Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have transformed transportation in Houston, offering convenience and affordability. However, these benefits come with risks, including driver misconduct that can lead to serious injuries and legal disputes. Determining liability can be complex when a rideshare driver acts negligently or engages in misconduct. At Hollingsworth Law Firm, our Harris County personal injury attorneys help victims understand their legal options and hold rideshare companies accountable.
What Constitutes Rideshare Driver Misconduct?
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have transformed people’s travel, offering convenience and accessibility at the tap of a button. However, with this convenience comes the expectation that drivers will operate their vehicles safely and professionally.
Unfortunately, not all rideshare drivers meet these standards, and their misconduct can put passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists at risk.
Rideshare driver misconduct can take many forms, including:
Reckless or Distracted Driving – Speeding, texting while driving, or failing to obey traffic laws.
Driving Under the Influence – Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Harassment or Threatening Behavior – Verbal abuse, intimidation, or inappropriate actions.
Failure to Maintain Vehicle Safety – Driving a vehicle that is unsafe or not properly maintained.
When a rideshare driver fails to uphold their duty of care, their actions can lead to serious accidents and injuries. Understanding what constitutes rideshare driver misconduct is essential for passengers and victims who need to protect their rights and seek compensation for any harm suffered.
When Are Rideshare Companies Liable?
When misconduct occurs, determining whether Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare company can be held liable depends on several factors. Rideshare companies often argue that their drivers are independent contractors, not employees, to limit liability.
However, there are situations where they can still be held accountable, including:
Negligent Hiring and Background Checks
Rideshare companies are responsible for screening their drivers before allowing them to transport passengers. If they fail to conduct proper background checks and allow drivers with criminal histories, DUIs, or multiple traffic violations to work, they may be liable for the harm that results.
Failure to Enforce Safety Policies
Uber and Lyft have strict safety policies, including zero-tolerance policies for drug or alcohol use. If a company ignores complaints about a driver’s dangerous behavior and an incident occurs, they may be held accountable.
Liability for Accidents Caused by Rideshare Drivers
If a driver is actively transporting a passenger or en route to pick one up, Uber and Lyft’s $1 million liability insurance policy may apply. A lower-tier insurance policy may cover damages if the driver is logged into the app but has not accepted a ride. When drivers are off-duty, their insurance applies, and the rideshare company may avoid liability.
Failure to Respond to Passenger Complaints
Rideshare companies must investigate reports of misconduct and take action to protect passengers. If a company allows a known dangerous driver to continue working, it may be held responsible for future incidents.
How Victims Can Seek Compensation
If you have been injured due to a rideshare driver’s misconduct, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Medical expenses.
Lost wages.
Pain and suffering.
Emotional distress.
Our Houston personal injury attorneys at Hollingsworth Law Firm have extensive experience handling rideshare accident and misconduct claims. We fight to ensure rideshare companies are held accountable and that victims receive the compensation they deserve.
If a rideshare driver in Houston has harmed you or a loved one, call 713-637-4560 or contact us online for a free consultation to discuss your legal options. Our skilled Houston personal injury attorneys and bilingual team proudly serve clients across Texas. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case. When you’re ready to seek justice and fair compensation, we’re here to guide and support you.
Steve Hollingsworth is a seasoned trial attorney with extensive experience across Texas. After beginning his career as a felony prosecutor, Steve went on to represent major insurance companies before focusing on helping individuals injured in car, motorcycle, trucking accidents, and premises liability cases. Founder of his own firm, Steve is committed to providing personalized, client-focused legal representation to ensure justice for those he serves.
View Our Recent Cases
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Our client was struck on the driver’s side of the vehicle by a commercial truck, the negligent driver fled the scene after the accident.
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Testimonials
Awesome Attorney
I was a client of Steve Hollingsworth. I was totally satisfied with his representation of me. He was very helpful in answering all my questions and always kept me updated on the status of my case. I am very happy with the settlement of the case and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for legal advice.
Rossana Former Client
Houston’s Best Consultation!
Steve was just great! Very easy to work with, communicates really well and most importantly sets realistic expectations. He is very straightforward and promptly responds to all your questions. I would definitely recommend Steve and would not hesitate to hire him in the future.
