What Do I Do if I’m Hit by An Uber Driver?

What if I'm hit by an Uber driver in a Texas car wreck

How Accidents Work with Ride Share

It can happen to anyone.  You’re driving safely, noticing other vehicles and driving defensively.  Out of nowhere you’re plowed into by another vehicle and you’re injured in the car wreck.  You find out that the other driver was working for Uber at the time of the crash.  You’re wondering how it works if you’re hit by an Uber driver – is there special insurance they have?

Today the Car Crash Captain looks into the Texas law and how the insurance rules change just a bit when a commercial driver, such as an Uber driver, is involved.

First Things First – Be Safe

Most accidents will have the same safety protocol: clear the area, be safe, call the authorities, seek medical attention, give a police report, and more (you can read all about what to do after an accident on our previous blog).

There’s a little bit more that you should keep in mind if you’re hit by an Uber driver.  When you’re giving the police report, make sure they include in the report that the other driver was actively working for Uber at the time of the wreck.

Collect This Bit of Key Information

You’ll want to collect all the information just as you would with any other wreck.  Including:

  • Driver’s Name
  • Contact Info
  • License Plate Number
  • Insurance Information
  • Witness names and statements

But you need to go one step further.  You need to know if they were actively driving for Uber (or Lyft, or any other rideshare companies that are out there) at the time of the wreck.

This is important because insurance liability changes if the driver is working or not working.

Be Aware of the Laws and Document Everything

You don’t need to know the Texas car wreck laws in and out.  However, you should at least be aware that there are some nuances that come into play when someone driving for Uber or Lyft hits your car.

If the app is off, the driver isn’t driving for Uber, their personal insurance applies.

If the app is on, and the driver has not accepted a ride, then Uber’s insurance kicks in and offers (usually) the state minimum requirements.

If the app is on, and the driver is en route to pick up a passenger or actively transporting a passenger, then Uber provides a $1 million liability (plus there’s usually an uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage in there too).

This matters because if the driver was actively working (not necessarily with a passenger in the vehicle) then you could be able to tap into that $1 million policy.

Speak with Herbert Law Group Before Anything Else

This isn’t your normal fender bender.  Not even a run-of-the-mill wreck that resulted in injury.  Wrecks with on-duty Uber drivers mean corporate policies, multiple insurances, and possible independent contractor defenses.

Those corporate policies mean corporate lawyers that are bent on ensuring their money stays in their pockets. They’ll work extra hard to show they weren’t entire at fault.  Even twisting your words against you.

That’s why you need Herbert Law Group.  No more dealing with insurance companies, we’ll handle all of that.  You focus on healing from your injuries, and let us do the stressful stuff.

Let’s chat about what happened.  Call our office at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site and we’ll reach out to you.