to identify all available insurance policies (driver’s personal insurance, Uber/Lyft corporate policies, and third-party insurance)
- Strategies insurance companies use to deny or minimize rideshare claims
- How to maximize compensation when multiple policies are involved
Local Houston Knowledge That Matters
Our Houston rideshare accident lawyers know the local landscape:
- Dangerous Houston rideshare accident hotspots and intersections
- Local Houston police departments and accident reporting procedures
- Harris County court systems and filing requirements
- Houston-area medical facilities and treatment providers
- Regional insurance company practices specific to Uber and Lyft claims
Common Types of Uber & Lyft Accidents in Houston
Our experienced rideshare accident attorneys handle all types of cases involving Uber and Lyft vehicles, including:
Passenger Injuries
If you were injured as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft vehicle due to the driver’s negligence or another driver’s actions, you’re entitled to compensation. Common passenger injury scenarios include:
- Distracted driving while using the rideshare app
- Speeding to complete more rides
- Reckless driving or aggressive maneuvers
- Failure to maintain the vehicle properly
- Drunk or impaired driving
Accidents Caused by Rideshare Drivers
When an Uber or Lyft driver causes an accident that injures other motorists, pedestrians, or cyclists, victims can pursue claims against both the driver and the rideshare company’s insurance.
Accidents Involving Rideshare Vehicles Caused by Third Parties
If another driver causes an accident involving your Uber or Lyft, multiple insurance policies may apply, including the at-fault driver’s insurance and Uber/Lyft’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Pedestrian and Cyclist Accidents
Rideshare drivers distracted by app notifications frequently strike pedestrians and cyclists. These cases often result in catastrophic injuries requiring maximum compensation.
Multi-Vehicle Collisions
Houston’s busy highways see frequent multi-vehicle accidents involving rideshare vehicles, requiring careful investigation to determine all liable parties.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
When a rideshare driver or another driver flees the scene, we help victims pursue compensation through Uber/Lyft’s uninsured motorist coverage and other available sources.
Pickup and Dropoff Accidents
Accidents occurring during passenger pickup or dropoff are common, often involving:
- Passenger injuries while entering or exiting the vehicle
- Door opening accidents injuring cyclists or other vehicles
- Accidents in parking lots or busy intersections
Texas Rideshare Accident Law You Need to Know: Texas House Bill 1733 (Effective January 1, 2016)
This landmark legislation established mandatory insurance requirements for rideshare companies operating in Texas, providing crucial protection for accident victims. Before this law, victims had extremely limited recovery options.
Understanding Texas Rideshare Insurance Coverage: The Three Critical Periods
Texas law requires rideshare companies to maintain specific insurance coverage levels depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. Understanding these “periods” is crucial to your case:
Period 0: App Off (Personal Insurance Only)
When the rideshare app is off and the driver is using their vehicle for personal purposes, only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies. This coverage must meet Texas minimums:
- $30,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $60,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 property damage liability per accident
Period 1: App On, Waiting for a Ride Request (Limited Rideshare Coverage)
When the driver has logged into the Uber or Lyft app and is waiting for a ride request, Texas law requires increased coverage:
- $50,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 property damage liability
Both Uber and Lyft provide “contingent coverage” during this period, meaning it kicks in only if the driver’s personal insurance denies the claim.
Period 2 & 3: En Route to Pick Up Passenger or Passenger in Vehicle (Full Rideshare Coverage)
Once the driver accepts a ride request (Period 2) or has a passenger in the vehicle (Period 3), comprehensive rideshare insurance coverage applies:
- $1,000,000 liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage per accident
- $1,000,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to protect against drivers with inadequate insurance
- Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage (Uber only, with $2,500 deductible)
This is when maximum insurance coverage is available, but insurance companies still fight these claims aggressively.
Common Injuries in Houston Uber & Lyft Accidents
Rideshare accidents can cause a full spectrum of injuries, from minor to catastrophic. Our Houston rideshare accident lawyers have extensive experience with all types of injuries:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Head injuries from rideshare accidents can cause concussions, skull fractures, brain bleeding, or permanent cognitive impairment requiring lifetime care.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Back and neck injuries including herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, or complete spinal cord damage resulting in paralysis. These catastrophic injuries require maximum compensation.
Broken Bones and Fractures
The force of vehicle collisions commonly causes complex fractures requiring multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation.
Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries
Rear-end collisions involving rideshare vehicles frequently cause neck strain, muscle damage, and ligament injuries that can cause chronic pain.
Internal Injuries
Damage to internal organs can be life-threatening and may not be immediately apparent after the accident.
Lacerations and Scarring
Serious cuts from glass, metal, or deployment of airbags can require reconstructive surgery and leave permanent scarring.
Psychological Trauma
PTSD, anxiety, and depression following serious rideshare accidents are compensable injuries that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Wrongful Death
Tragically, some rideshare accidents result in death. We represent families pursuing wrongful death and survival claims against responsible parties.
What to Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Houston
Immediate Steps After a Rideshare Accident
Ensure everyone’s safety – Move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries.