Anonymous Former Client
Very Accommodating and Caring
Steve and his assistant Kristina takes care of all my requests right away. Steve personally calls on issues and keeps me updated on the developments of the case. Got me a great settlement! Would highly recommend!
Mila G. Former Client
Rear End Case
Mr. Hollingsworth was an excellent lawyer in my case. He kept me up to date and informed through the whole process. He was always honest and fought hard in my case. He comes highly recommend.
Anonymous Former Client
Awesome!!!!!
I have no complaints; Steve did a very good job on explaining the details on everything that I was going through with my case. Steve got my case settled in no time, I will sure spread the word about Steve he is a very great lawyer.
Sara Former Client
Review
I liked how Steve explained everything, so I knew what I was getting in to. Steve got me what I deserved in no time. I would recommend him to anyone.
Andrew Former Client
Steven and I attended law school together and I have known him since 2000. He was stellar in representing a close friend with a personal injury matter. I have been very impressed with his communication, dedication and thoroughness in representation.
Pamela V. Attorney from Cypress, TX
Steve is the real deal! He is an extremely invaluable resource on all things Litigation for me as a younger attorney. He is not only great a securing the bigger verdicts, but actually cares about the clients and still sticks by his tried and true method of meeting, in person, with his clients to go over facts .
overall, a solid attorney, with a wealth of knowledge!
Crystal H. Attorney from Houston, TX
Steve and I were colleagues, where we worked on complex personal injury and wrongful death cases. What I observed in the years we worked together is that Steve is not only extremely skillful in his profession, but he is a tireless student of the law, constantly working to perfect the art of practicing law.
He genuinely cares about his clients and their cases and it shows. He has excellent work ethic. He is not only a terrific lawyer but also a great person. As a fellow member of the State Bar of Texas, I would recommend Steve to anyone needing a zealous advocate in a personal injury case.
Vivian E. Attorney from San Antonio, TX
After working with Steve for a couple of years, I found Steve to be an outstanding, aggressive and highly skilled lawyer in the courtroom. His confidence and knowledge of the courtroom and what it takes to succeed there, I believe will ensure his long term prosperity.
Robin T. Attorney from College Station, TX
I had the pleasure of working on a trial with Steven last August. His background as an ADA is clearly evident in the courtroom. Steven’s presentation of the evidence throughout trial is that of a seasoned attorney who has spent many hours in front of a jury.
His opening/closings were excellent, as well as his strategic litigating throughout the trial. Steven is a consummate professional and a pleasure to work with, and watch in the courtroom.
James H. From Miami, FL
When I met Steve, I was a legal assistant at a Plaintiff’s firm and he was working as an attorney for AIG. We connected there and then. Steve is a likable guy and an outstanding trial lawyer. He is charismatic and jurors like him.
He is a Plaintiff’s lawyer now and he has the right skill set to represent injured individuals: he is compassionate, honest, and sincere and will go the extra mile for his clients. I’ve known Steve for almost 8 years now and I’m excited to see his career evolve.
Alice L. Attorney in Houston, TX
Professional and Thorough
I used Steve Hollingsworth for a personal injury case following a car accident. He was very easy to work with and managed my expectations regarding costs, time commitment/duration, filing suit etc. Steve kept me informed during the process and always made sure I understand what everything meant.
My case took about 18 months to resolve, ending in mediation after filing suit and he pushed hard to make sure my best interest was represented and to ensure that I had the best possible (and fair) outcome.
I hope I never have a personal injury claim again but if I do, I would absolutely consult with Steve. He exceeded my expectations and made the process as painless as possible. I would high recommend him.
Jessie Former Client
About Hollingsworth Law Firm
Our aggressive personal injury trial attorneys at the Hollingsworth Law Firm are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve. If you are the victim of an automobile accident, airplane accident, workplace injury or other catastrophic injury, you need legal advice from a personal injury attorney with proven results you can trust. Our dedicated legal team is proud to represent clients across the state of Texas. WE WILL START FIGHTING FOR YOUR RIGHTS TODAY!
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