Uber & Lyft Accident Attorney in Florida
When an Uber or Lyft accident disrupts your life anywhere in Florida, you need legal advocates who understand both the complex world of rideshare liability and the unique challenges facing passengers, drivers, and other motorists involved in these increasingly common crashes. At Lowman Law Firm, our Florida Uber & Lyft accident attorneys have spent over two decades helping rideshare accident victims secure the compensation they deserve while navigating the complicated insurance coverage layers that protect—or sometimes fail to protect—those injured in these collisions.
Operating from our strategically located offices in Brooksville at 31 S Main St, Spring Hill at 11029 Spring Hill Dr, Dade City at 14233 7th St, Crystal River at 600 SE US Hwy 19, and Inverness at 508 W Main St, we serve rideshare accident victims throughout Central Florida. With Florida experiencing over 331,000 car crashes in 2024 resulting in 214,197 injuries, and rideshare usage continuing to grow exponentially throughout the state, having knowledgeable legal representation can make the difference between a fair settlement and financial hardship when complex insurance coverage comes into play.
Understanding Rideshare Accident Complexities in Florida
Uber and Lyft accidents present unique legal challenges that traditional car accident cases don’t face. The key complexity lies in determining which insurance policy provides coverage at the time of your accident—the driver’s personal insurance, the rideshare company’s insurance, or a combination of both. This determination depends on the specific circumstances of the crash and the driver’s status in the rideshare app when the collision occurred.
Rideshare Insurance Coverage Periods
Period 1: App On, No Passenger Request
When a driver has the Uber or Lyft app turned on but hasn’t received a ride request, the rideshare company provides limited liability coverage ($50,000/$100,000/$25,000). The driver’s personal insurance may deny the claim, creating potential coverage gaps that leave injured parties without adequate compensation.
Period 2: Request Accepted, En Route to Pickup
Once a driver accepts a ride request and is traveling to pick up the passenger, Uber and Lyft provide $1 million in liability coverage, plus uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and contingent comprehensive and collision coverage (if the driver has personal coverage).
Period 3: Passenger in Vehicle
From passenger pickup until trip completion, both companies provide $1 million in third-party liability coverage and $1 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This period typically offers the most comprehensive coverage for all parties involved in an accident.
Common Causes of Uber & Lyft Accidents in Florida
Florida’s rideshare accidents often stem from unique factors that our attorneys encounter regularly:
Driver Distraction and App Management
Rideshare drivers frequently juggle multiple demands while driving—managing GPS navigation, accepting ride requests, communicating with passengers, and monitoring earnings. This technological multitasking significantly increases accident risk, particularly in heavy traffic areas common throughout Florida’s metropolitan regions.
Fatigue and Extended Driving Hours
Many rideshare drivers work long hours or drive during late-night hours to maximize earnings. Driver fatigue contributes to slower reaction times, poor decision-making, and increased accident risk. Unlike commercial trucking, rideshare platforms don’t enforce mandatory rest periods, creating additional safety concerns.
Unfamiliarity with Local Roads
Rideshare drivers often operate in areas they don’t know well, relying heavily on GPS navigation that may not account for construction zones, traffic patterns, or local driving conditions. This unfamiliarity can lead to sudden lane changes, missed exits, and incorrect turns that create accident hazards.
Peak Demand and Rush Driving
During high-demand periods—such as after sporting events, concerts, or weekend nights—drivers may take risks to complete rides quickly and capitalize on surge pricing. This pressure can lead to aggressive driving, speeding, and other dangerous behaviors.
Vehicle Maintenance Issues
Some rideshare drivers may defer vehicle maintenance to maximize profits, potentially leading to accidents caused by brake failures, tire problems, or other mechanical issues. Unlike commercial fleets, individual rideshare vehicles aren’t subject to the same rigorous inspection requirements.
