Holiday travel brings more traffic, more celebrations, and more rideshare trips
The holiday season has a way of turning everyday life into a whirlwind. Streets fill with shoppers, families pile into cars for long drives, and invitations stack up faster than wrapping paper. It’s also the time of year when rideshare apps light up with request after request.
People rely on Uber and Lyft to avoid parking headaches, skip the stress of navigating busy roads, and make safer choices after a night out. But as convenient as rideshare services are, the risk of a crash involving them also increases.
If you're injured in a car accident involving a rideshare service this holiday season, here's what you need to know about protecting your rights and pursuing a claim for your losses.
Why do rideshare accidents increase during the holidays?
The short answer is that several factors come together to raise the risk, including:
- Increased travel: The holiday season brings some of the year's busiest travel days. When traffic rises, the chance of a collision naturally increases.
- Increased celebrations: More people also turn to rideshares when they know they’ll be celebrating. That means a spike in late-night trips, pickups at crowded event venues, and drop-offs in hectic parking lots.
- Drowsy driving risks: Rideshare drivers work longer shifts during peak periods, increasing the risk of fatigue.
- Impaired driving risks: Impaired drivers are more common during the holiday party season and pose a real danger to everyone on the road. That includes rideshare passengers doing the right thing by not driving themselves.
- Distractions: A rideshare driver may be navigating an unfamiliar neighborhood while relying heavily on GPS directions. A sudden route change or lane shift can lead to distraction.
- Other motorist negligence: Even if your rideshare driver is alert and cautious, they still share the road with people who may be tired, stressed, or impaired. Holiday pressures, tight schedules, and long hours can bring out aggressive driving in others.
Who's responsible for a rideshare crash?
Liability in a rideshare accident can be surprisingly complicated. Rideshare drivers use their personal vehicles, but their insurance coverage depends on what they’re doing at the time of the crash. For example:
- Not logged into the app (app off): Only personal auto insurance applies, and Uber or Lyft provides no coverage at all during this time.
- Logged in and waiting for a request: Personal insurance may exclude coverage, so Uber and Lyft step in with limited, contingent third‑party liability only (often up to about $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident for injuries, and $25,000 for property damage).
- Actively driving a passenger or heading to pick someone up: Uber and Lyft typically provide up to $1 million in commercial liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage, plus additional protections such as contingent comprehensive and collision.
It’s not always the rideshare driver who’s responsible, either. Another motorist might cause the crash, or a combination of factors could be involved. In some cases, a vehicle defect or poor road maintenance plays a role.
That's why if you've been injured in such a crash, it's in your best interest to consult an experienced Uber accident lawyer who knows how to navigate complex rideshare claims.
Keep in mind that rideshare collisions involve more insurance layers than most people expect, and those insurance companies fight hard to avoid paying more than they must. Texas and Oklahoma also follow comparative fault rules, meaning multiple parties may share responsibility (or try to shift blame).
What steps should I take after a holiday rideshare accident?
The moments after a rideshare accident are often disorienting, especially during the hectic holiday season. But a few actions can protect your health and your potential claim.
- First, get medical attention even if you feel only mildly shaken. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away, especially concussions or soft-tissue damage.
- Calling law enforcement is important, too. A police report carries significant weight when multiple insurance companies get involved.
- Gathering evidence is also helpful. Take screenshots of your ride details, the driver’s information, and the trip route in the app. Photos of the scene, the vehicles, and any visible injuries help document what happened.
- Finally, talk with an attorney before making any statements to the rideshare company or another driver’s insurance provider. They may reach out quickly, especially during the busy holiday season, but you don’t want to say anything that could weaken your case.
Tips to stay safe when using a rideshare this holiday season
Even with the increased risks, rideshares remain one of the safest ways to avoid impaired driving during the holidays. A little preparation goes a long way. Passengers should always double-check the vehicle and driver before getting in, buckle up every time, and choose well-lit pickup and drop-off spots.
Rideshare drivers can take steps to reduce their own risks by keeping their vehicles maintained, taking regular breaks, and reducing distractions. Everyone on the road can help by slowing down, adjusting to weather conditions, and planning ahead for celebrations that involve alcohol.
The holidays may bring packed roads and late nights, but they don’t have to bring added danger. With some foresight and attention, you can enjoy the season while reducing the chances of a rideshare accident.
Injured? Hoover Rogers Law is here to help you find your way forward
Rideshare accident claims often involve a web of digital records, insurance policies, and liability questions. Our personal injury attorneys at Hoover Rogers Law, LLP understand that the traffic patterns and legal landscape in Texas and Oklahoma can level the playing field.
We can investigate your crash, review app logs and timestamps, analyze insurance coverage, and gather witness statements. We also understand how Uber and Lyft structure their policies and how those policies apply in different scenarios.
When it comes to seeking compensation, we'll handle all communications with insurance companies on your behalf, calculate the full value of your damages, and make sure no one downplays the long-term impact of your injuries.
To find out how we can help you, contact us online or call us for a free, no-obligation case consultation.
“I hired Grant to represent me when I was rear-ended by a drunk driver. Grant … always made time for me when I had a question or concern. I know mine wasn't a large case for him, but I still received quality service.” – Tim, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