Rideshare Accidents in Texas: Uber and Lyft Insurance Explained

Car Accidents · Liz Valdez Garza · 2026-10-22

Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are part of daily life across the Valley. When a rideshare vehicle is involved in a crash, though, the insurance picture is more complicated than a typical accident — because coverage depends on what the driver was doing in the app at the moment of the crash.

The three periods that matter

Texas law sets insurance requirements for transportation network companies (TNCs) based on the driver's status:

  • App off. The driver is just a regular driver. Their personal auto policy applies.
  • App on, waiting for a ride request. Required coverage includes liability of at least $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident and $25,000 for property damage.
  • Ride accepted or passenger in the car. Required liability coverage rises to at least $1,000,000.

That's why one of the first things to find out is whether the app was on, and whether a trip was in progress.

If you were a passenger

Passengers are usually in the strongest position. If you were injured during a trip, the higher coverage period generally applies. If another driver caused the crash, you may have claims against that driver's insurance as well.

If a rideshare driver hit you

If you were in another car, on a motorcycle or on foot, your claim may be against the rideshare driver's personal policy or the TNC's coverage, depending on the app status. Rideshare companies and insurers sometimes dispute which policy applies, so documenting the facts early matters.

If you're a rideshare driver who was hurt

Drivers are usually treated as independent contractors, not employees, so workers' comp typically doesn't apply. If another driver caused the crash, you can make a claim against that driver. Your own policy and any coverage you have through the app may also matter.

What to do after a rideshare crash

  1. Call 911 and get medical care.
  2. Take screenshots of the trip in the app — the driver, the route and the time.
  3. Get the driver's personal insurance information as well.
  4. Report the crash in the app.
  5. Get witness information and photos.
  6. Talk to an attorney before speaking with the rideshare company's insurer.

If you were hurt and have questions, Attorney Liz Valdez Garza can help. Call 866-LA-LEONA for a free consultation, or use the case review form on this page. Hablamos español.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who pays if I'm hurt as an Uber or Lyft passenger?

Generally the rideshare company's required coverage during an active trip, which in Texas includes at least $1,000,000 in liability coverage. Another at-fault driver's insurance may also apply.

Why does it matter if the app was on?

Texas insurance requirements for rideshare drivers change depending on whether the app was off, on and waiting, or on an active trip.

Valdez Garza Law Firm, P.C. · 1105 East 6th Street, Brownsville, TX 78520 · 866-LA-LEONA (866) 525-3662