Do I Need To Hire An Attorney?

Hiring a rideshare accident attorney in Houston is critical in order to receive the highest possible recovery that is available to you without any undue delay. Many people injured as the result of the negligence of a third party might be reluctant to hire a lawyer. This is because people do not want to have to spend money unnecessarily if they feel that a personal injury claim might be something that they could handle themselves. In Texas, the standard method of payment for a personal injury attorney is through what is called a contingency fee. This means that a personal injury lawyer won’t ever send you a bill, invoice, or receipt. The lawyer would get paid by taking a percentage of whatever the recovery is. That is the case if the recovery is through a settlement or through a jury trial.

 If, for whatever reason, there is no recovery, then you would not have to pay the lawyer anything. The statute of limitation to recover for an injury or death resulting from negligence is only two years. You only have two years to pursue a recovery from a negligent party. Insurance will delay investigating the claim, taking reasonable efforts to respond to you timely, and give you an appropriate response to your claim until this limitation expires. Hiring an experienced Texas personal injury attorney will ensure that the insurance companies take you and your claim seriously. If the insurance companies are not willing to cooperate, then a lawyer can file a lawsuit to make certain that they do so.

Crashed front end of a red car

Navigating the Legal Landscape: Ride Share Accident Defense in Texas

The State of Texas has enacted what is called the Transportation Network Companies Act which has rules to regulate rideshare companies in Texas. In addition to regulating them, the Act defines rideshare drivers as independent contractors instead of employees of the rideshare company they are driving for. This has essentially eliminated the ability to automatically have the company that these drivers work for be liable. In order for an injured party to hold these companies liable now, you must be able to articulate a legal theory of liability against them to say what they did wrong and why they should be liable for the injury. This is what an experienced Texas personal injury attorney is for. In light of changes in the laws, it is important to hire a lawyer to seek all potential and available causes of action to get you closer to your recovery.

Texas Rideshare Insurance Laws

Rideshare drivers in Texas are required to carry specific insurance coverage depending on their activity at the time of an accident. These laws are designed to protect both drivers and passengers—but navigating them can be confusing. Understanding where you fall within these coverage periods is essential to pursuing a successful claim. At Perdue & Kidd, we help rideshare accident victims understand how insurance applies to their case.

Texas rideshare insurance requirements include:

  • App off: The driver’s personal insurance applies.
  • App on, no passenger matched: Minimum coverage of $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.
  • Passenger matched or in vehicle: Rideshare company must provide at least $1 million in liability coverage.
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What Should I Do if I’m Involved in a Rideshare Accident?

If you're involved in a rideshare accident as a passenger, knowing what to do can protect your health and your legal rights. Here’s what you should do if your rideshare car gets into an accident:

  • Check for injuries and seek immediate medical attention if needed.
  • Call 911 to report the accident and get an official police report.
  • Document the scene with photos of the vehicles, location, and any visible injuries.
  • Get contact and insurance information from all drivers involved, including your rideshare driver.
  • Report the accident to the rideshare company through their app.
  • Avoid giving statements to insurance adjusters without legal advice.
  • Contact Perdue & Kidd to discuss your options and protect your right to compensation.

What Compensation Can I Receive for My Rideshare Accident?

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to compensation for more than just your medical bills. At Perdue & Kidd, our team works to recover the full value of your losses—both economic and non-economic—so you’re not left paying the price for someone else’s negligence.

Compensation may include:

  • Medical expenses (past and future)
  • Lost income and reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Property damage
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

The exact amount you can recover depends on the details of your case, including the severity of your injuries and the available insurance coverage.

Jim Perdue Jr, Houston Attorney

Contact The Personal Injury Lawyers Of Perdue & Kidd in Houston

When you or a loved one has been injured, you need to take action to secure the compensation you need and ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable for the harm done to you. Our rideshare accident lawyers in Houston are skilled and capable of ensuring that your rights are respected. To schedule a free initial consultation

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Rideshare Accidents FAQs

How long do I have to file a rideshare accident claim in Houston?

What makes rideshare accidents difficult?

Are Uber/Lyft drivers liable in these car accidents?

Can I sue a rideshare company as a passenger?

How do insurance companies try to deny rideshare accident claims?

How long do I have to file a rideshare accident claim in Houston?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim—including those involving rideshare accidents—is typically two years from the date of the crash. Missing this deadline could mean losing your right to compensation, so it's important to contact our team as soon as possible.

What makes rideshare accidents difficult?

Rideshare accidents often involve multiple parties—the driver, the rideshare company, other motorists, and several insurance policies. Sorting out liability and insurance coverage can be complicated without legal guidance, especially when companies like Uber or Lyft try to distance themselves from fault.

Are Uber/Lyft drivers liable in these car accidents?

Yes, rideshare drivers can be held personally liable if their negligence caused the accident. However, whether the driver’s personal insurance or the rideshare company’s policy applies depends on their status at the time of the crash (i.e., whether they were logged into the app or had an active ride).

Can I sue a rideshare company as a passenger?

In certain cases, yes. While Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, their corporate insurance policies may still provide coverage. If the company’s negligence contributed to the accident—such as through unsafe hiring practices—you may have grounds to sue.

How do insurance companies try to deny rideshare accident claims?

Insurance companies may try to shift blame, minimize your injuries, or argue that their policy doesn’t apply due to the driver’s status. They often use confusing fine print and delay tactics to wear down victims. At Perdue & Kidd, our attorneys know how to counter these strategies and protect your claim.

Record. Reputation. Results.Let Us Fight For You.

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