Rideshare accidents in Florida create unique legal challenges that regular car accident cases don’t face. When you’re injured in an Uber or Lyft crash, multiple insurance policies may apply depending on whether the driver was logged into the app or actively transporting passengers.
A Florida rideshare accident lawyer understands these complexities and can navigate the different coverage layers to maximize your compensation.
Insurance companies for rideshare drivers often try to shift responsibility between the driver’s personal policy and the company’s commercial coverage. Without legal representation, you might accept a settlement that’s far below what you deserve or have your claim denied entirely.
An experienced rideshare accident attorney in Florida handles every aspect of your case while you focus on recovery:
- App data preservation: Securing digital evidence before Uber or Lyft deletes trip information.
- Multi-party negotiations: Coordinating with personal auto insurers and commercial rideshare policies.
- Medical documentation: Ensuring your injuries are properly recorded and linked to the accident.
CarAccidentAttorney.com connects you with Florida attorneys who focus on these specific challenges and understand what it takes to hold rideshare companies and their insurers accountable. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist.
Understanding Florida Rideshare Insurance Coverage
Florida law requires Uber and Lyft to provide different levels of insurance coverage based on the driver’s status when the accident occurs. This creates three distinct coverage periods that determine which insurance policy applies to your claim.
When a rideshare driver’s app is turned off, they’re considered a private driver using their personal vehicle. Only the driver’s personal auto insurance policy provides coverage during this period. If you’re injured by an off-duty rideshare driver, you’ll file a claim against their personal insurance just like any other car accident.
Driver Logged In but No Passenger
Once a driver logs into the rideshare app but hasn’t accepted a ride request, contingent liability coverage kicks in. Uber and Lyft maintain insurance coverage that can apply to bodily injury and property damage in certain situations. This coverage only applies if the driver’s personal insurance doesn’t cover the accident or provides insufficient coverage.
Active Trip Period
The highest level of coverage applies when a driver has accepted a ride request or is transporting a passenger. During this period, liability coverage provided by the rideshare company applies to third-party claims. This includes uninsured and underinsured motorist protection if you’re hit by a driver with no insurance or inadequate coverage.
Common Types of Florida Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare vehicles are involved in various types of accidents throughout Florida’s busy cities and tourist areas. Understanding the most common scenarios can help you recognize when you have a valid claim and what evidence to preserve.
Rear-end collisions frequently occur when rideshare drivers are distracted by their phones while checking for new ride requests or following GPS directions.
These accidents often happen at traffic lights or in stop-and-go traffic when drivers aren’t paying full attention to the road ahead, and while typically less severe than a truck accident, they can still result in serious injuries.
Intersection accidents are another common problem, especially in areas with heavy rideshare traffic like downtown Miami, Orlando’s tourist districts, or Tampa’s business centers.
Rideshare drivers unfamiliar with local roads may run red lights, fail to yield, or make unsafe turns while trying to reach pickup locations, creating dangerous conditions that can lead to collisions with other vehicles or even a bicycle accident.
Passenger injuries can occur during the ride itself due to sudden stops, aggressive driving, or mechanical failures. You may also be injured while entering or exiting a rideshare vehicle if the driver stops in an unsafe location or opens doors into traffic.
What to Do After a Florida Rideshare Accident
Your actions immediately after a rideshare accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Taking the proper steps protects your health and preserves crucial evidence for your claim.
First, seek medical attention even if you feel fine. Florida’s Personal Injury Protection law requires you to receive medical treatment within 14 days of an accident to qualify for benefits. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries, and some conditions, like whiplash or concussions, may not show symptoms immediately.
Call 911 to report the accident and request police response. A police report provides an official record of what happened and can be crucial evidence if your case goes to court. Be factual when speaking with officers, but avoid admitting fault or speculating about the cause of the accident.
Documenting the Scene
Take photographs of vehicle damage, your injuries, the accident location, and any relevant road conditions or traffic signs. If you are a passenger, take a screenshot of your trip details in the Uber or Lyft app before closing the app. This preserves essential information about your ride, including the driver’s identity, route taken, and trip cost.
Obtain contact information from witnesses who saw the accident. Independent witness testimony can be valuable when there’s a dispute over how the crash occurred or who was at fault.
Notify the rideshare company through their app or customer service line. Both Uber and Lyft have specific procedures for handling accident reports, and failing to notify them promptly could complicate your claim.
Florida Laws Affecting Your Rideshare Claim
Florida follows unique laws that affect how rideshare accident claims are handled. Understanding these rules helps you make informed decisions about your case and avoid costly mistakes that could reduce your compensation.
No-Fault Insurance Requirements
Florida is a no-fault state, meaning you must first seek compensation through your own Personal Injury Protection coverage regardless of who caused the accident. PIP covers up to $10,000 in medical expenses and lost wages, but you must receive treatment from a qualified medical provider within 14 days of the accident.
If your injuries are severe enough to meet Florida’s serious injury threshold, you can step outside the no-fault system and file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance.
Comparative Negligence Rules
Florida uses a modified comparative negligence system that affects the amount of compensation you can recover. If you’re found to be 51% or more at fault for the accident, you cannot recover any damages from other parties.
