In a city as expansive and fast-paced as Houston, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft offer unmatched convenience. But when these vehicles are involved in a crash, what begins as a simple trip can quickly spiral into a complicated legal situation.
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident—whether as a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver, you may be dealing with costly medical bills, lost wages, pressure from insurance adjusters, and anxiety about your future all at once.
A Houston Rideshare Accident Lawyer with AP Law Group can help you. We have helped residents injured in Houston car accidents secure maximum compensation for their injuries and losses, including complex cases involving rideshare insurance policies and multiple parties.
When you work with AP Law Group, we take the time to understand what you are going through. We know you have a lot at stake in choosing the right lawyer. That is a responsibility we take to heart, and it’s what makes us fight relentlessly for the best possible outcome for your case.
Key Takeaways
- Rideshare accidents involve complex legal and insurance issues that are often more challenging than other car accident cases.
- Injured passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers may be entitled to compensation if the accident was caused by negligence.
- Liability depends on whether the driver was using the app at the time of the crash.
- Prompt legal help can protect your rights and strengthen your case.
- Early documentation and consistent medical care are essential to your claim.
- A Houston Uber or Lyft lawyer can fight for maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
How Rideshare Accidents Are Changing Houston’s Roads
Houston’s love affair with rideshare apps continues to grow. With Uber, Lyft, and other services dominating the transportation space, rideshare vehicles now account for a significant portion of daily traffic in areas like Downtown, Midtown, The Galleria, and the Energy Corridor.
While these services are convenient, they also bring a unique set of risks:
- Drivers often rush to complete more rides.
- Many navigate unfamiliar streets or multitask with GPS and app notifications.
- Rideshare companies structure their business models in ways that complicate liability.
More rideshare vehicles on the road means more accidents and more rideshare crash victims who need clear legal answers.
What Is Considered a Rideshare Accident?
Not every car crash involving an app-based driver is treated the same. If the driver was operating through a rideshare platform like Uber or Lyft, your case could involve multiple insurance policies and parties.
Here are common rideshare accident scenarios:
- You were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft when another car hit you
- A rideshare driver hit your vehicle, or injured you as a pedestrian or cyclist
- The rideshare driver caused the accident while actively transporting a passenger or while logged into the app
Liability in these cases often hinges on whether the driver was “on the clock.” If the app was on and the driver was picking up or transporting a passenger, the rideshare company’s commercial insurance might apply, but only if the driver’s personal auto insurance denies or does not cover the claim. Even then, don’t assume this coverage will be offered willingly. If you’ve been injured in a rideshare, providers often deny or delay legitimate claims.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Houston
Rideshare drivers are subject to the same rules as everyone else on the road, but the demands of the job increase their risk of making dangerous mistakes. Here’s what we most often see in cases involving rideshare accidents across Houston:
Distracted driving
Rideshare drivers constantly use smartphones for navigation, ride requests, and communication. Looking away from the road for even a few seconds, especially in high-traffic zones like the 610 Loop or I-45, can lead to a crash.
Fatigued drivers
Many rideshare drivers work long shifts, sometimes for multiple platforms. Fatigue impairs judgment and slows reaction time, making an already risky job even more dangerous.
Unsafe pickups and drop-offs
Stopping abruptly on crowded roads, especially in areas such as Westheimer, Downtown, or near Houston's nightlife zones, can put both passengers and nearby drivers at risk. A sudden stop in a no-standing zone or across multiple lanes can cause serious harm.
Aggressive or rushed driving
Incentive-based pay systems encourage drivers to complete more trips, often leading to reckless behavior like speeding, running red lights, or failing to yield.
Unfamiliar routes
Out-of-town or new drivers may not know Houston’s roadways well, especially when navigating complex highway systems like the Katy Freeway or Spur 527.
Common Injuries From Rideshare Accidents
The force of a rideshare accident can cause serious injuries, especially if you were sitting in the back seat, where crash protection is weaker. These are some of the most common injuries we see among our rideshare accident clients:
Neck and spine injuries
Rear-end collisions frequently cause whiplash, herniated discs, and other spinal trauma that may require extensive treatment or surgery.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Even a mild TBI or concussion can lead to long-term complications. More serious TBIs may involve permanent loss of function or cognitive challenges.
