Uber Accident Settlement Strategies in Texas: The Comprehensive Guide for Injury Victims

In its 2019-2020 Safety Report, Uber detailed its expansion in the United States, noting that more than 32 rides are now occurring per second. Uber's presence in big Texas cities like San Antonio and Austin means that accidents involving these Uber vehicles are fairly common. If you've found yourself in the aftermath of an Uber accident, understanding your rights and options is crucial for ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorist involved in an Uber accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses, and the Texas Uber accident attorneys at Carabin Shaw can help.

In this comprehensive guide, we cover the intricacies of Uber accident settlements, covering the following:

• Uber accident statistics
• Uber's insurance policies
• Texas’ modified comparative negligence laws
• Filing an Uber accident injury claim
• Navigating the settlement process
• Selecting a personal injury attorney
• & much more

Finding recent information on Uber accidents, especially in Texas, can be challenging. Unlike regular car crashes, Uber accidents aren't reported in a standard way, making data collection difficult. Additionally, most Uber accident data comes from the company itself, which may be biased or incomplete.

Below is some recent data collected about car accidents generally, and Uber accidents more specifically, to get a clearer picture of these accidents.

• Over 2 million people were injured on U.S. roads in 2020, with over 5 million non-fatal crashes reported.
• In 2020, 35% of fatal car crashes were reported as those riding in passenger cars (including rideshare vehicles), followed by 27% light-truck occupants, and 20% pedestrians, bicyclists, etc.
• Texas faced a 7.5% increase in traffic fatalities from 2019 to 2020, totaling about 4,000 in that year.
• Reported by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), in 2022 one person was injured every 2 minutes 9 seconds, and 1 reportable car crash occurred every 57 seconds.
• Uber reported 59 fatalities while using their rideshare service in 2019 and 42 in 2020.
• 244,092 persons were injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes in Texas in 2022.

The top three factors of car accidents in Texas, reported recently by TxDOT include failing to control speed, failure to drive in a single lane, and driver inattention. Those victims injured in an Uber Accident in Texas likely faced similar types of collisions.

Some additional common rideshare accident causes include:

• Distracted driving
• Intersection crashes
• Rear-end collisions
• T-bone accidents
• Sideswipe collisions
• Rollover accidents
• Pile-ups
• Impaired driving
• Pedestrian and bicycle accidents

One of the most significant factors in rideshare accident settlements is understanding Uber's insurance coverage. Uber's commercial insurance policy provides up to $1 million in liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage per accident. It also includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and contingent comprehensive and collision coverage for the driver's vehicle.

Depending on the driver's activity status at the time of the accident, victims may also need to engage with the driver's personal auto insurance policy. If the driver is offline or available but has not yet accepted a ride, their personal insurance coverage would apply.

If the accident involves multiple vehicles or another driver is at fault, victims and their chosen Texas lawyers may also need to interact with the insurance companies of the other drivers involved. Determining liability and seeking compensation may involve negotiations with the insurance providers of all parties responsible for the accident.

In Texas, car accident fault determines who pays for the damages of the parties involved. Each party, including Uber drivers, can share blame (percentage of fault) and compensation is split accordingly. The state’s main legal code outlines the following:

This clarifies that damages in personal injury cases are divided among parties based on their percentage of fault.

This applies a threshold, stating that a claimant (injured party) cannot recover any damages if their percentage of fault is greater than 50%.

Navigating the legal complexities after an Uber accident requires an understanding of available coverage, claim options, and more. Seeking help from a Uber accident lawyer in Texas will ensure injured rideshare parties receive proper compensation.

The first step in seeking compensation after an Uber accident is filing a claim. Gathering essential information such as insurance details, license plate numbers, and driver information is crucial in initiating the claims process.

In an Uber accident, various types of damages may be recoverable, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life. Understanding the full extent of your damages is essential for ensuring you receive fair compensation.

Injury compensation strategies in Texas are best handled by local attorneys with experience handling rideshare cases, such as the team at Carabin Shaw.

Once a claim is filed, the settlement process is next. Uber's insurance adjusters are skilled negotiators, often seeking to settle claims quickly and for as little as possible. Having a knowledgeable lawyer on your side can help level the playing field and ensure you receive a fair settlement that adequately compensates you for your losses.

While specific settlement amounts can vary widely based on the circumstances of each case, understanding past settlements can provide insight into potential outcomes.

Our client was a passenger in a rideshare that was rear-ended in a collision in 2023. The crash caused injuries to their spinal discs. The case was settled for $970,000.

Having the right legal support following an Uber accident in Austin, San Antonio, or across Texas is crucial. Carabin Shaw offers a free case review with no obligation to discuss the specifics of your case and has Spanish-speaking staff available, ensuring accessibility for all.

With decades of experience handling similar personal injury cases, our attorneys can skillfully navigate insurance complexities, negotiate with adjusters, and advocate for maximum compensation on your behalf.

With Carabin Shaw, you don't pay unless we win your case – that's the essence of our contingency fee agreements. This approach eliminates financial stress for victims seeking legal assistance and ensures our dedication to your case's success.

If you've been in an Uber accident, call 800-862-1260 for a consultation. We're committed to empowering you with knowledge and fighting for the compensation you deserve.

For more information:

• Crash Stats
• TX DOT
• TX DOT
• Texas Statutes