Rideshare and taxi accidents have become increasingly common as services like Uber and Lyft expand across San Antonio. Whether you were a passenger in a rideshare vehicle that was involved in a crash, a driver struck by an Uber or Lyft driver, or a pedestrian hit by a rideshare car, the question of which insurance policy covers you — and for how much — is genuinely complicated. These cases sit at the intersection of personal auto insurance, commercial rideshare insurance, and company liability policies, and the answer changes depending on what phase of the ride the driver was in when the crash occurred.
Texas law (Tex. Occup. Code Chapter 2402) and the platforms' own insurance structures create a tiered system: when a Lyft or Uber driver has the app off, their personal auto policy applies. When the app is on but no ride is accepted, minimum rideshare coverage applies. When a passenger is in the car (or a ride is accepted), the company's $1 million liability policy is active. Knowing which phase the driver was in — and proving it — is a critical task in these cases. Rideshare companies do not volunteer this information easily.
The Garza Law Firm has handled rideshare and taxi accident claims across San Antonio. We know how to navigate the layered insurance structures, obtain app-status records from Uber and Lyft, and ensure our clients receive the full coverage they are entitled to under the applicable policies.
Key Facts About Taxi & Rideshare Accidents in Texas
When a rideshare driver has a passenger in the vehicle or has accepted a trip, Uber and Lyft each maintain $1,000,000 in third-party liability coverage under Texas law.
When a rideshare driver has the app on but is waiting for a ride request, coverage drops dramatically — Uber and Lyft provide only $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident / $25,000 property damage in this 'app-on, no ride' phase.
Texas requires Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft to maintain insurance coverage records and make them available in the event of an accident — but accessing these records often requires legal pressure.
Traditional taxi companies are required to carry commercial auto insurance as licensed carriers in San Antonio under city ordinance, but coverage limits and policy terms vary widely between operators.
Rideshare drivers are classified as independent contractors, not employees — a classification rideshare companies use to argue they are not liable for driver negligence. Courts have challenged this in certain circumstances, and liability analysis requires careful attention.
Common Questions About Taxi & Rideshare Accidents
I was injured as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft. Who pays my medical bills?
If the driver accepted your trip or you were in the vehicle, the rideshare company's $1 million liability policy is available. Which policy actually applies to your claim depends on how the accident occurred. We investigate the insurance layers and pursue the maximum available coverage on your behalf.
Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly for my injuries?
Uber and Lyft strongly defend their independent contractor classification to avoid direct liability. However, in some circumstances — particularly involving negligent background checks or app design — direct claims against the company may be viable. We evaluate every angle of corporate liability.
I was hit by an Uber driver while I was walking. What are my options?
If the driver had accepted a trip or had a passenger, the company's $1 million policy applies. If the driver was between trips, coverage depends on the phase-specific policy. As a pedestrian, you may also have your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage available through your auto policy.
What if the rideshare driver was at fault but the other car driver was also negligent?
Texas's proportionate fault rules allow recovery from multiple negligent parties simultaneously. We pursue claims against every responsible party and ensure you are not left bearing the cost of injuries caused by multiple actors.
You Don't Have to Figure This Out Alone
When you hire The Garza Law Firm, we guide you through every step of the legal process so you can focus on what matters most — your recovery.
Free Case Evaluation
We assess your specific situation: which platform was involved, what phase the driver was in, what coverage applies, and what parties may be liable.
App-Status & Insurance Investigation
We take immediate steps to preserve evidence of the driver's app status at the time of the crash and identify the exact insurance policy (personal, rideshare phase, or corporate) that governs your claim.
Multi-Party Liability Analysis
We assess the responsibility of the rideshare driver, any other drivers involved, and whether the platform bears any direct liability in your case.
Medical Coordination & Damages Documentation
We work with your medical providers to document all injuries and future care needs, and prepare a complete damages package including medical costs, lost income, and non-economic harms.
Insurance Negotiation Across All Policies
We negotiate with every applicable insurer simultaneously, ensuring no coverage layer is overlooked and no policy limits are left on the table.
Litigation if Necessary
Rideshare companies and their insurers are sophisticated and resourceful adversaries. If negotiations do not produce fair results, we file suit and take the fight to court.
Ready to Discuss Your Case?
Contact The Garza Law Firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation. There is no fee unless we win.
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