Key Takeaways
- Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million insurance coverage when transporting passengers, but lower coverage applies when drivers are logged in but haven’t accepted a ride yet.
- After a rideshare accident, call 911, get medical care, take photos of vehicles and the app screen, save your trip receipt, and collect driver and witness information.
- If another driver caused the crash during your Uber or Lyft ride, you can pursue compensation from that driver’s insurance or the rideshare company’s uninsured motorist coverage.
- Florida law gives you two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit, and missing this deadline permanently bars your right to seek compensation.
Get maximum compensation for your rideshare injury
In an Uber or Lyft accident, whether you’re a passenger, driver, or pedestrian, you have the right to compensation, but insurance complexities can be challenging. Multiple policies may be involved depending on the driver’s activity, requiring expert legal assistance to handle these overlaps. Rideshare companies carry extensive insurance coverage up to $1 million when transporting passengers, but accessing these funds is often difficult, as Uber and Lyft frequently defend claims and shift blame. Without experienced legal help, you risk settling for less.
Our proven track record highlights our success, with payments ranging from $50,000 to $15 million. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs; you only pay if we successfully recover compensation for you. This way, our interests are truly aligned with yours, giving you confidence and peace of mind.
Why Justin C. Johnson & Associates Fits Rideshare Cases
We know Florida injury law, and we try cases when needed. Founding partner Justin C. Johnson holds the AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and has been selected to Super Lawyers every year since 2011.
Our firm has served Florida for more than 25 years, is regularly recognized for excellence in St. Petersburg, and operates on a contingency fee, so you pay nothing unless we win for you. Ninety-five percent of our new clients come from referrals, which speaks to trust and outcomes.
You will work with trial-tested attorneys, including Kevin M. Cooper and Elizabeth L. Bauerlein, who keep you updated, explain options in plain language, and push for the best recovery available under Florida law.
Is Uber Responsible for Accidents in Florida?
Uber and Lyft drivers must carry insurance whenever they have their apps on. In this instance, whether Uber or Lyft will be held liable for the accident depends on the status of the driver at the time of the crash.
Florida’s law includes minimum insurance limits if the driver is logged into the app but has not accepted a ride: $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per crash, and $25,000 for property damage. They must have PIP and uninsured motorist coverage.
During a ride, when a driver accepts a ride or a passenger is in the vehicle, the minimum primary liability coverage increases significantly to at least $1,000,000. This also provides PIP and uninsured motorist coverage to cover all parties during a ride.
Can You Sue Uber for a Car Accident?
For instance, if you get into an accident involving a rideshare driver, you would be in a position to bring a claim against the at-fault driver, the driver’s insurance, and/or the transportation network company’s insurance policy that covers this particular scenario when the app is engaged.
The law in Florida requires TNCs to turn on coverage when a driver’s own policy lapses or is inadequate. This allows victims to seek compensation in the event of an accident if the driver’s insurance is insufficient.
What Happens If My Uber Driver Gets In An Accident?
What happens next follows Florida rules for reporting and documentation. If injuries, a DUI, or a tow-away occurs, officers must complete a long-form crash report that includes the names of all drivers and passengers and the involved insurance companies. These reports are confidential for 60 days, then become public records.
What to do right away
- Call 911 and get medical care.
- Take photos of vehicles, the app screen, and your trip receipt.
- Save driver and witness info, and keep all medical bills and messages.
- We will gather the official crash report when available and handle all insurer communications for you.
I Was A Passenger In A Lyft Accident
If you are a passenger in a Lyft accident, you must take steps to protect your rights and document evidence. Take photos of the scene, damage to vehicles, and injuries. See a doctor even with minor symptoms, and make sure to mention the rideshare accident so your doctor can document this.
Furthermore, share any of the trip details with a trusted adviser or legal representative. They may also assist in assembling evidence, including Lyft coverage, the crash report, and statements. Quick action keeps memories fresh and details accurate; this is very important for any potential legal claim or insurance issue.
Lyft Passenger Accident Settlement
A Lyft passenger accident settlement depends on fault, the insurance period that applied, medical treatment, wage loss, and how the injuries affect daily life. Florida law provides a two-year deadline for negligence claims, so moving quickly helps your case.
Our firm’s results include actual payments from $50,000 to $15,000,000, and most of our cases settle between $50,000 and $750,000 because insurers know we try cases when required. While every case is different, deep trial experience and complete documentation tend to improve outcomes.
Lyft Accident Attorney near Florida
A Lyft accident attorney near Florida should know the legal landscape of the region: from the courts in Tampa Bay to local medical systems, to specific insurance policies applying to the state of Florida that impact rideshare services.
