Amarillo Rideshare Accident Attorney

Representing Injured Texans Since 1999: Board Certified Trial Attorneys Ready to Fight

If you were injured in an accident involving an Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare vehicle, recovering compensation won’t be as straightforward as a typical car accident claim. Rideshare accidents layer multiple insurers, independent contractor classifications, and app-status disputes on top of the standard liability questions. Each layer is an opportunity for an insurer to avoid paying. You need a legal team that understands how those layers work and isn’t afraid to litigate when negotiation falls short.

Since 1999, Wood Law Firm LLP has represented injured individuals and families throughout Texas, including the surviving family members of those wrongfully killed. If you were seriously hurt or lost a loved one in an Uber or Lyft accident, we’re here to help you fight for justice and the compensation available under the law.

For a free, no-obligation consultation, call (806) 304-0447 today. You don’t owe any attorneys’ fees unless/until we win your case.

Who Is Liable for an Uber or Lyft Accident?

One of the things that makes rideshare accident claims so complex is the issue of liability. Depending on the circumstances, any of the following parties could potentially be responsible:

• The rideshare driver
• Another negligent motorist
• The manufacturer of a defective vehicle or auto part
• Another third party, such as a negligent bicyclist or pedestrian

In a typical Texas car accident, an injured victim files a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver’s insurer. When a commercial vehicle is involved, such as a taxicab or bus, the victim can often bring a claim directly against the employing company because employers are generally liable for the conduct of their employees.

Rideshare is different. Both Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, not employees, which limits the companies’ direct liability for driver conduct. Under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 2402, Uber and Lyft are defined as Transportation Network Companies (TNCs), a classification that determines which insurance obligations apply at any given moment. As a result, you may need to file a claim against the driver’s private auto insurance. But that claim is likely to be denied because most personal auto policies exclude coverage when the vehicle is being used for commercial purposes.

The good news is that both Uber and Lyft carry insurance coverage that may apply after a driver’s private policy denies your claim. Understanding exactly which coverage is available depends on the driving period at the time of the crash, something we explain in detail below.

Steps to Take After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Amarillo

What you do in the hours and days after a rideshare crash can significantly affect your ability to recover compensation. Rideshare claims involve layers of insurance and digital evidence that standard car accident cases don’t, which makes early action especially important.

Take these steps to protect your claim:

• Call police and seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Some injuries don’t present symptoms until days after the crash, and early medical documentation strengthens your claim.
• Screenshot the rideshare app showing the trip status, driver name, vehicle, and route. This establishes which driving period applies and, by extension, which insurance coverage tier is available.
• Photograph the accident scene, vehicle positions, visible injuries, license plates, and driver insurance information.
• Collect the driver’s information and document the insurance details of every vehicle involved.
• Contact an Amarillo rideshare accident lawyer before speaking with any insurance adjuster. Insurers may use early recorded statements against your claim.

Why Hire Wood Law Firm LLP for Your Rideshare Accident Claim

Rideshare claims can involve multiple insurers, each motivated to shift responsibility onto someone else. Having an attorney who is prepared to litigate, not just negotiate, changes that dynamic.

Attorney Wood holds Board Certification in Personal Injury Trial Law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a credential fewer than 10% of Texas attorneys earn. That certification reflects his ability to handle complex rideshare claims through trial if insurers refuse to pay fairly. Our firm has also earned Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent® honors for outstanding ethical standards, and our attorneys appear on the Super Lawyers® list and maintain excellent Avvo ratings.

We offer same-day, evening, and weekend appointments so that getting legal help fits your schedule. There are no upfront or out-of-pocket costs: we work on a contingency fee basis and provide free initial consultations, so you don’t pay unless we win your case.