Passenger-Related Distractions
Intoxicated or disruptive passengers can distract drivers, creating dangerous situations. Additionally, drivers may be distracted by passenger conversations, requests for route changes, or dealing with difficult passengers while trying to focus on safe driving.
Types of Rideshare Accident Cases We Handle
Passenger Injuries
As an Uber or Lyft passenger, you have strong protection under the rideshare company’s $1 million insurance policy during your trip. However, these cases can become complex when determining liability between the rideshare driver, other motorists, and the rideshare company itself. Learn more about what happens if I’m injured as an Uber or Lyft passenger.
Other Motorist Injuries
If you’re driving your own vehicle and struck by an Uber or Lyft driver, determining available insurance coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. These cases often involve negotiations with multiple insurance companies and require thorough investigation to establish the rideshare driver’s activity level.
Pedestrian and Bicyclist Accidents
Rideshare vehicles frequently operate in busy urban areas where pedestrian and bicycle traffic is heavy. These accidents can result in catastrophic injuries, and determining coverage requires careful analysis of the driver’s status and the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Multi-Vehicle Accidents
Complex accidents involving multiple vehicles and a rideshare driver require detailed investigation to determine fault allocation and identify all available insurance coverage sources. These cases may involve coordination between personal insurance policies, rideshare coverage, and other motorists’ insurance.
Driver Injuries
Rideshare drivers face unique coverage challenges when injured while driving for Uber or Lyft. Personal auto insurance policies typically exclude coverage for commercial activities, potentially leaving drivers without adequate protection during certain coverage periods.
Wrongful Death Cases
Fatal rideshare accidents create complex legal scenarios involving multiple insurance policies and potential liability sources. Families need skilled representation to navigate these tragic cases and ensure all responsible parties are held accountable. Learn more about our wrongful death attorney services.
Understanding Florida’s Rideshare Laws and Regulations
Florida has established specific regulations governing Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft, including mandatory insurance requirements, driver background checks, and vehicle inspection standards. However, these regulations still leave gaps that can affect accident victims’ rights to compensation.
Florida’s No-Fault Insurance and Rideshares
Florida’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) requirements apply to rideshare accidents, but the interaction between PIP benefits and rideshare insurance can be complex. Understanding which policy provides primary coverage and when you can step outside Florida’s no-fault system requires skilled legal analysis.
Comparative Negligence in Rideshare Cases
Florida’s modified comparative negligence system applies to rideshare accidents, but determining fault percentages can be complicated when multiple parties—the rideshare driver, other motorists, pedestrians, and even the rideshare company—may share responsibility for the accident.
Statute of Limitations for Rideshare Claims
Since March 2023, Florida has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including rideshare accidents. This shortened timeframe makes immediate legal consultation crucial for preserving your rights and gathering evidence.
Compensation Available in Uber & Lyft Accident Cases
Rideshare accident victims may be entitled to comprehensive compensation from multiple sources:
Economic Damages
- Medical Expenses: Emergency room visits, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment costs
- Lost Wages: Income lost due to inability to work during recovery
- Property Damage: Vehicle repair or replacement costs, damaged personal belongings
- Future Medical Care: Ongoing treatment, therapy, and medical equipment needs
- Lost Earning Capacity: Reduced ability to earn income due to permanent injuries
- Transportation Costs: Medical appointments, alternative transportation during vehicle repairs
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and discomfort caused by injuries
- Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, and psychological trauma
- Loss of Enjoyment: Inability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Permanent changes to appearance
- Loss of Consortium: Impact on relationships with family members
Additional Considerations
- Punitive Damages: Available in cases of gross negligence or reckless conduct
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Benefits: When rideshare coverage is insufficient
- Multiple Insurance Sources: Coordination between personal, rideshare, and third-party coverage
Immediate Steps After an Uber or Lyft Accident
The actions you take immediately after a rideshare accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation:
- Ensure Safety: Move to a safe location if possible and turn on hazard lights
- Call 911: Report the accident and request medical attention for any injuries
- Document Everything: Take photos of all vehicles, damage, the accident scene, and any visible injuries
- Identify the Rideshare Status: Determine if the driver was actively using the app, had a passenger, or was en route to a pickup
- Gather Information: Collect driver’s license, insurance, and rideshare company information from all parties
- Preserve Rideshare Evidence: Screenshot the rideshare app if you were a passenger, note trip details
- Collect Witness Information: Get contact details from anyone who saw the accident
- Seek Medical Attention: Get immediate medical care even if injuries seem minor
- Report to All Insurance Companies: Notify your insurance, the driver’s insurance, and the rideshare company
- Contact Our Office: Call (352) 796-0016, (352) 540-7777, (352) 437-7777, (352) 651-1111, or (352) 617-7777 before providing detailed statements to any insurance company
Learn more about what happens if an Uber or Lyft hits me and what to do immediately following an auto accident.
