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Uber accidents are increasingly common in Texas, particularly in major cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin. The rise in popularity of rideshare services has led to more vehicles on the road for longer hours, increasing the likelihood of head-on, T-bone, and rear-end collisions.

While the rideshare giant provides up to $1 million in liability insurance per accident when a driver is active, what happens if an Uber driver hits you while off duty? Learn how our attorneys could hold rideshare workers responsible for the damages they cause, and contact us today to learn more.

Uber’s Insurance Does Not Apply

Texas law requires insurance coverage for Uber accidents, but the amount depends on the driver’s status in the app. If the driver has a passenger or is on their way to a pickup, Uber provides up to $1 million in liability coverage, or $50,000 in liability, $100,000 per incident, and $25,000 for property damage when they are waiting for a ride request.

However, when the driver is offline (or logged out of the app), Uber would not pay any portion of your claim at all. In this case, you may need a personal injury attorney to verify app data and ensure the correct policy is used when filing your claim.

The Driver Is Personally Liable

A rideshare driver is not covered by Uber’s insurance when they are off-duty. In this scenario, they are treated as a private motorist, and you would have to file a claim against their personal auto insurance policy. State law requires motorists to maintain at least $30,000 in bodily injury coverage, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for damaged property.

Unfortunately, there are some risks associated with this coverage. Most standard personal policies have strict exclusions when their customers use their personal vehicles for ridesharing. That is why most insurers highly recommend adding a specific rideshare endorsement to the Uber driver’s personal policy.

What Steps Should You Take After an Uber Driver Hits You?

The steps you take after a car accident, even if you were not at fault, make a difference to the success of your claim for damages. If an Uber driver hits you while off duty, prioritize your health and safety by calling 911 for police and medical assistance. Now, document the scene with photos and exchange information with the rideshare driver. The next step is to report the accident through the Uber app, then consult a personal injury attorney before accepting any insurance settlement offers from the tech giant.

Discuss What Happens If an Uber Driver Hits You With a Skilled Attorney

So, what happens if an Uber driver hits you while off duty? If you are involved in an accident with a rideshare driver, we strongly suggest consulting with an attorney to help you navigate the complex insurance regulations associated with these collisions.

So, reach out to the skilled lawyers at KGS Law PLLC for the answers. Our personal injury law firm offers free consultations. Our experienced teams work hard to hold at-fault parties responsible for our clients’ damages, and we are ready to do the same for you.