Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident in Florida? What You Need to Know

For most of us, rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft are a bit of a godsend, providing a safe and convenient means of transport any place, anywhere, without the hassle of locking down a cab or a designated driver. However, rideshare drivers are just as fallible as anybody else – what happens if you get into an accident with a rideshare vehicle?

What Happens If You Are Injured In An Uber or Lyft Accident in Florida?

The biggest difference in personal injury claims involving rideshare vehicles is the insurance. Under Florida Stat. § 627.748, it all comes down to the phase the driver was in at the moment of impact with the injured person. Florida law mandates a rideshare driver, or the company employing the driver, to carry primary automobile coverage recognizing that the vehicle is employed to transport riders for compensation. The coverage is dependent on which phase the driver is in when the accident occurred:

Phase 0 – The app is turned off. This means the driver’s car is now a private passenger vehicle, and only the driver’s personal auto policy applies. Florida doesn’t require bodily injury liability coverage, only PIP insurance, so the driver’s personal auto policy may not cover your injuries.
Phase 1 – Waiting for a ride request while logged on. This means the driver is seen as available to take rides on the network but has not yet accepted a trip. Rideshare companies are required to carry contingent coverage in case the driver’s personal policy does not meet:
- Primary liability coverage of at least $50,000 for death and bodily injury per person
- Primary liability coverage of at least $100,000 per incident
- $25,000 for property damage
Phase 2 and 3 – The driver has accepted a ride on the app. From the moment the driver accepts a rideshare request, which includes the drive to the pick-up through the drop-off, rideshare platforms must carry a minimum $1 million primary liability coverage for bodily injury, death, and property damage.

The difference between Phase 1 and Phase 3 is exponential – which is why phase questioning is the first thing experienced attorneys investigate.

It Can Get Complicated

When a driver is engaged in Rideshare services, the rideshare vehicle may not be at fault. This means that a passenger riding in an Uber that is hit by an uninsured driver running a red light may be covered by the rideshare policy’s UM coverage. This is significant considering the number of uninsured and underinsured motorists in Florida.

Unfortunately, insurance companies – and rideshare companies – are only ever looking out for their bottom line. Any insurance issues involving rideshare accidents or third-party systems can get extremely complicated, fast. Having an experienced rideshare accident lawyer on your side is the only way to ensure an optimal outcome for your personal injury case so you can get the compensation you legally deserve for your injuries.

Thousands of people get injured in rideshare accidents every year, and many of them end up with far less compensation than they deserve or need to pay for their injuries. If you were injured in a rideshare accident, call Your Damage Lawyer to consult with an experienced Florida personal injury attorney today.