Suspected Uber Passenger Killed in West Side Crash | Can Families File a Wrongful Death Claim in Texas?

According to a News4SanAntonio report, a man is dead after a major crash at a West Side intersection.¹

Police reported the accident happened just before 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 9th, at the intersection of Culebra and Ingram Roads. Officers arrived to find a vehicle engulfed in flames with a passenger still trapped inside. Emergency crews pulled the man from the vehicle and attempted life-saving measures, but he later died of his injuries.

Two others were taken to the hospital — one in critical condition and another with minor injuries. The crash remains under investigation, and the cleanup lasted at least two hours.

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Did You Know?

7,277 accidents across Texas last year were caused by a driver failing to yield the right of way in an open intersection, according to TxDOT data.²

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How Wrongful Death Claims Work for Uber Passengers in Texas

Losing a loved one in a violent, unexpected crash is devastating — especially when they were simply riding as a passenger. When the crash involves a rideshare service like Uber, families often find themselves overwhelmed, grieving, and unsure what steps to take next.

Here’s what Texas families should know about their rights.

Are Rideshare Passengers Automatically Protected?

Yes. Under Texas law and Uber’s insurance structure, passengers are always protected, regardless of who caused the collision.

Rideshare passengers are considered innocent third parties, which means:

• They cannot be blamed for the crash

• They are covered even when fault is unclear

• Multiple insurance policies may apply

How Uber’s Insurance Coverage Applies in a Fatal Crash

When an Uber driver is actively transporting a passenger, Uber provides up to $1 million in liability coverage. This policy can apply when:

• The Uber driver caused the crash

• Another driver caused the crash

• Multiple drivers share fault

• The at-fault driver fled the scene

If another driver — not the Uber driver — was responsible, additional policies may come into play, such as:

• The at-fault driver’s liability coverage

• Uber’s uninsured/underinsured (UIM) policy

• Possible claims involving defective vehicle components or unsafe roadway conditions

Because several insurers may be involved at once, rideshare wrongful death cases can quickly become complicated.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Texas?

Texas law allows the following family members to file:

• The spouse

• The children

• The parents

If they do not file within three months, the estate executor can file on the family’s behalf.

Compensation in these cases may include:

• Funeral and burial costs

• Medical expenses

• Loss of income or financial support

• Loss of companionship and household contributions

• Mental anguish

While no amount of money replaces a loved one, compensation can help ease the financial strain that follows a sudden, preventable loss.

What If the Uber Driver Was Not at Fault?

Even if the Uber driver did nothing wrong, the family may still access Uber’s UIM coverage. This applies when:

• The at-fault driver has inadequate coverage

• The driver fled the scene

• Or liability is disputed

This ensures that passengers and their families are never left without protection.

Why Families Should Speak With a Wrongful Death Attorney

Rideshare cases involve layered insurance policies, shifting liability, and aggressive corporate adjusters. Families may receive contradictory information or be pressured to settle before the investigation is complete.

An attorney can:

• Investigate the crash

• Identify all responsible parties

• Preserve evidence

• Handle communication with insurance companies

• Pursue the highest compensation available

Most importantly, legal support allows grieving families to focus on healing, not complicated insurance policies.

Did You Lose a Loved One in an Uber Accident? Call Shaw.

Wrongful death cases involving rideshare vehicles require swift investigation and strong legal guidance. If your loved one was killed in a rideshare-related accident anywhere in Texas, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses

• Medical bills

• Lost income and future earnings

• Loss of companionship

• Pain and suffering

• And more

We can help you find out for free.

📞 Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 today or use the live chat to schedule your free case evaluation with an experienced Texas wrongful death attorney.
No fees. No pressure. Just expert legal advice when you need it most.

We look forward to serving you.

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¹News4SanAntonio Report

²TxDOT Crash Contributing Factors 2024