Davis Law Group: Protecting Your Rights After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Texas

Our firm is led by Joshua P. Davis, a Double Board Certified trial lawyer in both Personal Injury and Civil Trial Law, an honor held by less than 1% of attorneys in Texas. With nearly two decades of courtroom experience, Mr. Davis has built a legal team that delivers unmatched results and truly personal representation.

If you’re searching for a trusted Houston rideshare accident lawyer, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve handled over 2,500 successful cases, including precedent-setting wins in the Texas Supreme Court. Our verdicts have been recognized among the Top Verdicts in Texas for five consecutive years.

But we measure our success by more than numbers. Our client-first philosophy means you’re never treated like just another case. From the moment you contact us, you’ll receive honest, compassionate, and responsive legal support from a team that sees your humanity, not just your injuries. That’s why clients trust us, attorneys refer to us, and insurers respect us.

Your story matters. We’re here to ensure it’s heard and that justice is served.

A man is on a stretcher while two parametics help him. There is a car that has flipped in the background with smoke

Rideshare Accident Statistics in Houston & Nationwide

  • In 2021, Uber reported 101 fatalities in the U.S. involving Uber rides, with 94% occurring due to third-party driver fault (Uber Safety Report)
  • A study from the University of Chicago suggests that the introduction of rideshare services increased traffic fatalities by 2–3% in U.S. cities (UChicago News)
  • Texas Department of Transportation reported over 4,400 serious injury crashes in Harris County in 2023 (TxDOT Crash Records)—a significant portion involving rideshare or delivery services

Understanding Rideshare Accident Risks in Houston

Top Causes of Rideshare Accidents

  • Distracted driving (texting, navigation apps)
  • Driver fatigue
  • Speeding or reckless driving
  • Inexperienced or undertrained drivers
  • Poor vehicle maintenance
  • Hazardous road conditions or weather
  • Impaired driving
  • Failure to follow traffic laws

Where Rideshare Accidents Commonly Occur in Houston

  • Downtown and Midtown Houston (especially nightlife zones)
  • Interstates like I-45, I-10, and US-59
  • Around Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Hobby Airport
  • Near major venues like NRG Stadium, Toyota Center, and the Galleria
  • School zones and university areas (e.g., Rice University, UH, TSU)

Other Types of Rideshare-Related Accidents

  • Passenger-involved collisions
  • Rideshare driver injured on duty
  • Third-party motorists struck by a rideshare driver
  • Pedestrian or cyclist struck by a rideshare vehicle
  • Hit-and-run involving a rideshare vehicle
  • Rideshare vehicle malfunctions or failures

Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident

  • Call 911 and get a police report
  • Seek medical care even if symptoms are delayed
  • Document everything: take photos, gather witness info, screenshot ride details
  • Report the accident to Uber or Lyft through their apps
  • Do NOT speak to insurance adjusters until you consult with a lawyer
  • Contact Davis Law Group for a free consultation
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A person is taking a photo with their smart phone of a bloack car that has been totaled from a rideshare accident

Common Injuries in Rideshare Accidents

Because rideshare passengers often have no control over the vehicle and may be seated in the back without seatbelts, they are especially vulnerable during a collision. Even a seemingly minor accident can result in serious, long-lasting harm, both physical and emotional.

The injuries sustained in Uber and Lyft accidents can range widely in severity, but all deserve proper medical care, documentation, and legal attention. Some of the most common injuries we see in rideshare accident cases include:

  • Whiplash and neck injuries, which are often caused by sudden stops or rear-end collisions
  • Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), especially when passengers strike windows or seats
  • Broken bones and fractures, which are common in high-speed impacts or side collisions
  • Internal organ damage, which may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening
  • Spinal cord injuries, which can potentially result in chronic pain or long-term disability
  • PTSD, anxiety, and emotional distress, including fear of traveling or using rideshare services again

What Texas Laws Govern Rideshare Accidents?

Rideshare accidents in Texas are governed by state traffic laws, personal injury statutes, and specific insurance regulations that apply to Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft.

Texas Rideshare Insurance Requirements

In 2017, Texas enacted House Bill 100, establishing statewide rules for TNCs and mandating strict insurance coverage standards.

Under Texas Insurance Code § 1954, insurance coverage varies depending on the rideshare driver’s status at the time of the accident:

  • App off: The driver’s personal auto insurance applies.
  • App on, no passenger: The rideshare company must provide minimum coverage of $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
  • Passenger in vehicle or en route to pick-up: Uber and Lyft must provide at least $1 million in liability coverage, including uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

These thresholds ensure that victims—whether passengers, pedestrians, or other drivers—have a path to financial recovery depending on how the driver was operating at the time of the crash.

Fault and Comparative Negligence in Texas

Texas is a modified comparative fault state, governed by Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 33.001. This means that you can recover compensation even if you are partially at fault for the accident, so long as you are less than 51% responsible. Your recovery will be reduced in proportion to your share of fault.

Who May Be Liable in a Texas Rideshare Accident?

Potentially liable parties in a rideshare accident include:

  • The rideshare driver
  • Another negligent driver, if they have insurance
  • Uber or Lyft, if the accident resulted from negligent hiring, poor safety enforcement, or a failure to act on driver misconduct
  • Vehicle manufacturers or maintenance companies, if a mechanical failure contributed to the crash

A city or state agency may be partially liable if poor road conditions, faulty traffic signals, or improper signage contributed to the crash. These cases involve strict notice and filing rules under the Texas Tort Claims Act (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 101.101).