Fractures and orthopedic trauma
Broken bones, especially in the wrists, ribs, and legs, can result from impact with the vehicle interior or airbag deployment.
Internal injuries
Injuries to organs like the lungs, liver, or spleen may not show symptoms right away but can be life-threatening if untreated.
Psychological injuries
Anxiety, PTSD, and depression are common among crash victims, especially those who were passengers with no control over the situation.
Who Can Be Held Responsible?
Determining who is legally responsible for your injuries depends on the details of the crash. Texas law allows you to seek compensation from one or more liable parties, including:
- The rideshare driver, if they were negligent
- Another motorist, if their actions caused the crash
- The rideshare company, if the driver was active in the app
- A third-party (like a vehicle manufacturer or road maintenance contractor) if mechanical failure or road hazards contributed to the crash
A unique aspect of rideshare accidents is the presence of multi-tiered insurance policies. Companies like Uber and Lyft provide $1 million in liability coverage, but only under certain conditions.
Identifying all liable parties and enforcing the right coverage takes legal insight and strong evidence. Who is liable in rideshare accidents often depends on the driver’s status, app activity, and the actions of other parties involved. That’s where having a rideshare accident lawyer in Houston becomes invaluable.
Evidence That Can Help Your Claim
Every successful claim starts with the right documentation. If you’re recovering from a rideshare accident, these are the key types of evidence your lawyer will use to support your case:
- Police crash reports that identify fault or contributing factors
- Ride app logs showing driver status at the time of the crash
- Surveillance footage or dash cam videos
- Medical records linking your injuries to the crash
- Statements from eyewitnesses or passengers
- Photos of the scene, vehicle damage, or road conditions
Gathering this evidence quickly is critical. Rideshare companies and their insurers often begin their investigations immediately, and always with an eye toward minimizing what they owe. Our legal team will move fast to preserve your claim and protect your rights. If you're wondering how long do you have to file a claim, Texas law generally gives you two years—but acting early can make a real difference.
Damages You May Be Able to Recover
If you've been injured in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to recover a range of damages—financial and non-financial—that reflect the true impact of the crash on your life. These aren't just numbers on paper; they’re about restoring your health, independence, and peace of mind.
Medical expenses
From emergency care to physical therapy, your claim may include all medical bills directly related to the crash, including future treatment needs.
Lost wages and reduced income
If your injuries forced you to miss work or have limited your ability to earn a living, those lost wages can be calculated into your claim. Long-term or permanent disabilities can also support claims for diminished earning capacity.
Pain and suffering
This includes physical pain, emotional distress, mental health complications, and any loss in your ability to enjoy life as you did before the crash.
Property damage
If your personal property, such as a car, phone, or glasses, was damaged in the accident, the cost of repairs or replacements may be part of your claim.
Out-of-pocket expenses
From travel to medical appointments to medical equipment or home modifications, anything you've paid because of the accident can potentially be reimbursed.
The Insurance Maze: Why These Claims Are So Complicated
Rideshare accident claims involve more layers of insurance than standard car wrecks. Here’s a simplified breakdown of what might apply:
- The driver was logged off the app – Only the driver’s personal insurance applies.
- The driver was logged into the app but waiting on a ride – Limited third-party liability from the rideshare company may apply.
- The driver was en route to pick up or transport a passenger – $1 million in liability coverage may apply from Uber or Lyft.
But just because the coverage exists doesn’t mean the insurer will make it easy for you. These companies employ large teams whose job is to find loopholes, shift blame, or pressure you into low settlements.
That’s where having AP Law Group on your side makes all the difference. Our Uber accident lawyers in Houston will handle the insurance negotiations, documentation, and strategy, so you’re not stuck trying to decode policy language or battle adjusters on your own.
What To Do After a Rideshare Accident in Houston
If you haven’t yet been evaluated by a medical professional, do so as soon as possible. Some injuries take hours or even days to appear, and waiting too long may give the insurance company room to argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident.
