Being involved in a car crash is stressful enough—but when the at-fault driver works for Uber or Lyft, the situation becomes more complicated. If you are thinking, “An Uber driver hit my car, now what?” or “What should I do if a Lyft driver hit my car?”, you are not alone. At the Kolodny Law Firm, we understand that navigating a rideshare accident can feel overwhelming. Our experienced Houston personal injury lawyers are here to guide you through every step.
What Happens If an Uber/Lyft Driver Hit My Car?
When a rideshare driver causes a crash, the legal issues are different than those in a typical two-car collision. Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors, not employees, which can affect liability. Additionally, the applicable insurance coverage depends on whether the driver was using the app at the time. Understanding who is financially responsible requires evaluating the facts. An experienced attorney can help sort through this complexity and protect your rights.
Insurance Coverage Depends on Driver Status
One of the most important factors in rideshare accidents is the driver’s Uber or Lyft status at the time of the crash. Whose insurance applies depends on whether the driver was:
- Off-duty. If the driver was not logged into the app, only their personal insurance applies.
- Available for ride requests. In these situations, Uber and Lyft provide limited third-party liability coverage. This covers up to $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 total per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. Precisely what you may receive will depend on the circumstances of your accident.
- En route or transporting a passenger. Once a driver accepts a ride request or is carrying a passenger, a $1 million commercial liability policy generally applies.
These layered policies can be confusing. Insurers may try to downplay a rideshare driver’s or company’s responsibility, which is why having a skilled attorney is so important.
An Uber Driver Hit My Car—What Do I Do Now?
To protect your health and your potential claim, follow these critical steps:
- Call law enforcement. A police report will document the incident and may support your case.
- Get medical care. Some injuries may not be immediately noticeable. Prompt treatment can protect your health and legal claim.
- Exchange information. Before leaving the scene, get the driver’s full name, phone number, personal auto and Uber or Lyft insurance details, and any evidence of their active rideshare status (e.g., a screenshot of their app). Keep this information stored safely.
- Document the scene. Take photos of vehicle damage, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries.
- Identify witnesses. Obtain contact details from anyone who saw the accident.
- Avoid admitting fault. Do not speculate or accept blame when speaking with the driver or officers.
- Notify your insurer. Report the incident, but consult with a lawyer before giving a formal statement.
- Speak with a Houston personal injury lawyer. Legal counsel can help determine who is liable and ensure your rights are protected.
Your next steps are critical. The earlier you involve a lawyer, the better your chances of recovering full compensation.
Can You Sue Uber or Lyft Directly?
Many accident victims wonder if they can file a lawsuit against Uber or Lyft themselves. Because these companies classify their drivers as independent contractors, they are usually not directly liable for a driver’s negligence.
However, you can still pursue compensation through the applicable insurance policy. A personal injury attorney can determine whether third-party claims or multiple policies apply.
In complex cases involving serious injury or multiple parties, a detailed investigation is often needed to uncover all possible sources of recovery.
Damages Available in a Houston Rideshare Accident Claim
After a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to compensation for various losses. Common categories of damages include:
- Medical expenses. These may include emergency room visits, follow-up appointments, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future care needs.
- Vehicle repairs. If your car was damaged, you can seek reimbursement for repair or replacement costs.
- Income losses. If you missed work because of the accident, you may recover lost wages or reduced future earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering. Emotional distress, physical pain, and diminished quality of life are also compensable damages.
We will work with you to fully assess the impact of the crash and pursue the maximum available compensation.
How the Kolodny Law Firm Can Help
Dealing with a major insurance company—or multiple insurers—is not something you should face alone. At the Kolodny Law Firm, we handle every case with relentless attention to detail and a deep commitment to our clients.
We are prepared to:
- Investigate the accident and identify all liable parties;
- Gather evidence, including driver records and app data;
- Deal directly with insurance companies on your behalf; and
- Build a strong case for settlement or trial.
Insurance carriers know we are not afraid to take a case to court. That reputation helps us fight for real results.
Why Choose the Kolodny Law Firm?
If a Lyft driver hit your car or you were injured because an Uber driver hit your car, the Kolodny Law Firm is ready to advocate for you. Since 2012, we have secured millions for injured Texans and built a reputation for winning even tough cases.
Here is what sets us apart:
- We offer personalized legal strategies tailored to your case,
- Our team communicates openly and honestly every step of the way, and
- We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win.
Our Houston personal injury lawyers understand what’s at stake. We’re proud to help clients seek justice while they focus on healing.
Contact a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer Today
You should not have to figure out what happens if an Uber driver hits your car on your own. Whether a Lyft driver hit your car while off-duty or an Uber driver hit your car while transporting a passenger, our team is here to help. We offer free consultations and are ready to fight for your recovery. Call or contact us online to speak with a Houston personal injury lawyer today.
The Kolodny Law Firm’s Houston personal injury attorneys provide dedicated representation for those injured by negligence. We work tirelessly to ensure our clients receive the compensation they deserve. Contact us for a free consultation, and let us fight for your rights while supporting you through every stage of your personal injury case.
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