Uber and Lyft have become go-to transportation options in McAllen, offering convenience and flexibility for residents and visitors alike. Whether you’re catching a ride to La Plaza Mall, the airport, or heading home from a night out downtown, rideshare apps have changed the way people move through the city. But what happens when that ride ends in an accident?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving a rideshare vehicle, whether as a passenger, driver, pedestrian, or cyclist, the legal process that follows can be far more complex than a typical car accident. That’s why you need a knowledgeable McAllen Uber and Lyft accident lawyer to protect your rights, hold the responsible parties accountable, and secure the compensation you deserve.
Accidents involving Uber and Lyft vehicles aren’t handled the same way as other car crashes. Rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors, not employees. This setup helps companies avoid direct liability—but it creates a complicated situation when it comes to determining fault and figuring out which insurance policy applies.
The most important factor in determining insurance coverage is the driver’s status within the app at the time of the accident. Were they logged in? Were they transporting a passenger or waiting for a ride request? These distinctions matter.
| Driver App Status | Applicable Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|
| Driver offline | Driver’s personal auto insurance |
| Driver online, no ride accepted | Uber/Lyft contingency policy ($50K/$100K/$25K in TX) |
| En route to pick up or during trip | Uber/Lyft full commercial policy (up to $1 million) |
Understanding and proving the driver’s status at the time of the crash is key to accessing the full insurance coverage available. A McAllen Uber and Lyft accident attorney can subpoena app data and rideshare logs to establish these facts.
The Rio Grande Valley’s traffic patterns, rapid growth, and congested intersections contribute to a variety of rideshare accident scenarios. Some of the most common causes include:
Distracted driving (texting, GPS use)
Fatigue due to long shifts
Reckless lane changes
Failing to yield at busy intersections like 10th Street and Expressway 83
Speeding or aggressive driving
Intoxicated drivers (either rideshare or third parties)
Unfamiliarity with roads, especially for out-of-town Uber/Lyft drivers
If you were hurt in an Uber or Lyft crash in McAllen, you may be eligible for compensation regardless of your role in the accident:
Rideshare passengers
Drivers of other vehicles hit by a rideshare car
Pedestrians or bicyclists struck by an Uber or Lyft
Uber/Lyft drivers injured in accidents caused by others
Surviving family members in wrongful death cases
Due to the nature of rideshare services—frequent stops, distracted drivers, and rushed pickups—accidents can result in serious, sometimes life-altering injuries.
| Injury Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Whiplash | Neck strain from sudden stops or rear-end collisions |
| Head injuries | Concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) |
| Broken bones | Common in high-speed crashes or side impacts |
| Spinal injuries | Herniated discs, nerve damage, or paralysis |
| Internal injuries | Damage to organs, internal bleeding |
| Lacerations & bruising | From airbags, shattered glass, or being thrown inside the car |
Timely medical treatment not only improves your health outcomes—it also strengthens your injury claim by establishing medical documentation.
Your damages may include both economic and non-economic losses. The goal is to make you financially and physically whole again after the accident.
Emergency room and hospital costs
Surgery and rehabilitation
Prescription medications
Lost wages
Loss of future earning potential
Property damage (e.g., personal items, phones)
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Permanent disability or disfigurement
Loss of enjoyment of life
Loss of companionship (in wrongful death cases)
| Injury Type | Medical Costs | Total Estimated Claim Value |
|---|---|---|
| Minor (e.g., whiplash) | $2,500–$10,000 | $15,000–$30,000 |
| Moderate (e.g., fractures) | $10,000–$50,000 | $50,000–$150,000 |
| Severe (e.g., spinal injury) | $50,000+ | $250,000–$1,000,000+ |
The specific value of your claim depends on several variables—injury severity, liability, available insurance, and your legal representation.
Taking the right steps immediately after the crash can preserve your health, rights, and financial future.
Call 911 and request medical help and a police report.
Get names and contact info from all drivers and witnesses.
Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and injuries.
Document the driver’s app status and take screenshots.
Seek medical treatment and follow your doctor’s orders.
Do not speak to insurance adjusters without legal counsel.
Contact a McAllen Uber and Lyft accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Most claims settle within 6 to 18 months, but serious injury cases or disputed liability can extend timelines.
Handling a rideshare claim without legal help is risky. Uber and Lyft have deep pockets and aggressive insurance teams trained to minimize payouts.
Full investigation of the crash
Determining the driver’s app status
Accessing black box and rideshare data
Gathering medical and wage documentation
Negotiating with insurers and Uber/Lyft legal teams
Filing a lawsuit if a fair settlement is denied
Our firm has been a trusted name in Texas personal injury law for decades. Here’s what sets us apart:
Local Experience: Deep knowledge of McAllen traffic trends, accident hotspots, and Hidalgo County court systems
Proven Results: Millions recovered for injured clients statewide
Aggressive Advocacy: We go toe-to-toe with big corporations
Contingency Fee Structure: You pay nothing unless we win
24/7 Availability: Talk to an attorney when you need us most
Loncar Lyon Jenkins proudly represents Uber and Lyft crash victims throughout the Rio Grande Valley, including:
McAllen
Edinburg
Mission
Pharr
San Juan
Alamo
Weslaco
Donna
Mercedes
Hidalgo
Palmhurst
Palmview
We understand the unique dynamics of rideshare traffic in this region—and how to navigate its legal terrain.
Loncar Lyon Jenkins – McAllen Office
📍 321 S 12th St, McAllen, TX 78501
📞 Phone: +1 956 304 6501
If you or someone you love has been injured in a rideshare accident, don’t wait. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can start building your case for maximum compensation.
Uber and Lyft accidents in McAllen come with unique legal challenges. With overlapping insurance policies, corporate pushback, and app-based complications, these aren’t cases you want to face alone. A skilled McAllen Uber and Lyft accident lawyer can investigate your case, determine fault, and pursue every avenue for compensation—whether through settlement or trial.
Let Loncar Lyon Jenkins be your legal advocate. We’ll fight to get you every dollar you’re entitled to. Contact us now for a free consultation.
