Who Is Responsible for an Uber or Lyft Accident in Texas?

 Posted on October 06, 2026 in Car Accidents

Responsibility for a rideshare accident involving Uber or Lyft comes down to who caused the crash. The driver's status with the rideshare company also affects which insurance coverage applies. If you were injured in a rideshare accident in 2026, our New Braunfels, TX car accident attorneys can investigate the collision and determine who is responsible.

Who Can Be Responsible for an Uber or Lyft Accident in Texas?

Responsibility for a rideshare accident is based on who caused the crash. The at-fault party could be the Uber or Lyft driver, another motorist, or more than one driver.

The rideshare driver can be responsible if their actions behind the wheel caused the collision. If another motorist caused the accident, the claim would instead be brought against that driver. When both drivers contributed to the crash, responsibility can be shared between them.

Is Uber or Lyft Responsible When Its Driver Causes an Accident in Texas?

Under Texas Occupations Code Section 2402.114, a rideshare driver can qualify as an independent contractor when the requirements of the statute are met. Because these drivers are independent contractors rather than employees, holding Uber or Lyft directly responsible for the driver’s actions is different from holding an employer responsible for an employee.

A rideshare company is not automatically liable simply because the driver was using its platform when the crash occurred. Instead, the company’s own actions must provide a basis for holding it responsible.

However, the rideshare company can face responsibility for its own actions, such as failing to follow Texas requirements for approving drivers or allowing an ineligible driver to use its platform. Texas also requires insurance coverage for rideshare drivers at certain stages of a trip.

How Does Insurance Coverage Change During an Uber or Lyft Trip in Texas?

The insurance coverage available after an Uber or Lyft accident is tied to what the rideshare driver was doing when the crash happened. The coverage breaks down as follows:

• When the rideshare app is off, the driver is not working through Uber or Lyft. In that case, the driver's personal auto insurance applies according to the terms of the policy.
• When the driver is logged into the app and waiting for a ride request, Texas requires rideshare insurance with at least $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. This coverage can be provided by the driver, the rideshare company, or both.
• Once the driver accepts a ride request, Texas requires at least $1 million in liability coverage. This coverage can also be provided by the driver, the rideshare company, or a combination of both, and it continues until the passenger is dropped off.

Knowing whether the driver was waiting for a request or completing a ride can help identify which insurance policy covers the accident.

Who Is Responsible if Another Driver Hits Your Uber or Lyft in Texas?

The other driver is responsible when that driver's actions cause the crash. For example, if another motorist runs a red light and hits your Uber, the claim can focus on that motorist.

A passenger usually does not have to determine fault at the accident scene. The police report, witness statements, photos, and other evidence can help show how the collision happened.

Passengers should also save their rideshare receipt or trip information. These records can confirm that a ride was in progress when the accident occurred. An attorney can help you gather evidence and navigate your claim.

Contact Our New Braunfels, TX Rideshare Accident Lawyers

After an Uber or Lyft accident, dealing with multiple drivers and insurance companies can complicate the claims process.. At The Bettersworth Law Firm, our attorneys have over 25 years of experience handling serious vehicle accident cases. We have recovered millions for our clients and will be both aggressive and compassionate with your case.

We keep our caseload intentionally low so clients can have direct, regular contact with the attorney handling their case. Contact our Gonzales County, TX personal injury attorneys or call 830-606-0404 today for a free consultation.