Call 911 immediately – Report the accident to Houston Police Department or Harris County Sheriff. Police documentation is critical for rideshare claims.
Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get examined by a doctor. Some injuries aren’t immediately apparent, and prompt medical documentation strengthens your claim.
Document everything – Take photos of all vehicles involved, visible injuries, the accident scene, traffic signals, road conditions, and any property damage. Video can be even more valuable.
Get driver and vehicle information – Record the rideshare driver’s name, license plate number, and insurance information. Take screenshots of your ride details in the Uber or Lyft app, including driver name, photo, and trip information.
Gather witness information – Get names, phone numbers, and contact information from anyone who witnessed the accident.
Report through the app – Use the Uber or Lyft app to report the accident to the rideshare company. This creates an official record, but don’t give detailed statements yet.
Preserve your phone and app data – Don’t delete the app or trip history. This information is crucial evidence.
Don’t sign anything or accept settlement offers – Rideshare insurance companies often try to get quick settlements before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Don’t sign releases or accept offers without consulting an attorney.
Contact 713 Justice immediately – The sooner we begin investigating your case, the better we can preserve evidence, identify all applicable insurance policies, and protect your rights against corporate legal teams.
The Value of Legal Representation: Why Lawyers Get Better Results
Statistics Show Represented Claimants Receive Higher Compensation
Research consistently demonstrates that accident victims who hire personal injury lawyers receive significantly more compensation than those who handle claims themselves:
- 3.5x Higher Settlements: According to Insurance Research Council studies, accident victims represented by attorneys receive settlements that are 3.5 times higher on average than those who settle without legal representation
- Better Results Even After Legal Fees: Even after paying attorney fees, represented claimants typically net more money than unrepresented victims
- Higher Success Rate: Lawyers successfully resolve claims in over 95% of cases, compared to much lower success rates for self-represented individuals
- Faster Resolution: Experienced attorneys often resolve cases more quickly by knowing how to navigate insurance company procedures and legal requirements
The Value of Legal Representation for Rideshare Accidents
Multiple insurance policies
Your case may involve the rideshare driver's personal insurance, Uber or Lyft's corporate policies, and third-party insurance, all with different coverage limits and requirements.
Complex liability issues
Determining the driver's app status at the time of the accident, understanding which period of coverage applies, and identifying all liable parties requires specialized knowledge.
Corporate legal teams
Uber and Lyft employ experienced attorneys and adjusters trained to minimize payouts. You need an attorney who can match their resources and expertise.
Evidence preservation
Rideshare companies may delete records, and critical app data can disappear. Immediate legal action is necessary to preserve evidence.
The Cost of Going It Alone
Unrepresented pedestrian accident victims often fall into common traps:
- Accepting quick, inadequate settlements before understanding the full extent of their injuries
- Undervaluing claims dramatically, leaving hundreds of thousands of dollars on the table
- Making damaging statements to insurance adjusters that are used against them
- Missing critical deadlines that can result in complete loss of the right to compensation
- Failing to properly document injuries and losses, resulting in reduced compensation
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a rideshare accident different from a regular car accident?
Rideshare accidents involve multiple insurance policies, complex coverage rules that depend on the driver's app status, corporate legal teams, and classification issues regarding driver employment status. These factors make rideshare cases significantly more complicated than typical car accidents.
What if the Uber or Lyft driver's insurance denies my claim?
This is common and exactly why Texas law requires rideshare companies to maintain backup insurance. Depending on the driver's app status at the time of the accident, Uber or Lyft's corporate insurance should provide coverage. We know how to navigate these denials and pursue all available coverage.
Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly?
While Uber and Lyft classify drivers as independent contractors, you can pursue claims against their insurance policies. In cases involving company negligence (such as inadequate background checks or maintaining dangerous drivers), direct claims against the companies may be possible.
What if I was a passenger in the rideshare vehicle?
As a passenger, you have strong legal protections. If the rideshare driver caused the accident, Uber or Lyft's $1 million liability policy should cover your injuries. If another driver caused the accident, you can pursue both that driver's insurance and the rideshare company's uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Types of Compensation Available in Texas Rideshare Accident Cases
Our Houston Uber and Lyft accident lawyers fight to recover full compensation for all your losses:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses – Emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, physical therapy, medications, assistive devices, and all future medical care
- Lost wages – Income lost due to time off work during recovery
- Lost earning capacity – Reduced ability to earn income in the future due to permanent injuries or disability
- Property damage – Damage to your vehicle or personal belongings
- Transportation costs – Rideshare expenses or vehicle rental while your car is being repaired
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering – Compensation for physical pain, discomfort, and the ongoing impact of your injuries
- Mental anguish and emotional distress – Psychological trauma, anxiety, depression, and PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life – Inability to participate in activities, hobbies, and experiences you once enjoyed
- Disfigurement and scarring – Permanent physical changes affecting your appearance
- Loss of consortium – Compensation for spouses who have lost companionship and support
Punitive Damages
In cases involving gross negligence – such as drunk driving, reckless behavior, or knowingly driving an unsafe vehicle – Texas law may allow for punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.