For example, if you are awarded damages but found partially at fault, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
Statute of Limitations
You have two years from the date of your rideshare accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Florida. This deadline is firm, and missing it typically means losing your right to seek compensation in court. However, you should contact a Florida rideshare accident lawyer much sooner to ensure evidence is preserved and your claim is properly investigated.
Types of Compensation Available
Florida rideshare accident victims can recover various types of damages depending on the severity of their injuries and the impact on their lives. Economic damages compensate for financial losses, while non-economic damages address pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life.
Medical expenses form the foundation of most rideshare accident claims. This includes emergency room treatment, hospital stays, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and any future medical care related to your injuries. Keep all medical records and bills as documentation for your claim.
Lost wages compensation covers income you’ve missed due to your injuries and any reduction in your future earning capacity. If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or force you to work reduced hours, you can seek compensation for this economic impact.
Property damage recovery covers repairs to your vehicle or personal belongings damaged in the accident. This may include your car, smartphone, laptop, or other items destroyed in the crash.
Pain and suffering damages compensate for the physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by your injuries. These damages can be substantial in cases involving permanent disabilities or long-term recovery periods.
How CarAccidentAttorney.com Connects You With Local Attorneys
CarAccidentAttorney.com is a nationwide attorney referral service that simplifies finding qualified Florida car accident lawyers and legal representation after a rideshare accident. We connect accident victims with experienced local attorneys who understand Florida’s rideshare laws and have a track record of successful settlements and verdicts.
Our network includes attorneys throughout Florida who regularly handle Uber and Lyft accident cases. These lawyers understand the unique challenges of rideshare claims and have established relationships with insurance companies that can benefit your case.
The Referral Process
When you contact CarAccidentAttorney.com, we ask fundamental questions about your accident to understand your situation. We then match you with an appropriate attorney in your area who has experience handling similar cases. The initial consultation is free, and you’re under no obligation to hire the attorney if you’re not comfortable with their approach.
Most rideshare accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and the attorney only receives payment if they successfully recover compensation for you. This arrangement allows you to pursue your claim without worrying about legal fees during your recovery.
Rideshare Accident Claims vs Regular Car Accidents
Rideshare accidents involve additional complexities that don’t exist in typical car accident cases. The multiple insurance policies, corporate involvement, and digital evidence requirements make these cases more challenging to handle without experienced legal representation.
Traditional car accidents typically involve two drivers and their respective insurance companies. Rideshare accidents may include the driver’s personal insurance, the rideshare company’s commercial policy, and potentially other third-party insurers, depending on the circumstances.
Digital evidence plays a crucial role in rideshare cases. App data showing the driver’s status, GPS tracking information, and electronic receipts can all be substantial evidence. However, this information may be automatically deleted after a specific period, making it essential to preserve evidence quickly.
Rideshare companies have legal teams and investigators who respond to accidents involving their drivers. Having your own attorney levels the playing field and ensures your interests are protected during the claims process.
Working With Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies after a rideshare accident can be overwhelming, especially when multiple policies are involved. Insurance adjusters may minimize your claim or shift responsibility between different coverage sources to reduce their company’s liability.
Never accept the first settlement offer from an insurance company without consulting an attorney. Initial offers are typically far below the actual value of your claim and may not account for future medical expenses or long-term impacts of your injuries.
Insurance companies often use tactics like requesting recorded statements, scheduling independent medical examinations, or pressuring you to settle quickly. An experienced attorney can advise you on how to handle these requests and protect your rights throughout the process.
Florida Rideshare Accident FAQs
Can I Sue Uber or Lyft Directly After an Accident in Florida?
You typically cannot sue Uber or Lyft directly because their drivers are classified as independent contractors rather than employees. However, you may have a claim against the rideshare company’s insurance policy or in cases involving negligent hiring practices or vehicle maintenance failures.
What Happens If the Rideshare Driver Doesn’t Have Personal Insurance?
If a rideshare driver lacks personal insurance, you can still file a claim under Uber or Lyft’s contingent coverage when the app is on. During active trips, the $1 million commercial policy provides primary coverage regardless of the driver’s personal insurance status.
How Long Do Rideshare Accident Claims Take to Resolve in Florida?
Most rideshare accident claims resolve within six months to two years, depending on the severity of injuries and the complexity of the case. Cases requiring extensive medical treatment or involving disputed liability typically take longer to settle.
Do I Need to Report the Accident to Both Uber/Lyft and My Insurance Company?
Yes, you should report the accident to both the rideshare company and your own insurance carrier. Florida’s no-fault laws require you to notify your insurer regardless of who caused the accident, and rideshare companies need prompt notification to begin their claims process.
What If I Was Partially at Fault for the Rideshare Accident?
Under Florida’s comparative negligence laws, you can still recover compensation if you were less than 51% at fault for the accident. Your percentage of fault will reduce your award, but you won’t be barred from recovery entirely.
Get Help With Your Florida Rideshare Accident Claim
Don’t navigate the complex world of rideshare insurance claims alone. CarAccidentAttorney.com can quickly connect you with an experienced Florida rideshare accident lawyer who understands these unique cases and can fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation with a qualified attorney in your area. Our referral service is available 24/7, and there’s no cost or obligation to speak with us about your case.