A rideshare accident raises questions about insurance coverage that a typical car accident never does. Whether the rideshare driver had a passenger in the vehicle at the time changes which insurance policy applies and how far that coverage reaches.
Records from the scene of the crash and the responding officers can create a clearer picture of what happened, but some of the most useful evidence may disappear quickly. Surveillance footage gets overwritten, and rideshare apps hold certain trip data for a limited window, so early evidence work should be conducted to protect your claim before the window closes.
Want to know more? Enjoy the video above. It features Attorney Parker Polan, who explains why early evidence work is central to how Briggle & Polan, PLLC handles Uber and Lyft injury claims.
The Evidence Behind a Rideshare Claim
A police report is a starting point for figuring out what happened, but it is not the whole story. When working on a client’s rideshare accident claim, we usually gather 911 calls, officer body camera footage, and dash camera footage when available.
Uber and Lyft generate their own trip data behind the scenes. GPS logs, trip status, and driver history sit inside the app itself, separate from anything a police officer or witness can tell us. This data can show whether the driver was distracted by the app, driving an unusual route, or already flagged for prior safety complaints. We also send preservation requests directly to Uber and Lyft, putting the company on notice to hold trip records before routine deletion policies erase them.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident
A few steps taken in the minutes after a rideshare crash can shape what your claim can prove later.
Try to follow these steps if you can:
- Screenshot your trip details in the app before they disappear.
- Get the driver's name, license plate, and insurance information.
- Seek medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor at first.
- Report the crash through the app, keeping your description factual and brief.
- Avoid discussing fault with the driver, other passengers, or the rideshare company.
Why Rideshare Claims Work Differently
Uber and Lyft claims are not handled like standard vehicle collision claims. When a rideshare driver causes a crash while carrying a passenger, the claim can involve the rideshare company's insurance coverage, but Texas law generally requires you to pursue the driver directly rather than the company itself. Rideshare drivers work as independent contractors, not employees, which is a large part of why the company stays out of reach in most cases.
Insurance coverage also shifts depending on where the driver stood in the app when the crash happened. A driver who is logged off is covered differently than one waiting for a match, and both differ from a driver actively transporting a passenger. Sorting out which period applies to your crash is often the first real fight in a rideshare claim.
Pulling the rideshare company into a claim can end up in arbitration instead of a courtroom, keeping the case out of the public record and, in many cases, out of a jury's hands entirely. Texas law allows rideshare companies to bring any case filed against them into arbitration, so understanding your options before you file matters more here than in a typical crash claim. You’ll also want to make sure you work with an attorney who is familiar with the procedures of arbitration.
Work with an Attorney, Not Just a Paralegal
At Briggle & Polan, PLLC, you work directly with your attorney rather than being handed off to junior staff. Throughout your case, you’ll enjoy having one clear point of contact while we investigate the collision, assess the claim, and prepare for the possibility of trial. Both founding attorneys lead these cases personally, drawing on the in-depth trial preparation that has helped our team secure multiple seven-figure recoveries for our clients. We're available 24/7, and we keep you updated at every stage, so you always know where your case stands.
If you were hurt in an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare accident, Briggle & Polan, PLLC can talk through your situation in a free consultation. There's no fee unless we win, so call us at (512) 400-3278 to get started.
