You got into an Uber or a Lyft expecting a normal ride and instead ended up in a rideshare accident. Now you are dealing with pain, missed work, and a stack of questions nobody at the rideshare company seems willing to answer. A rideshare accident lawyer at The Lopez Law Group can look at your accident case, tell you who is actually on the hook for your medical bills, and go after the insurance companies on your behalf.
We represent passengers, drivers, and people outside the vehicle who were hurt in a rideshare accident anywhere in Texas, with our office based in Weslaco and serving McAllen and the whole Rio Grande Valley. Call (956) 968-7800 today for a free consultation.
A rideshare accident lawyer helps someone hurt in a crash involving an Uber or Lyft figure out which insurance policy applies and file a claim against the right party. Because a rideshare driver operates as an independent contractor, liability can fall on the driver's personal insurance, the rideshare company's insurance, or both — depending on the time of the accident and whether the app was on. The Lopez Law Group represents rideshare accident victims across McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley. Call (956) 968-7800 for a free consultation with no fee unless we recover for you.
- Passengers, drivers, and pedestrians injured in Uber or Lyft accidents
- Coverage analysis — driver's personal policy vs. rideshare company's $1M policy
- Two-year statute of limitations under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code
- Bilingual team serving McAllen, Weslaco, and all of Hidalgo County
- No win, no fee — we advance all case costs, you pay nothing unless we win
About Attorney Fernando J. Lopez
Fernando J. Lopez is a bilingual Texas personal injury attorney and founder of The Lopez Law Group, with over 15 years of experience and more than $25 million recovered for injured clients across Texas. Attorney Fernando J. Lopez built his practice on the belief that a person hurt by someone else's negligence — including a careless rideshare driver — deserves a lawyer who picks up the phone and answers questions honestly. Mr. Lopez and his team have handled car accident, truck accident, and rideshare accident claims from the Rio Grande Valley all the way to Houston and Dallas. Clients work directly with him rather than being passed off to a case manager.
- Named to the National Trial Lawyers Top 100
- Rated on Avvo and recognized by Expertise.com as a Best Personal Injury Lawyer in McAllen
- Distinguished Counsel member with the National Advocates for Distinguished Counsel
- Bilingual, English and Spanish — language is never a barrier to getting help
- Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas
I will do everything in my power to get you the best settlement possible.
— Fernando J. Lopez, Founding AttorneyWhat Is a Rideshare Accident?
A rideshare accident is a collision involving a vehicle working for a company like Uber or Lyft, whether that vehicle hits another car, a pedestrian, a cyclist, or property. Rideshare drivers are independent contractors, not employees — so companies like Uber and Lyft are not automatically responsible every time one of their drivers causes a wreck. That single detail is why rideshare accidents differ from standard car accident cases in almost every way that matters to your claim.
| Concept | Standard Car Accident | Rideshare Accident |
|---|---|---|
| Who is at fault | The driver who caused the accident | Could be the rideshare driver, another driver, or both |
| Insurance that applies | The at-fault driver's personal auto policy | The driver's personal policy, or the rideshare company's insurance policy, depending on the app status |
| Coverage amount | Set by the driver's own policy limits | Can rise to $1,000,000 once a ride is accepted under the rideshare company's insurance |
| Who investigates | Police and the driver's insurer | Police, the rideshare company, and the insurer covering that period of the ride |
Who Needs a Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Not every accident case looks the same, and rideshare accidents often involve more than one insurance carrier arguing over who pays first. Situations where we regularly help clients include:
A passenger injured when the rideshare driver ran a red light on Expressway 83 in McAllen — the most common scenario we see.
A third-party accident involving an Uber that rear-ended another car near 10th Street in McAllen.
A pedestrian or bicyclist struck by a Lyft driver picking up or dropping off a rider at any location.
A multi-vehicle accident involving Uber where the rideshare car was one of several vehicles in the pileup.
A driver working for a rideshare company who was hurt by another motorist while logged into the app and en route to a pickup.
An accident with an Uber where the app was off at the time of the crash — which changes which policy applies entirely.
A passenger hurt because the rideshare driver was fatigued, distracted, or driving an unsafe vehicle — all documented negligence grounds.
A rideshare accident case involving a driver who had been drinking before accepting the ride request — grounds for punitive damages in Texas.
Hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident? We sort out the insurance so you don't have to.
(956) 968-7800 Free Case ReviewWhat to Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident
Filing a rideshare accident claim the right way starts in the first few minutes after the crash. Every step below protects your right to recover.
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1Check for injuries and call 911. Get medical help moving first, then let the responding officer document the accident scene and file a police report.
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2Screenshot your ride details in the app. Save the driver's name, license plate, and trip receipt before the app can update or the driver goes offline.
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3Photograph the accident scene. Get pictures of both vehicles, the road, any skid marks, and your visible injuries while the details are fresh.
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4Get the other driver's information. If a second vehicle was involved, exchange insurance and contact information the same as you would in any accident involving two personal vehicles.
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5Seek medical care the same day. Delayed treatment gives an insurance adjuster an easy argument that your injuries are not as serious as you say.
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6Report the accident to Uber or Lyft. Both apps have an in-app reporting feature, and a written record helps later if the rideshare company must provide records of the trip.
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7Avoid giving a recorded statement to any insurer. Whether the rideshare driver's personal insurer or the rideshare company's insurance adjuster calls first, you do not owe them a statement without your lawyer present.
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8Keep every bill and receipt. Medical bills, prescription costs, and lost wage records all factor into what you may recover later.
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9Call a rideshare accident lawyer before you accept any offer. An early settlement offer almost never covers the full value of a serious injury claim. Reach our office at (956) 968-7800 before you sign anything.
Rideshare Accident Data and What It Means for Your Case
Texas roads are busy, and the risk of a serious accident involving a passenger vehicle, commercial truck, or rideshare car is real. According to TxDOT's 2024 Texas Motor Vehicle Traffic Crash Facts report, the state recorded 4,150 traffic fatalities in 2024 — a decrease from 4,291 in 2023 — with more than half of those deaths happening outside city limits. These numbers reflect the same insurance and liability questions that come up in every rideshare accident case.
| Statistic | Year | Source | Relevance to Your Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4,150 traffic fatalities statewide | 2024 | TxDOT Texas Motor Vehicle Traffic Crash Facts | Shows the scale of serious motor vehicle risk across Texas, including rideshare trips |
| 50.12% of fatalities in rural areas | 2024 | TxDOT | Relevant for rideshare trips between Rio Grande Valley cities on rural highways |
| 380 deaths tied to distracted driving | 2024 | TxDOT | A common cause when a rideshare driver was at fault for checking the app mid-trip |
Compensation You May Recover
What you actually recover depends heavily on which insurance policy applies and how strong the evidence is that the rideshare driver was at fault. You may recover for both current and future medical care if your injuries require ongoing treatment, and for lost income if your recovery keeps you out of work.
| Type of Damages | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Economic Damages | Out-of-pocket costs from the accident | Medical bills, physical therapy, lost wages, property damage to your vehicle |
| Non-Economic Damages | Losses that do not come with a receipt | Pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, emotional distress |
| Punitive Damages | Extra damages in rare cases of gross negligence | A rideshare driver who was intoxicated or grossly reckless at the time of the accident |
Texas Laws and Deadlines That Affect Your Claim
Texas has specific rules governing rideshare insurance coverage and the deadlines for personal injury claims. Understanding them protects your recovery.
- 2-Year Statute of LimitationsTexas gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code. Miss that window and you may lose your right to recover no matter how strong your case is.
- 51% Modified Comparative FaultTexas follows a modified comparative fault rule — the 51% bar. You cannot recover damages if you are found more than half responsible for the accident. Any recovery is reduced by your own percentage of fault.
- Rideshare Insurance — App OffIf the app was off at the time of the crash, only the driver's personal auto insurance applies — and many personal policies exclude commercial or business-use coverage, complicating your claim significantly.
- Rideshare Insurance — App On, No Ride AcceptedWhen the driver is logged in but waiting for a ride request, the rideshare company provides contingent liability coverage that supplements the personal policy at reduced limits.
- Rideshare Insurance — Ride Accepted / Passenger In VehicleOnce a ride is accepted or a passenger is in the vehicle, the rideshare company's full $1,000,000 liability policy may apply — a significant increase in available coverage.