How Lowman Law Firm Can Help You After An Accident
Common Injuries in Rideshare Accidents
Due to the urban environments where rideshare vehicles often operate and the types of collisions that occur, rideshare accidents frequently result in serious injuries:
Rear-End Collision Injuries
Rideshare vehicles frequently stop and start in traffic while picking up or dropping off passengers, making them targets for rear-end collisions that can cause whiplash, neck injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.
Side-Impact Injuries
T-bone accidents at intersections where rideshare drivers may be distracted by navigation or passenger pickup can result in severe injuries to passengers on the side of impact, including broken bones, internal injuries, and spinal cord damage.
Pedestrian Strike Injuries
Rideshare vehicles operating in busy urban areas with heavy pedestrian traffic can cause catastrophic injuries when striking pedestrians, including traumatic brain injuries, multiple fractures, and fatal injuries.
Multi-Trauma from High-Speed Crashes
Highway accidents involving rideshare vehicles can result in multiple severe injuries requiring extensive medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation.
Working with Insurance Companies in Rideshare Cases
Rideshare accidents involve complex insurance scenarios that require skilled navigation:
Multiple Insurance Carriers
Your case may involve your personal auto insurance, the rideshare driver’s personal insurance, Uber or Lyft’s commercial insurance, and potentially other motorists’ insurance policies. Each carrier will attempt to minimize their responsibility and shift costs to other policies.
Common Insurance Company Tactics in Rideshare Cases
- Coverage Period Disputes: Claiming the driver wasn’t actively using the app to avoid coverage
- Liability Denials: Arguing their insured wasn’t at fault to avoid payment
- Quick Settlement Offers: Low initial offers before the full extent of injuries is known
- Medical Record Fishing: Requesting extensive medical histories to find pre-existing conditions
- Surveillance: Following accident victims to find evidence contradicting injury claims
How Our Attorneys Protect Your Rights
Our Florida rideshare accident lawyers level the playing field by conducting thorough investigations, handling all communications with insurance companies, and fighting aggressively for maximum compensation. We understand the tactics insurance companies use and how to counter them effectively.
Understand What’s Important In Your Florida Uber & Lyft Accident Case
Our Florida Offices Serving Uber & Lyft Accident Victims Statewide
Brooksville Office
31 S Main St, Brooksville, FL 34601
(352) 796-0016
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We’re Your “Florida Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer Near Me”
What Sets Our Rideshare Accident Practice Apart
Immediate Response and Evidence Preservation
Rideshare accidents require immediate action to preserve crucial evidence, including app data, GPS records, driver logs, and electronic evidence that may be deleted or overwritten. When you contact our offices, we immediately begin protecting your rights and securing evidence.
Specialized Rideshare Knowledge
Our attorneys stay current with evolving rideshare regulations, insurance requirements, and legal precedents. We understand the unique aspects of these cases and how to navigate the complex relationships between rideshare companies, drivers, and insurance carriers.
Thorough Investigation Process
We conduct comprehensive investigations involving accident reconstruction specialists, technology experts who can analyze app data, medical professionals, and economists who understand the long-term financial impact of your injuries.
