If you were riding as an Uber or Lyft passenger when the accident happened, you’re typically covered by the $1 million policy the rideshare company is required to carry under Chapter 1954 of the Texas Insurance Code throughout the trip, and you can claim medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering, with a 2-year window to file in Texas. This is generally the most straightforward scenario in this series: as a passenger, there’s no question about who was driving or about your own responsibility for the crash, though it’s still worth understanding the process before accepting any offer.
What coverage applies if you were a passenger at the time of the crash?
If the crash happened while you were on board, the applicable policy is the $1 million coverage the rideshare company must carry throughout the trip (Texas Insurance Code, Chapter 1954), regardless of whether your driver or another vehicle caused the crash. You can review the full breakdown of all three insurance levels in our guide on who pays after an Uber or Lyft accident in Texas.
What types of compensation can you claim?
As an injured passenger, you can typically claim:
Current and future medical costs related to the accident.
Lost income if you couldn’t work during your recovery.
Damage to your personal property (phone, laptop, any equipment you had with you).
Compensation for pain and suffering.
In more serious crashes, loss of future earning capacity.
The value of each claim depends on the severity of the injury, the length of recovery, and the medical documentation available, so it’s worth seeking medical attention right away and keeping every treatment record.
How long do you have to file a claim in Texas?
In Texas, the general deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit is 2 years from the date of the accident (Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003). Once that window closes, you’ll likely lose the right to claim no matter how clear the driver’s fault was.
Two years can sound like plenty of time, but gathering app records, medical history, and crash evidence takes time, so it’s worth acting quickly. If you’ve been injured in an accident, call the Law Offices of John R. Salazar for a free consultation.
What should you do if Uber, Lyft, or their insurer offers you a quick payout?
A quick offer after a crash is usually made before the full scope of the injury is known, and accepting it typically closes the door on any further claim later. Before signing anything, it’s worth having an attorney check whether the offer covers future medical costs and lost income, not just immediate expenses — this matters even more if the injury involves any kind of trauma with possible mid-term effects.
An Uber or Lyft passenger accident shouldn’t mean you carry costs that belong to the rideshare company’s insurer. At The Law Offices of John R. Salazar, we help injured passengers in Dallas claim the full compensation they’re owed. You can request a free consultation to have your case reviewed.
Frequently Asked Questions
When making a claim, which insurance policy applies depends on who is at fault for the accident. Accidents involving Uber or other rideshare companies can be complex and it is best to consult with an attorney to understand your legal rights.
Yes. Some injuries, like whiplash or soft-tissue damage, may not fully show up until days later. That’s why it’s important to seek medical attention promptly rather than ruling out a claim just because the initial pain seemed mild.
Each passenger can file their own claim against the same policy. In crashes with multiple injured people, it is valuable to have the right guidance to protect your claim.
At The Law Offices of John R. Salazar, we help injured Uber and Lyft passengers in Dallas claim the full compensation they're owed. The consultation is free, and we don't charge unless we win. Call (214) 833-5378.
This article is for information only and is not legal advice. Every case is different; consult a lawyer about your specific situation.