Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Lubbock

Who May Be Liable in a Lubbock Rideshare Accident

Determining liability in a rideshare crash requires tracing exactly who was at fault and whether the app was active at the time. Because Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, the companies are generally shielded from direct liability for a driver’s negligence. If a rideshare company failed to conduct a proper background check or allowed a driver with disqualifying credentials into the system, though, the company itself could share liability for a resulting crash.

Beyond the rideshare driver, a third-party driver who caused the collision may also be liable. Passengers face a distinct advantage: they weren’t driving and weren’t making decisions, so they’re rarely found at fault. That can open access to multiple layers of coverage at once.

Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Crashes

Rideshare drivers face pressures that differ from those of typical motorists. Identifying the specific cause behind a crash shapes how we build a claim.

Frequent contributing factors include:

• Distracted driving: Managing the app, monitoring GPS, and accepting incoming requests all pull attention from the road.
• Driver fatigue: Long shifts and back-to-back rides can impair judgment and slow reaction times.
• Reckless or aggressive driving: Pressure to reach destinations quickly can lead to speeding and traffic violations.
• Impaired driving: Alcohol or drug use by a rideshare driver can cause devastating crashes.
• Vehicle maintenance failures: Brake failures and tire blowouts from poorly maintained vehicles are a recognized cause of rideshare accidents.

Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident in Lubbock

What you do in the hours after a crash affects both your health and your legal claim. A few steps matter most.

Protect yourself and your claim:

• Seek medical attention promptly. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away. A medical record created close in time to the accident is important evidence.
• Call the police. An official report documents the crash and captures information you’ll need later.
• Collect driver and trip details. Get the driver’s name, license plate, and rideshare account information, along with contact information from any witnesses.
• Photograph everything. Images of vehicle damage, the scene, and visible injuries can be critical if the claim is disputed.

Texas Filing Deadline and Comparative Negligence

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence standard. A plaintiff found 51 percent or more at fault can’t recover damages. A plaintiff found 50 percent or less at fault can still recover, though the award is reduced by their share of fault. For rideshare passengers, this threshold is rarely an issue since passengers don’t control the vehicle.

Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code section 16.003, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the accident date. Missing that deadline typically means losing the right to recover entirely. If a claim proceeds to litigation, cases involving significant damages or complex legal questions are most likely filed in a district court. Lubbock County’s district courts are located at the Lubbock County Courthouse.

Delaying legal advice costs time you can’t recover. Contact Wood Law Firm LLP at (806) 304-0447 to discuss your rideshare accident claim before that window closes. Consultations are free, and you owe nothing unless we recover compensation for you.