Dallas is one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the United States, known for its booming economy, diverse communities, and busy roadways. With millions of residents and visitors moving through the city every day, traffic congestion and rideshare usage continue to rise. As a result, accidents involving Uber and Lyft have become increasingly common across the Dallas–Fort Worth region.

If you’ve been hurt in a crash involving Uber or Lyft, time is not on your side. That’s why many people turn to Dallas rideshare accident attorneys who know the critical deadlines and insurance rules that apply in these complex cases. Understanding how long you have to file a claim can make or break your ability to recover compensation — and that starts with knowing Texas’ legal timeline and how it applies to rideshare accidents.

Understanding the Two-Year Filing Window

In Texas, most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years from the date of the accident. This rule comes from the state’s statute of limitations, and missing that deadline almost always means losing your right to sue.

However, that two-year period isn’t set in stone for every case. Certain special circumstances may pause (“toll”) or modify the deadline. For example, if the injured party is a minor or wasn’t aware of their injuries right away, the timeline might shift. But don’t count on these exceptions: they’re limited and call for prompt legal advice.

The Unique Insurance Landscape of Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare crashes involve a complicated mix of insurance coverage that depends on what the driver was doing when the crash happened. That matters, because which policy applies can affect how much compensation you can pursue:

• When a rideshare driver is actively giving a ride, Uber or Lyft provide up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage.
• If the driver is just waiting for a ride request, the companies may cover up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident — but that’s more limited.
• When the app is completely off, only the driver’s personal car insurance usually applies.
• Additionally, your own insurance may help if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage — especially important when other policies don’t fully protect you.

Because of these overlapping responsibilities, establishing the right insurance source is a crucial early step.

Why You Must Act Quickly — Evidence Matters

Waiting too long can seriously weaken your case. Key evidence — like app logs, witness statements, or accident-scene photos — may disappear or become harder to trace. Insurance companies may also argue that your injuries aren’t as serious if you delay reporting or seeking medical care.

Hiring a qualified lawyer early helps preserve that evidence, giving you a stronger foundation for filing a claim within the legal timeline.

The Role of a Skilled Attorney

A knowledgeable attorney can be your most valuable ally in these cases. Here’s what they’ll typically do:

1. Evaluate your case right away: They’ll review the accident details, your injuries, and the rideshare driver’s app status to figure out which insurance policy applies.
2. Manage all communications: They’ll negotiate with Uber or Lyft’s insurance, the driver’s insurer, and any other parties — protecting you from lowball offers.
3. Preserve and build evidence: Your attorney will request app activity logs, accident reports, and any available video footage to prove liability.
4. Monitor and enforce deadlines: They ensure that your claim or lawsuit is filed before the statute of limitations expires.
5. Pursue full compensation: Whether through negotiation or litigation, your lawyer will seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.

Final Thoughts

Filing a rideshare accident claim in Dallas isn’t just about proving fault — it’s about doing so within a strict legal timeline. The two-year statute of limitations is central, and missing it can leave you with no recourse. By acting quickly, seeking legal help, and preserving evidence, you give yourself the best chance to recover the compensation you deserve.

If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft crash, don’t wait. Reach out to experienced attorneys promptly and make sure your rights are protected before time runs out.

Key Takeaways

• Texas gives you two years to file a rideshare accident lawsuit, and missing the deadline almost always ends your right to recover compensation.
• Rideshare insurance coverage depends on the driver’s app status, with up to $1 million available when a trip is in progress.
• Delaying medical care or reporting the incident can weaken your claim and make proving injuries or liability much harder.
• Early legal help ensures crucial evidence — like app logs, witness statements, and crash documentation — is preserved before it disappears.
• A skilled attorney identifies the correct insurance coverage, manages deadlines, and fights for full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.