Aggressive Negotiation and Trial Readiness
While most rideshare accident cases settle out of court, we prepare every case for trial. This preparation demonstrates our commitment to fighting for fair compensation and often motivates better settlement offers from insurance companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Uber & Lyft Accidents
What if the Uber or Lyft driver was at fault but claims they weren’t working?
We investigate app records, GPS data, and other evidence to determine the driver’s actual status at the time of the accident. Rideshare companies must provide coverage even during certain “offline” periods if the driver was logged into the app.
Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly for my injuries?
While rideshare companies generally aren’t liable for driver negligence, there are exceptions for cases involving inadequate background checks, vehicle inspections, or app-related distractions. We evaluate all potential liability sources in your case.
What if I was injured as a passenger and the other driver was at fault?
As a rideshare passenger, you have access to both the rideshare company’s $1 million policy and the at-fault driver’s insurance. We maximize recovery from all available sources.
How do I prove the rideshare driver was distracted by the app?
We work with technology experts to analyze app usage data, phone records, and GPS information to determine if app-related distractions contributed to your accident.
What if my own insurance company denies coverage for my rideshare accident?
Insurance companies often try to deny coverage for rideshare-related accidents. We fight these denials and ensure you receive all benefits you’re entitled to under your policy.
How long do rideshare accident cases take?
Case duration varies depending on injury severity, liability complexity, and insurance company cooperation. We work efficiently while building the strongest possible case for maximum compensation.
Why Florida Residents Trust Lowman
- Statewide Knowledge, Local Expertise – With offices throughout Central Florida, we understand the unique challenges facing drivers across the Sunshine State. From I-4’s notorious reputation as one of America’s deadliest highways to the tourist-heavy corridors of US-19 and the rural dangers of State Road 60, our attorneys know where accidents happen and why. Florida’s population of over 22 million residents, combined with millions of annual visitors, creates a complex driving environment that requires local legal knowledge. Our understanding of Florida’s diverse geography, from urban Miami-Dade County’s 59,978 annual crashes to the rural highways of North Florida, helps us build stronger cases and achieve better outcomes for our clients.
- Two Decades of Excellence – Our firm’s commitment to car accident victims spans more than 20 years, during which we’ve successfully recovered millions of dollars in compensation for injured drivers and passengers throughout Florida. We’ve helped families rebuild their lives after devastating crashes, ensuring they receive the medical care and financial support they need during recovery. With Florida experiencing over 331,000 crashes annually and ranking third nationally for accident frequency, our track record of success provides the advocacy you need.
- Personalized, Compassionate Representation – At Lowman Law Firm, we believe every client deserves individual attention and respect. We take the time to understand your unique situation, explain your legal options clearly, and keep you informed throughout every step of the legal process. Whether you’re a longtime Florida resident or a visitor injured while enjoying our state’s attractions, you’ll never feel like just another case number with our team.
Contact Us for Your Free Rideshare Accident Consultation
If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident anywhere in Florida, don’t delay seeking legal representation. The complex insurance coverage issues and shortened statute of limitations make immediate consultation essential for protecting your rights.
Available 24/7 for your free consultation:
- Brooksville: (352) 796-0016
- Spring Hill: (352) 540-7777
- Dade City: (352) 437-7777
- Crystal River: (352) 651-1111
- Inverness: (352) 617-7777
At Lowman Law Firm, we understand that rideshare accidents can be particularly traumatic because they often occur during what should be routine, safe transportation. Whether you were a passenger trusting in your rideshare driver’s care, another motorist sharing the road, or a pedestrian struck by a distracted driver, we’re here to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Remember, you pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact us today and let our decades of personal injury knowledge work for you in your time of need.
For additional information about personal injury law and rideshare safety, visit our personal injury resources page or explore our comprehensive FAQ section for answers to common legal questions.
