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Mar 23, 2026
Rideshare services are prized for their convenience and availability. But what happens when a rideshare driver’s negligence in Austin leads to an accident? Learning about your legal rights and how filing a claim can bring you compensation can help you make an informed decision about what your next step is after a rideshare accident.
Understanding Rideshare Accidents in Texas
Rideshare services, like Uber or Lyft, provide an alternative way to travel. In Austin, taking an Uber can help you avoid long-term parking at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport or prevent driving while intoxicated after a night out. According to a recent report, 14% of Texans say Uber rides enabled them to visit locations they wouldn’t otherwise go to.
When it comes to safety, Texas’s Insurance Code requires rideshare drivers to carry insurance when they are logged onto the rideshare network or are driving a customer. Uber, Lyft, and some other rideshare services provide $1 million in liability when a passenger is in the car.
What to Do After a Crash
Knowing what to do after a crash can protect your safety and your right to file a claim. Even immediately after a crash, you can collect evidence that can be valuable during a claim, and you can gather important information about the other parties involved. Some steps you should take following a crash are:
- Call 911 if emergency services or medical attention are needed
- Exchange insurance information with the driver and any other passengers
- Photograph the scene of the accident, vehicle damage, and visible injuries
- Gather contact information for potential witnesses
- Report the incident to the rideshare service, usually through the app
- Hire a rideshare accident lawyer
Filing an Austin Rideshare Accident Claim
If you have suffered damages, such as personal injury or damage to your personal property, filing a claim is a good option to receive compensation. Depending on your case, filing a claim can vary, as it may involve a variety of at-fault parties. In Texas, liability is given to the driver who has 51% or more of the responsibility for an accident, even if there were more than one parties who share fault. Claims can usually be filed against:
- The rideshare driver. Your rideshare driver can be held responsible if they caused the crash by violating traffic laws, driving recklessly, or being negligent.
- Another driver. If another driver is at fault for an accident, they can be held liable. In some cases, the rideshare company’s insurance can cover additional damages if the other driver’s insurance is not sufficient.
- The rideshare company. Rideshare companies are not responsible for a qualified driver’s errors, but if they failed to properly screen the driver before allowing them to accept passengers, their oversight may result in them being responsible.
The amount of compensation you receive during a rideshare accident claim can vary depending on the scope and severity of your damages. If you hire a rideshare accident lawyer, they can negotiate for expanded compensation. Compensation may be increased for factors such as:
- Medical costs. Compensation can be raised to cover the price of medical treatment, emergency medical services, medications, and other costs relating to your injuries.
- Pain and suffering. Car accidents can leave painful injuries and lasting emotional distress. Your lawyer can argue for higher compensation based on your suffering.
- Lost wages. Missing work can mean falling behind on expenses, especially while facing additional costs of recovery. Compensation can make up for lost wages.
Why Hire a Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Understanding how an Austin rideshare accident claim can vary is challenging, requiring a lawyer’s knowledge of Texas rideshare accident laws. Who a claim is filed against, what damages are included, the level of compensation, and what evidence is used are different from case to case. A lawyer can identify your options when filing a claim to bring you compensation.
FAQs
What Types of Evidence Can Be Used in a Rideshare Accident Claim?
In a rideshare accident claim, various forms of evidence can be used to identify who is at fault and what damages the accident caused. Some evidence that can be used includes police reports, photos from the scene of the accident, witness testimonies, dashcam or security camera footage, statements from other passengers, and medical records.
What Are Your Options if Your Children Were Also Injured in a Rideshare Accident?
Filing a claim for damages that your children have suffered can bring compensation. Children and teenagers are common rideshare passengers, with 82% of adults who use rideshare services reporting riding with a child under ten. Claims with a child involved are more complex and may require court approval for settlements. Additionally, the statute of limitations can be tolled until they are 18, allowing them to file a claim as adults.
Can You Still File a Claim if Someone Else Paid for the Rideshare?
Yes, even if you did not pay for the rideshare service, you can still file a rideshare accident claim. The damages caused by a car accident can cause financial hardship, emotional distress, and lifelong injuries, no matter who paid for the rideshare. Filing a claim can help you receive compensation to minimize the negative impacts of an accident as a rideshare passenger.
Can You Receive Compensation for Becoming Disabled in a Rideshare Accident?
Yes, if your injuries or severe emotional trauma lead to a disability, the amount of compensation you receive can be increased. Lowered quality of life can be one reason for increased compensation. Future costs, such as for accessibility aids or medical treatment, can also be covered. In some cases, a disability requires changes in your career and income, which influences compensation.
Learn How a Rideshare Accident Attorney at The Stewart Law Firm Can Help
Filing a claim is a great legal option for pursuing the compensation you deserve and holding the at-fault party accountable. However, the process of filing a claim is legally complex, as there are many options for at-fault parties, legal strategies, and relevant damages that all impact the legal process and the level of compensation you receive. Working with an Austin rideshare accident lawyer can help you explore these options, creating a tailored claim for your case.
The Stewart Law Firm has over 23 years of experience representing thousands of victims and their families. If you are looking to file a claim, contact us today to learn how an experienced rideshare accident attorney can help.