- Independent Contractor RuleRideshare companies classify drivers as independent contractors, not employees. This limits direct liability on Uber or Lyft but does not eliminate it — making policy-period analysis critical in every case.
Texas law gives you two years to act — and insurance companies start building their defense immediately. Get a free consultation today.
(956) 968-7800 Free ConsultationHow We Handle Your Rideshare Accident Case
Attorney Fernando J. Lopez explains the process to every new client the same way: we do the legal work so you can focus on recovering. We have handled car accident, truck accident, and rideshare accident claims across McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley for over 15 years.
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1Free case review. We listen to what happened, when the accident occurred, and whether the app was on — then explain your options in plain language at no cost.
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2Investigation. We pull the police report, request the rideshare company's trip data, interview witnesses, and build the full timeline of the accident scene before evidence disappears.
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3Demand letter. We send a detailed claim package to the correct insurer or insurers — whether that is the rideshare driver's personal carrier, the rideshare company's insurance policy, or both.
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4Negotiation. We push back against lowball offers and negotiate directly with the insurance companies involved until the number reflects your real losses and future needs.
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5Litigation if needed. If a fair settlement is not on the table, we file suit and prepare your case for trial. Insurance companies know we follow through.
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6Recovery. Once your claim resolves, we handle the paperwork so you can focus on getting better.
Common Mistakes to Avoid — and Tips From Our Attorneys
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Giving a recorded statement to the rideshare company's insurance adjuster before speaking with a lawyer.
- Posting about the accident or your injuries on social media, since insurers do look.
- Skipping medical appointments, which gives the insurer room to argue you were not really hurt.
- Accepting the first settlement offer without understanding the full value of your accident case.
- Assuming Uber or Lyft will automatically cover your losses just because their driver caused the accident.
- Waiting too long to report the accident to the rideshare company or law enforcement.
- Talking to the other driver's insurance company without legal advice about what you say.
Tips From Our Attorneys
Why Choose The Lopez Law Group
You have options when you need a rideshare accident lawyer, and we do not think you should have to just take our word for why we are the right choice. As a Rio Grande Valley personal injury lawyer team, The Lopez Law Group is bilingual — English and Spanish — with a track record of more than $25 million recovered for clients across Texas over more than 15 years. We work on a contingency fee, meaning you pay nothing unless we win compensation for you, and every case starts with a free case evaluation so you know your options before committing to anything.
- $25M+ recovered for clients across Texas
- 15+ years of personal injury experience
- Available 24/7 — we answer the phone
- Trial-ready when insurers refuse to settle fairly
- Named to the National Trial Lawyers Top 100
- Statewide coverage from the RGV to Houston and Dallas
- We check every applicable policy before sending a demand
- Free consultation — no commitment to get started
Benefits of Working With Us
| Benefit | What It Means for You | Example |
|---|---|---|
| No win, no fee | You pay nothing upfront and nothing unless we recover money | We advance the cost of investigating your rideshare accident case |
| Bilingual team | You can explain your accident in the language you are most comfortable with | Full service available in English and Spanish |
| Direct access to your attorney | You work with Fernando J. Lopez, not just a case manager | Mr. Lopez personally reviews your claim strategy |
| Local Rio Grande Valley knowledge | We are familiar with the roads, the courts, and the insurance patterns in this region | Familiarity with Hidalgo County courts and local crash patterns |
| Statewide reach | We handle claims anywhere in Texas, not just McAllen | Offices supporting clients from Houston to Austin |
Case Results
At The Lopez Law Group we have recovered more than $25 million for clients across Texas. A sample of results our firm has achieved is below. This record reflects how we approach every accident case, including rideshare accident claims.
| Recovery | Case Type | County | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,200,000 | 18-wheeler accident | Hidalgo County | 2024 |
| $475,000 | Rear-end car accident | Cameron County | 2023 |
| $850,000 | Wrongful death | Webb County | 2023 |
| $380,000 | Motorcycle accident | Dallas County | 2022 |
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Results vary based on the specific facts and circumstances of each case.
What Our Clients Say
"Lopez Law Group was awesome from start to finish. Veronica was very professional and always had an answer to my questions."
"My son hired Lopez Law Group. Marcus and the team went above and beyond to take care of my son. I highly recommend Lopez Law Group."