If you received medical attention and you’re still recovering, your time and energy are likely limited. It’s also a good reason to hire an experienced Houston rideshare accident lawyer who will look after your rights and interests while you focus on recovering.
There are still some things you may be able to do to safeguard your rights and the value of your claim, including taking the following measures.
- Hire a lawyer – The sooner you speak with a Houston rideshare accident lawyer, the better. An attorney can begin gathering time-sensitive evidence, communicate with insurance companies on your behalf, and ensure your claim is properly valued from the start.
- Keep all medical appointments and follow your treatment plan – Gaps in your medical care can weaken your case. Insurance adjusters often use missed appointments or delayed follow-ups to argue that your injuries aren’t serious or are unrelated to the accident.
- Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters – Insurance companies may try to reach you before you talk to a lawyer. Their mission is to settle your claim quickly, before you work with a lawyer to understand its true worth. Whenever an insurance company calls, politely refer them to your lawyer.
- Write or video journal your recovery experience – Document how you’re feeling, what daily tasks have become difficult, and how the accident has affected your sleep, work, relationships, and quality of life. A personal record can provide compelling insight into your pain and suffering.
- Preserve evidence – If you have any photos or video of the accident scene, your injuries, damage to all vehicles, the accident scene, or anything else that seems relevant to the crash, be sure to back them up and take them to your lawyer.
At AP Law Group, we move quickly to protect your rights and build a strong foundation for your claim, so you don’t have to worry about whether anything is slipping through the cracks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can file a claim after a rideshare accident in Houston?
Anyone injured in a rideshare crash may be eligible—this includes passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, other drivers, or even rideshare drivers themselves, depending on the circumstances.
What if the rideshare driver was not at fault?
You may still have a claim against another at-fault driver. In some cases, multiple parties share fault, and you may be entitled to compensation from more than one insurance provider.
How long do I have to file a claim in Texas?
In Texas, the personal injury statute of limitations generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Filing a lawsuit after an Uber or Lyft accident requires prompt action—evidence disappears quickly, and early legal steps can make a real difference in the outcome of your claim.
What if I was partially at fault for the rideshare accident?
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partly at fault for the accident, as long as you are not more than 50% responsible. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. Because fault percentages can be disputed and significantly impact your payout, it’s especially important to work with a Houston rideshare attorney who can defend you against undue attempts to fault you for the accident.
Why Hire AP Law Group?
Rideshare accident cases require more than general legal knowledge. They demand a firm that understands the nuances of app-based liability, Houston traffic realities, and the medical challenges injury victims face. If you’re asking, “Should I get a lawyer?”—the answer is yes. These cases are complex, and experienced legal help can protect your rights and maximise your claim.
At AP Law Group, we bring compassion and grit to every case. Founding attorney Arsha Pourghaffar was born and raised in the Houston area and has built his career on helping people whose lives have been disrupted by serious accidents. Our team works closely with you, keeping you informed and involved—never pushed aside or treated like a file number.
We don’t just prepare your case—we prepare for trial, even if we’re negotiating a settlement. That means better leverage, stronger arguments, and a clear advantage when it matters most.
Contact a Houston Rideshare Accident Lawyer Today
You’ve been injured. You’re in pain. And right now, you need more than promises. You need action.
At AP Law Group, we take the stress of a rideshare claim off your plate and replace it with a clear plan. You don’t have to wonder whether the insurance company is giving you the runaround. You don’t have to guess about the next steps. And you don’t have to let big corporations dictate your recovery.
Let us fight for the full compensation you deserve. Insurance companies know that, as trial lawyers, we are prepared to take your case to court if necessary. While being prepared for trial is usually enough to settle claims fairly and efficiently, there are still some times insurance companies refuse to settle fairly. We are fully prepared to argue your case before a judge or jury if that’s what it takes to secure your full and fair compensation. Call AP Law Group at (713) 913-4627 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation with a Houston rideshare accident lawyer today. There’s no fee unless we win your case.