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We’re Here to Protect Your Legal Rights After an Uber Accident in Texas

Uber accident claims involve overlapping insurance policies, app-based liability tiers, and legal gray areas surrounding driver classification. Navigating these complexities—and ensuring your rights are fully protected—requires more than a general personal injury lawyer. It demands the insight of a seasoned Houston Uber accident lawyer with a proven track record in high-stakes litigation.

The Davis Law Group has resolved over 2,500 cases favorably, won over 100 jury trials, and received recognition in Texas Top Verdicts for five consecutive years. However, how we treat our clients truly sets us apart; to us, your case is not just a file. It represents your future, and we approach it with the compassion, integrity, and legal expertise it deserves.

Two cars have been in a collison and both front ends of the cars are totaled from hitting into each other.

Uber Accident Statistics in Houston

Rideshare usage in Houston continues to grow year after year, with Uber accounting for a significant portion of app-based transportation. However, as more rideshare vehicles flood the roadways, the risk of serious accidents also rises.

While Uber does not publish Houston-specific data, its U.S. Safety Report reveals that between 2021 and 2022, Uber vehicles were involved in 153 fatalities across 127 crashes nationwide. Of those killed:

  • 21% were riders
  • 21% were drivers
  • 58% were third parties, including pedestrians and cyclists

Notably, over 90% of these fatal Uber-related crashes occurred in urban areas, highlighting the added risks in densely populated metro regions like Houston.

Additionally, a University of Chicago study found that Uber and Lyft's arrival in U.S. cities correlated with a 2–3% annual increase in traffic fatalities—a concerning trend that equates to nearly 1,000 additional deaths per year nationwide.

As Houston continues to expand rideshare access, the need for legal protection in the event of an Uber-related accident becomes more critical. Knowing your rights- and the risks- whether you're a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian—can help ensure you're prepared if the unthinkable happens.

Where Uber Accidents Commonly Occur in Houston

  • Downtown Houston during nightlife hours
  • High-traffic zones like the Galleria and NRG Stadium
  • College campuses and school zones
  • Major highways such as I-45, I-10, and the 610 Loop

What Are Some Common Causes of Uber Accidents?

  • Distracted driving (navigation apps, passenger interaction)
  • Driver fatigue from long hours
  • Speeding or reckless behavior
  • Inexperience or lack of training
  • Driving under the influence
  • Unsafe pickups/drop-offs
  • Vehicle maintenance failures
  • Dangerous road conditions
  • Uber Accident Injuries
An uber driver is looking at his cell phone instead of the road while driving the car.

Uber Accident Injuries

Victims of Uber accidents may suffer a wide range of injuries, some with long-term consequences:

  • Whiplash and neck injuries
  • Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Spinal cord damage or herniated discs
  • Internal organ trauma
  • Psychological effects like PTSD, anxiety, or depression

Even injuries that seem minor at first can evolve into significant medical or legal issues without proper care.

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

Who Can Be Held Liable in an Uber Accident?

Determining liability in an Uber accident necessitates close examination of who was at fault and what the Uber driver was doing at the time of the crash.

Because Uber drivers are classified as independent contractors and not employees, Uber’s direct liability is limited; however, their insurance coverage still plays a critical role based on driver status within the app.

Driver App Status and Insurance Coverage

Uber’s insurance obligations vary depending on the driver's status at the time of the accident, as outlined in their official insurance policy:

  • Driver not logged into the Uber app: The driver is considered to be using their vehicle for personal reasons. In this case, their own personal auto insurance applies. Uber provides no coverage.
  • Driver logged in but has not accepted a ride: Uber provides contingent liability coverage, which includes up to $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. This coverage is secondary to the driver’s personal insurance.
  • Ride in progress or en route to pick up a passenger: Once a trip is accepted, Uber activates a $1 million commercial liability policy, which covers the driver, any passengers, and third parties involved in the crash. This policy includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, crucial in hit-and-run or minimal-coverage scenarios.

Other Potentially Liable Parties

In addition to the Uber driver or Uber itself (via insurance), other entities may share or bear full liability depending on the facts of the case:

  • Negligent Third-Party Drivers: If another driver caused or contributed to the accident, whether through speeding, distracted driving, DUI, or other reckless behavior, they may be primarily liable, and their insurance would be the first source of recovery. To reiterate, liability is governed under Texas’s comparative fault rule.
  • Vehicle or Parts Manufacturers: If a vehicle defect or mechanical failure (such as faulty brakes, airbags, or steering) caused the problem, the manufacturer or maintenance provider could be held liable under product liability law. Claims may fall under strict liability if the defect caused injury when the vehicle was used as intended.
  • Government Entities: When poor road conditions, missing signage, malfunctioning traffic signals, or unsafe street design contribute to an accident, a city or state agency may bear responsibility. These cases must comply with the Texas Tort Claims Act (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 101.101), which imposes specific notice requirements and damage caps for claims against government bodies.
  • Uber (in cases of gross negligence): Although Uber’s terms attempt to shield the company from direct liability, it may still be held accountable in rare instances involving negligent hiring or retention, such as allowing drivers with prior DUI convictions or a pattern of reckless behavior to remain active on the platform.
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Steps to Take After an Uber Accident

