What If the Driver Who Hit Me Was Working for DoorDash, Uber, or Amazon in Texas?
Accidents involving rideshare or gig economy drivers—like Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, or Amazon—can be far more complex than typical car crashes when it comes to liability and insurance coverage. In Texas, an at-fault state, the driver responsible for causing the accident is generally liable for damages. However, in cases where the driver was working at the time of the crash, determining who is financially responsible and which insurance policy applies can be tricky.
If you are injured in a rideshare or delivery driver accident, it’s critical to understand your options and review all applicable insurance policies. Without proper guidance, you may be under-compensated or face delays in recovering for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Liability: Who Is Responsible?
Liability in accidents involving working drivers isn’t always clear-cut:
If the rideshare or delivery driver caused the accident: The company may be liable. Uber, Lyft, and many delivery services maintain commercial liability insurance, often with limits of $1 million or more per incident.
If another driver caused the accident: You may need to pursue the at-fault driver’s personal auto insurance.
Shared or comparative fault: Sometimes both the working driver and another driver share liability. In these cases, claims can be filed against multiple insurers to ensure full compensation.
Understanding liability is complicated further by the driver’s trip status, which can dramatically affect coverage.
Trip Status and Insurance Coverage
Rideshare and delivery insurance policies depend on the driver’s activity at the time of the accident:
Driver offline/not working: Personal auto insurance may be the only coverage available; many personal policies exclude accidents while driving for rideshare or delivery purposes.
Driver logged into the app but no passenger or delivery yet: Coverage may be limited or partial, depending on the company’s commercial policy.
Driver en route to pick up a passenger or making a delivery: Commercial insurance generally applies, often with higher limits than standard personal policies.
Documenting the exact time, app status, and circumstances of the accident—including app logs, timestamps, and witness statements—is crucial for determining coverage.
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)
If you are hit by a driver who lacks adequate insurance, your own UM/UIM coverage may help recover additional compensation. In rideshare accidents, it’s sometimes possible to combine your personal coverage with the company’s insurance to maximize recovery. An experienced attorney can review the policies to identify and “stack” available coverage effectively.
Why You Need an Attorney for Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare and gig economy accidents are more complicated than standard car crashes, and navigating claims alone can be risky. An attorney can:
Identify all relevant insurance policies (driver, rideshare/delivery company, and your own)
Determine how trip status affects liability and coverage
Negotiate with multiple insurers for fair compensation
Handle disputes or litigation if insurance companies deny or minimize claims
Maximize recovery for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future damages
Without legal guidance, you risk coverage gaps, delayed claims, and disputes over fault, which can significantly reduce your compensation.
