Late-Night Rideshare Accidents in Houston and Who Is Liable

Houston is a vibrant city with bustling nightlife, a thriving restaurant scene, and major industries. It also has busy late-night roadways filled with rideshare drivers driving home workers, clubbers, and other nightcrawlers. However, choosing a rideshare like Uber or Lyft to get home late at night comes with risks.

Whether from drowsy driving, intoxicated passengers, or unpredictable road conditions, rideshare vehicles can get into a collision. When this happens, the liability is not always straightforward. The driver, rideshare company, another motorist, or a passenger can be liable for the accident. In this article, we’ll discuss late-night rideshare accidents in Houston and who can be liable.

If you or a loved one was injured in a Houston rideshare accident, our team at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law can help you understand your rights and the legal complexities of these accidents. Call us now at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 for a free and confidential case review.

Why Choose Our Houston Accident Lawyers to Help You After a Rideshare Accident?

At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, our car accident attorneys have dedicated their careers to representing victims of car accidents. We understand the challenges of rideshare accidents and how to present your case and evidence to secure a favorable outcome. We have a proven record of holding rideshare companies and negligent drivers accountable.

We will handle every aspect of your case, from investigating the accident to negotiating with insurance providers and, if necessary, taking it all the way to trial, so you can focus on recovery. We will also protect your rights and advise you on how to avoid jeopardizing your case. If you need a reliable legal team serving seriously injured Houstonians, please call us as soon as possible.

We know what is needed to win personal injury claims arising from late-night rideshare accidents, and we will do everything we can to secure a favorable outcome. 

What Causes Late-Night Rideshare Accidents in Houston?

Several factors contribute to late-night rideshare accidents. They include the following:

• Drowsy or Fatigued Driving: Many rideshare drivers work long hours and late nights, causing them to be extremely tired. When fatigued, they will likely exhibit symptoms resembling alcohol impairment, increasing the risk of an accident.
• Drunk or Impaired Driving: Rideshare drivers working late at night can be under the influence. Many wrongly assume that alcohol will stimulate their senses, but it does the opposite. A drunk driver will make wrong choices, drive recklessly, and be unable to avoid dangerous road conditions, which could cause an accident. At other times, impaired passengers can create dangerous situations that lead to an accident.
• Speeding and Reckless Driving: There are usually fewer cars late at night, which can cause drivers to exceed speed limits and drive recklessly. These actions can lead to an accident.
• Distracted Driving: Irrespective of the time of day, drivers can be distracted. Whether from checking GPS, app notifications, or eating a late-night snack, any momentary distraction can cause a collision.
• Poor Visibility and Road Conditions: Driving late at night means limited lighting and less predictable weather, two factors that increase the risk of an accident. Also, road construction without visible signs can make driving dangerous, leading to accidents.

Additionally, rideshare drivers unfamiliar with Houston streets are likely to take wrong turns or make sudden stops that can cause a collision.

Who Is Liable for a Late-Night Rideshare Accident in Houston?

Determining liability in rideshare accidents in Houston is crucial to knowing who you can file a claim against. The following are those who can be liable for a collision involving a rideshare vehicle late at night:

The Rideshare Driver

The most likely liable party is the rideshare driver. The driver will be held accountable if their negligence contributed to the accident. Since Texas is an at-fault state, the driver’s auto insurance policy will pay for damages. This means you can make an insurance claim with the driver’s insurer or file a personal injury lawsuit.

The Rideshare Company

Generally, rideshare companies name drivers as independent contractors. This sometimes gives them a basis for denying liability if there is a crash. However, the rideshare company can be held liable if the driver was transporting a passenger or on their way to pick one up. To this end, rideshare companies have different insurance coverage options based on the driver’s status.

In Texas, Uber and Lyft provide the following coverage based on the driver’s status:

• When the driver is offline (not logged into the rideshare app), Uber or Lyft coverage will apply, as will their auto insurance coverage.
• When the driver is logged in but has not accepted a ride request, Uber and Lyft provide contingent liability coverage (up to $50,000 per person for injuries; $100,000 per accident; and $25,000 for property damage). This coverage applies even if the driver’s insurance denies the claim. (*Rideshare companies coverage is subject to change.)
• When the driver has accepted a ride or is transporting a passenger, Uber or Lyft’s $1 million liability coverage applies. This coverage pays for bodily injury and property damage. (*Rideshare companies coverage is subject to change.)

Although rideshare companies can be held liable for Houston rideshare accidents, their insurance company might refuse to pay compensation. Therefore, hire a reliable legal team that will get you fair compensation.

Another Motorist

If another driver caused the late-night rideshare accident, they would be liable for the damages. In this case, their auto insurance would cover injuries and property damage for all involved parties, including the rideshare driver and passengers. However, if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, rideshare companies may provide uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage to help cover damages for passengers and the rideshare driver.

The Rideshare Passenger

Although rare, passengers can share liability for rideshare accidents in Houston. For example, a passenger will be accountable if they:

• Distracted the driver by grabbing the steering wheel, shouting, or interfering with driving
• Physically assaulted the driver, leading to loss of control of the vehicle

Proving passenger liability for a rideshare accident is tricky and requires substantial evidence like witness statements or video footage.

Third Parties

You may be able to hold third parties like vehicle manufacturers or governmental entities liable for a late-night Houston rideshare accident. So, if a defective part caused the accident, the manufacturer would be liable. If poorly placed road construction signs caused the crash, the construction company and the governmental entity in charge could be at fault.

Our Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law team can assess the facts of your case to help you identify those at fault and hold them accountable.

Proving Liability in a Rideshare Accident in Houston, Texas

Since multiple parties can be liable for a rideshare collision in Houston, you need evidence to prove fault. You need:

• Crash Report: It contains details of the accident and the cause. It might also include who the officer believes is responsible for the accident.
• Rideshare App Data: The data shows whether the driver was actively working, which helps determine who to file a claim against.
• Eyewitness Statements: Passengers, pedestrians, or other drivers can testify to what they saw before or during the accident.
• Dashcam or Surveillance Footage: Video capturing the accident helps show how it occurred and possibly who was at fault.

Even with strong evidence, insurance companies might still try to deny the claim or underpay you. Therefore, get legal representation.

Were You Involved in a Houston Late-Night Rideshare Accident? We Can Help!

Having an experienced legal team when seeking compensation increases your chances of success. Our team at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law will commit time and resources to your case to help you get the best possible outcome. We will fight for you from the start until your case concludes, so you can count on us to help you get maximum compensation.

We work on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t have to worry about paying us immediately. Call us now at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 for a free and confidential rideshare accident case review.