"Mr. Lopez was a real good lawyer who helped us out a lot in our car accident. I really recommend him, and his staff was always nice."
We Serve Rideshare Accident Victims Across Texas
We represent rideshare accident victims across the Rio Grande Valley and throughout Texas. No matter where in Texas your rideshare accident happened, our firm can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a rideshare accident lawyer?
A rideshare accident lawyer is an attorney who handles injury claims arising from an accident involving a rideshare vehicle such as an Uber or Lyft. They investigate who caused the accident, determine which insurance policy applies, and negotiate or litigate on your behalf so you are not dealing with adjusters alone.
Who is liable in a rideshare accident — the driver or the company?
Liability usually falls on whoever caused the accident, most often the at-fault driver, but the rideshare company's insurance may also apply depending on whether the app was on and a ride was accepted. In many cases both the driver's personal policy and the rideshare company's insurance policy come into play together.
How much is my rideshare accident settlement worth in Texas?
Your settlement value depends on your medical bills, lost wages, and the severity of your injuries, along with which insurance policy applies to your claim. A rideshare accident lawyer can review your accident case and give you a realistic range once records are gathered.
How long do I have to file a rideshare accident claim in Texas?
Texas law gives you two years from the date of the accident under the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code to file a lawsuit. Waiting past that deadline can bar you from recovering anything, so it is best to speak with a lawyer as soon as you are able after the accident.
Does Uber's insurance cover me if the driver was at fault?
If the rideshare driver was logged in and had accepted your ride, Uber's contingent liability coverage can apply and may reach up to $1,000,000. If the app was off at the time of the accident, only the driver's personal insurance policy may apply, which is why the timing of the accident matters so much.
What if I was hurt as a rideshare driver instead of a passenger?
You may still have a claim against the driver who caused the accident, and depending on your own auto policy and the rideshare company's insurance, you could have more than one source of recovery available.
Do I need a lawyer for a minor Uber accident?
Even a minor accident can turn into a bigger claim once medical bills or lost wages add up, and having a lawyer review your case costs you nothing upfront under a contingency fee arrangement.
How does a Lyft accident in Texas differ from a regular car accident claim?
A Lyft accident in Texas involves an added layer of corporate insurance and independent contractor rules that do not exist in a standard car accident between two personal drivers, which is exactly why rideshare accidents differ so much in how they get resolved. Our Lyft accident attorney page has more detail on this.
What if the rideshare app was off during the crash?
If the app was off, the rideshare driver's personal auto insurance is typically the only policy that applies, and many personal policies exclude coverage for business use, which can complicate your claim significantly.
How much does hiring a rideshare accident attorney cost?
Most rideshare accident attorneys, including our attorneys at The Lopez Law Group, work on a contingency fee, so you pay nothing upfront and nothing at all unless we recover compensation for you.
Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly?
In most cases you pursue a claim against the insurance policy that was active at the time of the accident rather than suing the corporation directly, though this depends on the specific facts of your rideshare accident case.
What evidence do I need for a rideshare accident claim?
Useful evidence includes the police report, your trip receipt and in-app data, photos of the accident scene, medical records, and witness statements — all of which support the investigation into the accident.
How long does a rideshare accident lawsuit take in Texas?
Many claims settle within six to twelve months, though a more serious injury claim or one that goes to trial can take longer depending on how long the investigation and negotiation take.
What if I was a pedestrian hit by a rideshare vehicle?
You can file a claim as a third party against whichever insurance policy applies, and you do not need to have been a passenger to have a valid rideshare accident case.
Do rideshare accidents differ when the driver is accused of misconduct rather than just a crash?
Yes. A rideshare accident claim involving driver misconduct — rather than a straightforward collision — may raise additional legal issues beyond standard car accident cases, and you should speak with a lawyer promptly if this applies to you.
Get Help With Your Rideshare Accident Case Today
If you were hurt in a rideshare accident anywhere in Texas, you do not have to sort out the insurance companies, the police report, and your medical bills by yourself. The Lopez Law Group has spent more than 15 years helping accident victims across the Rio Grande Valley and beyond, and we are ready to review your rideshare accident case at no cost to you. Call (956) 968-7800 for a free consultation, available around the clock, or fill out our online contact form and a member of our team will reach out. You pay nothing unless we win.
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