What Are Your Rights as a Passenger Injured in a Rideshare Accident in Texas?

What Are Your Rights as a Passenger Injured in a Rideshare Accident in Texas?

Rideshare platforms such as Uber and Lyft have made transportation more convenient than ever, but accidents still happen—and passengers are often left wondering who will pay for their injuries. Fortunately, Texas law provides strong protections for rideshare passengers. This article explains the insurance rules that apply to rideshare companies, your legal rights as a passenger, and the avenues available to recover compensation after an accident.

Texas Insurance Requirements for Rideshare Companies

Texas imposes strict insurance requirements on rideshare companies and their drivers. When a driver is actively engaged in a prearranged ride—meaning the passenger has been picked up or the driver is en route—the rideshare company must provide at least $1 million in total aggregate liability coverage for bodily injury, death, and property damage per incident. This coverage is mandated by Texas Insurance Code § 1954.053 and ensures that passengers have access to substantial financial protection in the event of a serious accident. The law also requires uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and, when applicable, personal injury protection (PIP).

If the rideshare driver is logged into the app but has not yet accepted a ride request, the required insurance coverage is lower but still exceeds ordinary minimum auto limits. In this scenario, Texas Insurance Code § 1954.052 requires a minimum of $50,000 for bodily injury or death per person, $100,000 per incident, and $25,000 for property damage. These layered insurance requirements exist specifically to protect passengers and others sharing the road when an accident occurs.
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Legal Rights and Duties Owed to Rideshare Passengers


Under Texas law, carriers transporting passengers owe one of the highest legal duties: the duty to exercise the highest degree of care to ensure the safety of their passengers. Although this standard was originally applied to railroads, Texas courts have extended it to carriers of passengers generally. In Nevill v. Gulf, C. & S. F. R. Co., 187 S.W. 388, the Texas Supreme Court recognized that carriers are responsible for protecting passengers from negligence, willful misconduct, and other foreseeable dangers that may occur during transit.


When an accident does happen, a rideshare passenger may pursue claims against any party whose negligence contributed to the crash. Depending on the circumstances, this could include the rideshare driver, the rideshare company, another negligent motorist, or multiple parties. Courts have long held that injured parties may seek recovery from those who caused their injuries. See Rojas v. Vuocolo, 142 Tex. 152. Therefore, regardless of who is ultimately found responsible, a passenger has a clear legal right to pursue compensation.



Compensation Available to Injured Rideshare Passengers


Passengers injured in rideshare accidents may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages. These may include medical expenses, lost income, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and other losses arising from the accident. If the rideshare driver or another motorist is found liable, the available insurance policies—including the rideshare company’s $1 million liability policy—may provide compensation.


If the at-fault driver has insufficient insurance, the mandatory uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage provided by rideshare companies under Texas Insurance Code § 1954.053 may apply. In addition, personal injury protection (PIP) may offer coverage for medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of fault, providing an additional safety net for injured passengers.



Conclusion


Texas law provides strong protections for rideshare passengers by requiring robust insurance coverage and recognizing a heightened duty of care owed by carriers. If you are injured while riding with a rideshare company, you have the right to pursue claims against the responsible parties and to seek compensation for your injuries and losses. The key to maximizing your recovery is understanding the accident facts, the insurance policies involved, and the full scope of your legal rights.


If you or someone you know has been injured as a passenger in a rideshare accident, Wyde & Associates is prepared to guide you through the process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

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