Our office is in St. Petersburg, where we serve clients in Pinellas County and the surrounding area. We meet with clients directly about their case and cover all of the costs associated with developing a strong claim. Throughout the process, we will keep you fully informed about the status of your case.
Lyft Accident Lawyer or Uber Accident Lawyer
The moment one hires an accident lawyer for Lyft or Uber from our team, we take over the case from start to finish.
Our process includes
- identifying the right insurance coverage period for your situation
- gathering all relevant medical documentation to support your claim
- calculating the exact amount of damages
- by making a proper and fair demand to the insurance company.
If an insurance company refuses to accept a reasonable offer, we don’t hesitate to take further action: we file a lawsuit and take your case to trial if that is what is in your best interest.
Car Accident as a Lyft Passenger
As a Lyft passenger, if you get into a car accident, your claim generally falls under the company’s $1,000,000 rideshare liability insurance policy. However, this applies if the driver accepted your ride or if you were in the vehicle at the time of the accident. In such cases where the driver has his app turned on and has not accepted your ride, different, often lower, coverage limits may apply.
This may involve pursuing multiple insurance policies to maximize your recovery. We work hard to coordinate all available coverage sources and pursue full payment from all applicable policies to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
What Happens If an Uber Driver Gets in an Accident While Off the App?
If the Uber driver was not actively using the app at the time of the accident, the rideshare company’s insurance policy does not cover the incident. In such cases, your claim will be handled like any other personal injury or vehicle accident claim. This means you would need to pursue compensation through the driver’s personal auto insurance policy or any other responsible parties involved.
Our team carefully reviews all the facts related to the crash to determine who is liable. We also thoroughly evaluate all insurance policies that might provide coverage for your damages, ensuring that you pursue the maximum and appropriate compensation.
Can You Sue Uber for a Car Accident If a Different Driver Caused the Crash?
Yes. If another driver was responsible for causing the collision during your ride, we first seek compensation from that driver’s auto insurance provider. If the responsible driver’s insurance coverage is insufficient or unavailable, we then turn to Uber’s own insurance coverage, specifically the uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage that Uber maintains to protect passengers during active trips.
In Florida, the law requires rideshare companies like Uber to carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage during periods when drivers are logged into the app and available for transport. This coverage provides an extra layer of protection for accident victims.
How Long Do You Have to File?
In Florida, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a negligence lawsuit seeking compensation for personal injuries sustained in an auto accident. It is crucial to act quickly, as failing to meet this deadline can result in losing your right to seek damages permanently.
Our experienced legal team will help you keep track of all relevant deadlines and handle the filing process on your behalf, making sure your case is filed properly and on time.
Our Process at a Glance
We believe in a straightforward, client-focused approach. First, we listen carefully to your story and gather all relevant information. Then, we review your insurance coverage, request crash records, and collect medical documentation related to your injuries.
Next, we draft a detailed demand letter outlining the damages and negotiate with insurance companies or the opposing party for an appropriate settlement. If negotiations do not result in an acceptable offer, we are prepared to take your case to trial.
Throughout the entire process, we keep you informed early and often. With over twenty years of trial experience, our firm is committed to handling your case with care, precision, and dedication.
Let Us Handle Your Rideshare Accident Claim
Rideshare accidents bring confusion and stress amid complex insurance claims and aggressive adjusters. Justin C. Johnson & Associates has the experience and skills to hold Uber, Lyft, and their insurers accountable.
Voted #1 Personal Injury Attorney in St. Petersburg for 2024, 2021, and 2019, we fight for all the dollars clients deserve, with 95% of new clients referred by satisfied clients. If you’re hurt in a rideshare crash, call us for a free consultation or visit our office at 4020 Park Street North, St. Petersburg. Let us handle your legal fight.
FAQs
1. What Happens If An Uber Driver Gets In An Accident While I Am A Passenger?
If your driver had accepted your trip or you were in the car, the $1,000,000 rideshare policy is typically in play, along with PIP and UM coverage. We gather the report and file your claim.
2. Is Uber Responsible For Accidents Caused By Its Drivers?
Responsibility depends on whether the driver was logged into the app and whether a ride was accepted. Florida law sets coverage for each period.
3. Can You Sue Uber For A Car Accident If The Other Driver Was At Fault?
Yes, you can claim the at-fault driver and, if needed, rideshare UM coverage that applies during your trip.
4. How Long Do I Have To File A Florida Rideshare Injury Lawsuit?
Most negligence lawsuits must be filed within two years in Florida, so contact us quickly to protect your rights.
5. Do I Need A Lyft Accident Attorney, Or Will The App Handle My Claim?
The app is not your advocate. A Lyft accident attorney protects your interests, documents damages, and negotiates for the full amount available under the policies.