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Potential Compensation

Depending on your injuries and losses, you may be eligible to recover:

  • Medical expenses (ER, surgery, rehab, etc.)
  • Lost income or earning potential
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress or PTSD treatment
  • Vehicle repair or replacement
  • Long-term care costs
  • Punitive damages (in extreme negligence or DUI cases)
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Why Hire a Lawyer for a Rideshare Accident in Houston?

Rideshare accident claims are much more complicated than standard car accident cases. They involve multiple parties and various insurance policies, and the rideshare companies are equipped with aggressive legal teams and extensive corporate resources. Without experienced representation, victims risk being underpaid, delayed, or outright denied the compensation they are entitled to.

An experienced rideshare accident attorney in Houston can:

  • Determine the liable parties, including the Uber or Lyft driver, another negligent motorist, the rideshare company, or even third-party manufacturers or municipalities
  • Navigate the insurance tiers, understanding when and how Uber/Lyft’s $1 million commercial policy applies depending on the driver’s status in the app
  • Gather crucial evidence from dashcam footage and rideshare logs to medical records, police reports, and eyewitness testimony
  • Negotiate with insurers who may attempt to downplay injuries, shift blame, or offer low settlements that don’t reflect the full extent of your damages
  • Build a compelling case supported by expert testimony, financial projections, and accident reconstruction when necessary

Our legal team also helps you avoid common pitfalls, such as giving recorded statements to insurers, missing deadlines, or inadvertently compromising your case by misunderstanding Texas fault laws.

Notable Verdicts & Settlements

Walker-Sanneh v. Lewis
$114,912.59 Judgment following 2-day Jury Trial

Luna v. Steele
$164,139 Verdict

Sanders v The Boeing Co.
Supreme Court of Texas

Agredanos v State Farm Lloyds
US Court of Appeals, 5th Circuit

FAQ

What are your fees?

What is the Legal Process?

What if I was injured while getting in or out of a rideshare vehicle?

Can I recover damages if I wasn’t wearing a seatbelt in the back seat?

What if the rideshare driver fled the scene (hit and run)?

I was a pedestrian hit by an Uber. Can I still file a claim?

How is compensation calculated for rideshare accidents?

Can I file a claim if I was in a non-Uber car hit by a rideshare vehicle?

What happens if the rideshare driver was uninsured or underinsured?

What if my injuries didn’t show up until days after the accident?

What are your fees?

We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront; we only get paid if we win your case.

What is the Legal Process?

The legal process typically begins with a free consultation, followed by an investigation into the accident, gathering evidence and medical records, and submitting a demand to the insurance companies. If a fair settlement isn’t reached, your attorney may file a lawsuit, proceed through discovery (exchanging evidence), and possibly take the case to trial.

What if I was injured while getting in or out of a rideshare vehicle?

Accidents and injuries that occur during entry or exit from an Uber or Lyft may still be covered under the company’s insurance, especially if the driver was logged into the app and actively facilitating the ride. You may also be able to file a premises liability claim if a hazard on the pickup/drop-off property contributed to your injury.

Can I recover damages if I wasn’t wearing a seatbelt in the back seat?

Yes, but your compensation could be reduced if not wearing a seatbelt contributed to the severity of your injuries. However, depending on the full circumstances, you may still have a valid claim.

What if the rideshare driver fled the scene (hit and run)?

Uber and Lyft’s insurance policies include uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which can apply in hit-and-run cases if the rideshare driver was logged in and active. Our firm can help you pursue this coverage and investigate the responsible party.

I was a pedestrian hit by an Uber. Can I still file a claim?

Absolutely. If the driver was at fault and logged into the app, you may be covered under Uber or Lyft’s commercial liability insurance. Pedestrian-related rideshare claims are treated similarly to passenger claims, depending on the driver’s app status at the time of the accident.

How is compensation calculated for rideshare accidents?

Compensation depends on several factors, including medical costs, lost income, severity of injuries, long-term impact, and pain and suffering. Your Davis Law Group attorney will also consider insurance limits, available evidence, and any shared fault to calculate a fair claim value.

Can I file a claim if I was in a non-Uber car hit by a rideshare vehicle?

Yes. If a rideshare driver caused the accident and was logged into the app, you may be covered by Uber or Lyft’s insurance, even if you weren’t a passenger. Our firm can determine which insurance policies apply and pursue compensation on your behalf.

What happens if the rideshare driver was uninsured or underinsured?

Uber and Lyft provide $1 million in UM/UIM coverage when the app is active and a ride is in progress. If an uninsured or underinsured rideshare driver injures you during an official trip, you’re likely still covered under the company’s policy.

What if my injuries didn’t show up until days after the accident?

It’s common for injuries like whiplash, soft tissue damage, or concussions to appear hours or days later. Seek medical attention as soon as you notice symptoms and notify your attorney. A delay in treatment won’t automatically bar your claim, but medical documentation is key to proving your injuries were related to the accident.

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Get Help from a Top Houston Rideshare Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one has been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, don’t go through it alone. At Davis Law Group, we’ll help you shoulder the burden and fight for the justice you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and learn more about your legal options.

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