Rideshare Accidents: Can You Sue Uber or Lyft for Injuries?

Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft have transformed how people move around El Paso, offering convenient, on-demand transportation. But what happens if you’re injured in an accident involving one of these vehicles? Can you sue Uber or Lyft for your injuries?

The answer is yes, you may be able to sue Uber or Lyft for injuries—but it depends on several factors including the driver’s status and the cause of the accident. Even if you can’t sue the company directly, their insurance policy often provides a path to compensation.

Working with a skilled rideshare accident lawyer at The Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin gives you the best chance of securing a fair settlement and holding the right parties accountable.

Understanding Liability in Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare companies operate differently from traditional taxi services. Their drivers are classified as independent contractors, not employees. This distinction creates complications when determining who is legally responsible after an accident.

Here are the potential at-fault parties:

• The rideshare driver
• Another driver involved in the crash
• Uber or Lyft (under limited conditions)
• A third party (e.g., pedestrian, cyclist, road contractor)

An experienced El Paso Lyft accident lawyer can evaluate the details of your case and identify the liable parties to pursue full compensation.

When Can You Sue Uber or Lyft Directly?

Generally, Uber and Lyft try to shield themselves from direct liability by classifying their drivers as independent contractors. However, there are certain cases where you may be able to sue the company itself:

• Negligent Hiring or Background Checks: If Uber or Lyft failed to properly screen a dangerous driver.
• App Malfunction: If technical issues with the app caused or contributed to the crash.
• Inadequate Safety Policies: If corporate negligence allowed known risks to persist.
• Insurance Issues: If the rideshare company fails to maintain the required insurance coverage.

Even when you can’t sue the company directly, you may still be covered by their $1 million liability policy, depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.

Uber and Lyft Insurance Coverage Breakdown

Understanding insurance coverage is critical in rideshare cases. Both Uber and Lyft provide coverage that changes based on the driver’s status:

1. Driver Logged Out (Offline)

• The rideshare company provides no coverage.
• The driver’s personal insurance applies.

2. Driver Logged In, Waiting for a Ride

• Uber/Lyft provides limited liability coverage:
  • $50,000 per person for bodily injury
  • $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
  • $25,000 for property damage

3. Ride Accepted or Passenger in Car

• Uber/Lyft provides up to $1 million in liability insurance.
• This may include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
• Applies to passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians injured in the crash.

Common Injuries in Rideshare Accidents

Just like other auto collisions, Uber and Lyft accidents can cause a range of injuries:

• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
• Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Back and spinal cord injuries
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Psychological trauma (e.g., PTSD)

The nature of your injuries can significantly impact your compensation. Documenting all medical care and hiring a rideshare accident lawyer in El Paso is crucial to building your case.

Who Can File a Claim After an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Several types of victims may be eligible to seek compensation:

• Rideshare passengers injured during a trip
• Other drivers hit by a rideshare vehicle
• Pedestrians or cyclists struck by an Uber/Lyft driver
• Rideshare drivers injured by another motorist

If you’re unsure whether you have a case, consult an experienced El Paso Uber accident lawyer to discuss your rights.

Damages You Can Recover

In Texas, you may be entitled to recover damages such as:

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

In cases of gross negligence, punitive damages may also apply.

Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident in El Paso

Knowing what to do after a crash is essential to protect your health and your legal rights:

1. Call 911: Always report the accident and seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor.
2. Document the Scene: Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, injuries, and rideshare app screens.
3. Collect Information: Get contact info from the rideshare driver, other drivers, and witnesses. Note the vehicle details and rideshare company.
4. Save Ride Receipts: Screenshots of the app showing the trip status (e.g., “on a trip”) can help prove coverage.
5. Contact a Rideshare Accident Lawyer in El Paso: Insurance companies may try to downplay your injuries or deny coverage. Having a lawyer ensures you have someone protecting your interests.

Should You Get a Lawyer After an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Yes—rideshare accident cases are complex and require legal knowledge to navigate the insurance layers and prove liability. A seasoned attorney can:

• Gather evidence and investigate the crash
• Deal with Uber/Lyft and their insurance carriers
• Calculate the full value of your claim
• Negotiate a settlement or file a lawsuit if needed

Don’t face the system alone. An Uber accident lawyer in El Paso knows how to fight back against the tactics insurers use to minimize payouts.

Can You File a Lawsuit Against the Rideshare Driver?

Yes, in cases where the rideshare driver was at fault—especially if they were negligent, speeding, driving under the influence, or distracted.

The driver’s personal or commercial policy may apply, or Uber/Lyft’s coverage may kick in depending on the circumstances.

A lawsuit might be the best path if:

• The insurer denies your claim
• The settlement offer is too low
• You suffered serious, life-altering injuries

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in Texas?

Texas law sets a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This means you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.

However, acting early is essential to:

• Preserve evidence
• Interview witnesses while memories are fresh
• Build the strongest case possible

What Makes Rideshare Claims Different from Regular Car Accident Claims?

Here’s how rideshare cases differ:

• Multiple layers of insurance
• Involvement of a third-party company (Uber/Lyft)
• Ambiguity over driver status
• Complex liability determinations
• Potential app-based evidence (GPS logs, trip data)

These differences require the help of a rideshare accident lawyer in El Paso who is familiar with these nuances and how to hold all parties accountable.

What If You’re Partially at Fault?

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover compensation if you’re less than 51% at fault—but your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example:

• You’re 20% at fault
• Your damages are $100,000
• You can recover $80,000

An attorney can help dispute fault and maximize your compensation.

Uber and Lyft’s Response to Accident Claims

Uber and Lyft are often quick to deny responsibility or refer claims to third-party insurers. They may argue that:

• The driver wasn’t logged into the app
• The app status makes them exempt
• You weren’t actually injured
• The accident wasn’t their fault

Don’t fall for these tactics. A knowledgeable El Paso rideshare accident lawyer will know how to respond and hold the rideshare company accountable.

What If the At-Fault Driver Has No Insurance?

If a driver without insurance causes your rideshare accident, you still have options:

• Uber/Lyft may provide uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage
• You may be able to file a claim under your own UM/UIM policy
• A lawsuit against the driver personally may be an option

Need Legal Help After a Rideshare Accident?

The Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC is here for you. We have decades of experience helping accident victims get the compensation they deserve—and we understand the complex nature of Uber and Lyft claims.

Call (915) 333-3333 or contact us online for a free consultation with a compassionate and skilled rideshare accident lawyer in El Paso. Let us fight for your rights while you focus on recovery.

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Michael J. Gopin

Michael J. Gopin has practiced law in El Paso since 1987. Even after more than 30 years, he still remembers his first jury case. It was two weeks after receiving his license, when he represented a person whose life had been forever changed after being blinded in a work-related incident...