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The busy streets of San Antonio, from the congestion of I-10 to the narrow roads near the Pearl District, see thousands of rideshare trips every day. While Uber and Lyft offer convenience, they also introduce complex legal questions when a collision occurs. You might find yourself wondering about the specific rules that apply to your case and who will pay for your medical bills. Determining liability in these situations requires a close look at Texas statutes and the specific circumstances of the crash.
Determining Fault Under Texas Law
Texas operates under a fault-based insurance system. The individual who caused the accident is generally held responsible for the resulting damages. In a standard car accident, this is usually straightforward. When a rideshare vehicle is involved in an accident, the issues regarding compensation can become far more complicated to resolve.
Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 33.001 follows the rule of proportionate responsibility. Under this law, a claimant can recover damages as long as their percentage of responsibility is not greater than 50 percent. If you are found partially at fault, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of responsibility. You can view the full statute on the Texas Constitution and Statutes website.
When the Rideshare Driver is Responsible
Rideshare drivers are independent contractors, not employees. This distinction is vital under Texas law. If the driver was operating the vehicle for personal use and the rideshare app was off, their private insurance policy applies.
If the app was on and the driver was waiting for a ride request, Texas law requires specific levels of insurance coverage. According to the Texas Insurance Code Chapter 1954, the driver or the rideshare company must provide:
- $50,000 to cover the costs of treating bodily injury to or death for one individual in the incident
- $100,000 for bodily injury or loss of life of two or more persons in the collision
- $25,000 for damage to or destruction of property
These limits apply during the time a driver is logged into the digital network but has not yet accepted a ride request.
When Uber or Lyft May Be Responsible
The highest level of insurance coverage kicks in the moment a driver accepts a ride request or is actually transporting a passenger. In San Antonio, as in the rest of Texas, the law mandates a total aggregate liability limit of at least $1 million for death, bodily injury, and property damage for each incident.
The Transportation Network Company (TNC) supplies this coverage. You can find their requirements detailed under Texas Occupations Code Section 2402.107. If you are a passenger in an Uber or Lyft and another vehicle hits you, or if your rideshare driver causes a wreck while you are in the car, this $1 million policy is typically the primary source of recovery.
Responsibility of Another Motorist
Sometimes, neither the rideshare driver nor the company is at fault. Another driver might run a red light on Loop 1604 or fail to yield on Broadway, striking the rideshare vehicle. In these cases, the third-party motorist is the responsible party.
If the at-fault driver has no insurance or carries limits that are too low to cover your injuries, you may need to look at Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Texas law requires insurance companies to offer UM/UIM coverage, though policyholders can opt out in writing. Rideshare companies in Texas generally carry UM/UIM policies to protect passengers when a third party causes a crash but cannot pay for the damages.
The Role of the Texas Department of Insurance
The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) oversees the rules regarding how these policies interact. They ensure that rideshare companies maintain the mandatory “financial responsibility” required to operate in the state. If you are involved in a crash, obtaining the insurance certificates from the driver and the company is a necessary first step. You can learn more about insurance requirements and consumer protections on the TDI official website.
Local Factors in San Antonio Accidents
San Antonio presents unique challenges for rideshare safety. High-traffic areas like the Medical Center, UTSA campus, and the River Walk often see sudden stops or distracted driving. When a crash occurs within the San Antonio city limits, the San Antonio Police Department typically handles the initial investigation. Their crash report is a vital piece of evidence.
Under Texas Transportation Code Section 550.062, an officer must file a report for any accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. This report identifies the parties involved and often includes the officer’s initial assessment of who contributed to the accident.
Why Evidence Matters Immediately
In the aftermath of a rideshare accident, the digital record is just as important as the physical evidence. The rideshare app logs exactly when the driver was online, when they accepted a trip, and when the trip ended. This data determines which insurance “period” applies and which policy is active.
We recommend taking photos of the scene, the vehicles, and any visible injuries. If there are witnesses, try to get their contact information. In a city as large as San Antonio, witnesses often disappear into the crowd before police arrive. Having their statements can help prove who was responsible.
Seeking Legal Guidance in San Antonio
Rideshare companies have deep resources and aggressive legal teams. They often try to shift blame or minimize the severity of your injuries to protect their bottom line. Dealing with multiple insurance adjusters, from the driver’s personal insurance, the rideshare company’s carrier, and the other driver’s insurance, is overwhelming while you are trying to heal.
The Crash Angels at Pelaez Law Firm understand the stress that follows a sudden collision. We are an all-female personal injury law firm dedicated to helping our neighbors in San Antonio recover physically and financially. We ensure you feel heard throughout the entire process. We offer free consultations, and you don’t pay us anything until we win your case.
If you have questions about a recent rideshare accident, call us at 210-801-9314 to discuss your situation. We make it our mission to provide the compassionate support you need during this difficult time.