  1. Call 911 and get a police report
  2. Seek medical attention, even if symptoms seem minor
  3. Document the scene: photos, license plates, rideshare trip info
  4. Report the incident through the Uber app
  5. Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters until you consult a lawyer
  6. Contact Davis Law Group for a free case evaluation
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Why You Should Hire a Lawyer After an Uber Accident

Uber accident claims are not like those of typical car crashes. As such, you need a skilled attorney who will:

  • Identify all responsible parties (driver, Uber, third parties)
  • Access and interpret app logs and trip data
  • Navigate Uber’s tiered $1M insurance coverage under Texas Insurance Code § 1954
  • Challenge denial tactics used by insurers
  • Maximize your claim by calculating full damages, including future losses
  • Manage the legal complexities so that you can focus on recovery and rebuilding

Damages You May Be Entitled To

Depending on your case, you may be eligible for:

  • Medical expenses (past, current, and future)
  • Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional trauma or mental health treatment
  • Property damage
  • Long-term care or rehabilitation costs
  • Punitive damages (for gross negligence)
An image of a car accident taken from the backseat of one of the vehicles that has been totaled. It is taken at night through the window from the right backseat through the front driverside window. There is a totaled car with smoke coming from it.

Uber-Related Accidents

  • Passenger-involved crashes
  • Pedestrian or cyclist struck by Uber driver
  • Uber driver hit by another motorist
  • Hit-and-run involving a rideshare vehicle
  • Accidents caused by distracted or fatigued rideshare drivers
  • Uninsured or underinsured Uber driver claims

Serving Houston With Legal Excellence

At Davis Law Group, we deliver exactly that. Founding attorney Joshua P. Davis is Double Board Certified in both Personal Injury and Civil Trial Law, an elite distinction held by fewer than 1% of Texas attorneys. With nearly two decades of courtroom experience, including landmark victories in the Texas Supreme Court, Mr. Davis has led our firm in securing results for thousands of clients across Houston and beyond.

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FAQ

How long do I have to file a claim?

What if I was partially at fault?

What is the legal process like?

What does it cost to hire Davis Law Group?

Can I access Uber’s trip data to support my case?

Does Uber conduct background checks on its drivers?

What happens if the Uber driver was working for multiple platforms at the time of the accident?

Is there a cap on damages in Uber accident cases in Texas?

Do Uber’s safety policies apply to Uber Eats drivers?

Are passengers covered if the Uber driver is hit by an uninsured motorist?

How long do I have to file a claim?

You typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003).

What if I was partially at fault?

To reiterate, you can still recover damages if you are less than 51% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault.

What is the legal process like?

The process includes an initial consultation, investigation, evidence gathering, demand submission, negotiation, and, if needed, litigation. We’ll guide you through every step.

What does it cost to hire Davis Law Group?

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

Can I access Uber’s trip data to support my case?

Yes. Uber retains detailed trip data, including timestamps, GPS tracking, and driver activity. Upon request, this data can be obtained through formal legal channels like subpoenas or discovery. Uber outlines its data-sharing practices in its privacy policy.

Does Uber conduct background checks on its drivers?

Yes. Uber states that it conducts criminal and driving record background checks through third-party providers both at onboarding and on an annual basis (Uber Safety Guidelines). However, because background check systems vary by state, serious offenses can sometimes go undetected or unreported.

What happens if the Uber driver was working for multiple platforms at the time of the accident?

If a driver is logged into multiple rideshare or delivery apps (e.g., Uber and DoorDash), it may complicate liability. The key question is which app was active at the time of the ride request or transport. Only that platform’s insurance policy would typically apply. This situation may require forensic investigation of app usage logs.

Is there a cap on damages in Uber accident cases in Texas?

In most auto-related injury cases, Texas does not cap compensatory damages such as medical costs or lost income. However, punitive damages—awarded for gross negligence—are capped under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 41.008 at the greater of:

  • $200,000, or
  • Two times the amount of economic damages plus an amount equal to non-economic damages (up to $750,000)

Do Uber’s safety policies apply to Uber Eats drivers?

No. While Uber Eats drivers also use the Uber app, their insurance coverage and safety requirements can differ. Uber Eats does not always provide the $1 million commercial policy, especially when no delivery is in progress. Review Uber Eats coverage for more details.

Are passengers covered if the Uber driver is hit by an uninsured motorist?

Yes. Uber’s uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage applies when passengers ride in an Uber and the at-fault party is either uninsured or underinsured. This is part of Uber’s $1 million policy when a ride is active (Uber Insurance Overview).

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Let Us Fight for You After an Uber Accident

If you or someone you love has been injured in an Uber accident, don’t face the legal system alone. At Davis Law Group, a trusted Houston Uber accident attorney, we provide the skill, support, and compassion you need to move forward. Contact us today to book your case evaluation and learn more about your legal rights and options.

Joshua Davis

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