When you’re hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident, every choice you make afterward can affect your health, finances, and legal case. But many people make mistakes that weaken their chances of recovering full compensation.
Don’t let that happen to you.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common (and avoidable) missteps we see after a rideshare crash in Texas — and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Not Calling the Police
Even if the rideshare driver insists it’s minor, always call law enforcement.
Why it matters:
- Police reports provide crucial evidence for your claim.
- Uber and Lyft both require documentation for their insurance processes.
- Without an official report, it’s your word vs. theirs.
Pro Tip:
Always ask the officer for the report number and where you can request a copy.
Mistake #2: Not Documenting the Scene Yourself
Think the rideshare company or driver will handle it? Don’t count on it.
Take control of your evidence:
- 📸 Take photos of all vehicles involved — including the Uber/Lyft sticker or decal.
- 📍 Capture road signs, traffic signals, and street names.
- 👥 Get names and numbers of witnesses, if any.
- 📝 Note the driver’s name and rideshare platform.
You only get one chance to gather this kind of detail before it’s gone forever.
Mistake #3: Saying the Wrong Thing After the Crash
As a passenger, you likely didn’t cause the crash but what you say afterward can still be used to undermine your injury claim.
For example:
- Saying “I’m fine” or “It’s not that bad” can hurt your case later if injuries show up.
- Apologizing (even casually) could be twisted as you accepting some responsibility for how events unfolded.
- Guessing about what caused the accident can backfire — especially if it’s inaccurate.
Instead, do this:
- Stick to the facts when speaking to police or others.
- Don’t speculate, assign blame, or talk about your injuries in vague terms.
- Let your lawyer handle any communication with insurance companies.
What you say can be used against you — even when you’re just a passenger.
Mistake #4: Delaying Medical Treatment
Some injuries take time to show symptoms — but the longer you wait, the weaker your claim becomes.
Common delayed injuries:
- Whiplash
- Concussions
- Internal bleeding
- Herniated discs
Delays create doubt:
- Insurance adjusters might argue your injury wasn’t serious.
- Or worse — that it wasn’t caused by the rideshare accident at all.
Rule of thumb:
Get checked out within 24 hours, even if you feel okay.
Mistake #5: Assuming Uber or Lyft Will Automatically Cover You
Uber and Lyft do offer insurance coverage — but it’s not automatic, and it depends on when the crash happened:
Coverage varies based on the driver’s status:
- App off: Personal insurance only (no Uber/Lyft coverage)
- App on, no ride accepted: Limited third-party coverage
- Ride in progress: $1M in liability and UM/UIM coverage (in most cases)
Bottom line:
You still need to prove the rideshare driver was at fault — and the insurance company may fight you.
Mistake #6: Talking to the Rideshare Company or Their Insurer Without a Lawyer
They may act helpful, but their job is to protect the company — not you.
Avoid:
- Giving recorded statements
- Accepting quick settlement offers
- Signing any release forms
Let a personal injury lawyer handle these conversations. They know the tactics used to undervalue claims.
Mistake #7: Posting About the Crash on Social Media
Insurance companies monitor social platforms for anything they can use against you.
Think twice before you:
- Post about your accident or injuries
- Check in at a gym, party, or vacation spot while you’re “recovering”
- Share photos that could be taken out of context
Even innocent posts can backfire — or be twisted in court.
Mistake #8: Assuming the Driver Is the Only One Who Can Be Held Liable
Rideshare crashes are legally complex.
Other potentially liable parties:
- The rideshare company, if the driver was improperly vetted or overworked
- A third-party driver, if they caused or contributed to the crash
- A vehicle manufacturer, if mechanical failure played a role
- Even municipal entities, in cases involving poor road conditions
An experienced lawyer will investigate all possible angles to maximize your compensation.
Mistake #9: Waiting Too Long to File a Claim
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury is two years — but waiting too long can:
- Make it harder to gather evidence
- Weaken witness memory
- Give insurers more leverage
And if you’re suing a government entity (like a city bus driver involved in the crash), you may have to file a notice of claim within months, not years.
Don’t sit on your rights — start the process early.
Mistake #10: Thinking All Injury Lawyers Are the Same
Rideshare accident claims are different from traditional car crashes:
- The insurance coverage is layered and conditional.
- Uber/Lyft have legal teams trained to dispute claims.
- Driver status at the time of the crash changes everything.
That’s why you need a lawyer with specific experience handling rideshare claims — someone who knows how to deal with the insurance traps and liability hurdles.
How to Protect Your Rights After an Uber or Lyft Crash
Here’s what to do instead:
- Call the police and get a report
- Take photos and gather witness info
- Get medical care right away
- Save all rideshare receipts and app data
- Avoid social media posts
- Speak to a Texas rideshare accident lawyer before contacting any insurance company
Rideshare accidents may seem straightforward, but legally, they’re anything but. What you do in the hours and days after the crash can change everything — from whether your medical bills are covered to how much compensation you get for your pain and suffering.
Don’t gamble with your future.
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Call Jim Adler today for a FREE consultation.
If you’ve been hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident, don’t try to fight the insurance companies alone. They have lawyers. So should you.
Call Jim Adler & Associates now at 1-800-505-1414 or click here to request your free case review online
