Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft make getting around convenient, and they’re part of daily life for millions of people. In a 2018 survey, Pew Research Group found that 36% of U.S. adults used a ride-hailing service, up from just 15% in 2015, and this number continues rising each year. Crashes involving these rideshare vehicles can affect riders, drivers and others on the road.
While ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft are often credited with helping keep intoxicated drivers off the road, a University of Chicago Booth School of Business analysis linked rideshare services with about a 3% increase in motor vehicle fatalities nationwide. Furthermore, a study of New York City hosted by the CDC found that every additional 100 rideshare trips were associated with a 4.6% higher chance of a crash with injury.
Because seat belt use in backseats is often lower, especially in rideshare situations, personal injuries may be worse when collisions occur. If you’re hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident, you’ll face questions about who’s liable, which insurance policy applies and how to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.
This guide explains how rideshare claims work, common causes of Uber and Lyft crashes, what to do after a collision and how an experienced rideshare accident lawyer can protect your rights. These cases are complex, with unique regulations that don’t apply to traditional car accidents. Having experienced legal representation on your side could mean the difference between receiving adequate compensation and handling mounting medical bills and lost wages on your own.
Florin|Roebig has handled complex injury claims, including cases involving rideshare companies. If you were injured as a passenger, a rideshare driver or another motorist, our Uber and Lyft accident attorneys can evaluate your case and help you pursue maximum compensation. Whether you’ve suffered an injury in a rideshare accident or experienced a sexual assault at the hands of a ride-share driver or passenger, request a free case review from Florin|Roebig to get started.
What Is Ridesharing?
Ridesharing, also called ride-hailing or ridesourcing, is a way to book a prearranged trip through a mobile app that connects passengers with nearby drivers using personal vehicles. In law and policy, these companies are usually called transportation network companies (TNCs).
Ridesharing services have become popular in the past decade as part of the technological boom focused on creating convenient services through the use of devices, like smartphones. Here’s how it works in practice: you open an app and request a ride, then the platform matches you with a vetted driver, shows you the vehicle, route and price, and processes payment in the app.
Although several ridesharing companies have emerged in recent years, the two most common services in the United States are Uber and Lyft. The scale of these services is enormous, with the American Journal of Epidemiology noting that Uber facilitated 1.9 billion rides in the last quarter of 2019 alone and its largest competitor, Lyft, providing more than 1 million trips daily.
The sheer number of ridesharing drivers on the roads and rides provided on any given day helps explain why rideshare vehicle crashes may be becoming more prevalent. Uber also does food delivery through Uber Eats, placing even more drivers on the roads daily, and Lyft also does scooter rental and bicycle sharing, resulting in their own unique accident risks.
When it comes to rideshare car accident claims, TNCs operate under state-specific rules with layered insurance that changes based on driver activity, such as waiting for a trip request versus carrying a passenger. If a rideshare accident has you wondering what your next steps are, contact the experienced rideshare accident lawyers at Florin|Roebig to learn your legal options.
Ridesharing Vs. Taxis: What’s the Difference?
Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft were initially promoted as faster, more affordable and more flexible alternatives to traditional taxi services. While both connect passengers with drivers for paid transportation, the way you access, pay for and regulate each service differs.
Traditional taxis are often hailed from the street or booked by phone, with payment handled in the vehicle, typically through a regulated metered fare system. Ridesharing trips are requested and paid for through a mobile app, which also shows the driver’s name, vehicle details, route and estimated cost before pickup. This app-based system is a defining feature of transportation network companies.
Driver classification is another major difference. Most taxi drivers are either employees of a taxi company or licensed owner-operators working under strict local regulations. By contrast, Uber and Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors, which means they’re not entitled to the same employment benefits or protections. This classification influences pay structures, insurance coverage and dispute resolution.
Vehicle use also varies. Taxis typically use designated, commercially licensed cars that meet specific city or county requirements. Rideshare drivers use personal vehicles that meet company and state safety standards, but these aren’t considered commercial vehicles in the same way as taxis. These operational differences affect regulation, insurance and how legal claims are handled after an accident or injury.
Ridesharing vs. Taxis (Quick Comparison)
| Aspect | Ridesharing (Uber, Lyft) | Traditional taxis |
| How you request & pay | Book and pay in a mobile app, with trip details shown in-app and an electronic receipt after the ride. | Street hail or dispatch, pay in the vehicle under the city’s rules. |
| Fare structure | Up-front app pricing that can include variable or surge pricing in regulated e-hail programs. | Local regulators set metered rates with posted surcharges. |
| Who regulates | Usually at the state level, as Transportation Network Companies, or by a state commission. | Typically licensed and regulated locally by city or county commissions. |
| Driver status | Often treated as independent contractors under state TNC laws, which affects benefits and liability. | Licensed drivers operate under local taxi rules and medallion or base systems. |
| Vehicle type | Personal vehicles that meet TNC and state standards, matched by the app. | Medallion or for-hire vehicles with commercial licensing approved by the local regulator. |
| Insurance framework | Layered by “periods.” When the app is on but no trip accepted, at least $50k/$100k/$25k liability; during a trip, at least $1M liability, plus required PIP and UM/UIM. | Commercial for-hire insurance is required by the local regulator, with minimums set by rule. |
| Receipts & trip data | The app must send an electronic receipt showing origin, destination, time, distance and fare. | Metered fare shown in-vehicle, with regulator-set disclosures. |
| Licensing & training | Driver screening, background checks and zero-tolerance policies are set in state TNC laws. | Drivers and vehicles licensed under local programs, with testing and education. |
| Accessibility | Many states run accessibility initiatives within TNC regulations. | Local taxi regulators set accessibility requirements for fleets and services. |
Why this matters after a crash: These differences determine how insurance applies, who’s potentially liable and what evidence proves your claim. Your rideshare accident lawyer understands how to use these requirements when building your Uber or Lyft claim.
Are Uber and Lyft Drivers Certified or Trained?
While Uber and Lyft drivers typically receive some form of training before being permitted to pick up passengers, there aren’t any national or state certifications for them. In most states, Uber and Lyft operate under state laws that set screening and insurance rules, and drivers are typically classified as independent contractors rather than employees.
Florida’s TNC law is a good example and governs how background checks, disclosures and coverage work. Before a driver is allowed on the platform, Florida requires a local and national criminal background check, a search of the U.S. Department of Justice National Sex Offender Public Website and a review of driving history. Drivers must get rechecked every three years, and they’re disqualified if they have recent DUIs or violent offenses. California’s regulator goes further by requiring TNCs to use accredited background-screening firms and to rerun checks annually.
Several states now mandate targeted safety education. In Texas, TNCs must provide human-trafficking awareness training before a driver starts, then annually, as part of the state’s anti-trafficking initiative. Some cities, like Seattle, require TNC drivers to obtain a for-hire permit, which requires driver’s education and testing, which includes safety education, and an annual background check.
Bottom Line: There’s no universal certification, but drivers do undergo legally required screening and training that ranges from company modules to formal coursework in certain cities. These differences can matter in an Uber or Lyft accident claim, so your rideshare accident attorney will look closely at the jurisdiction’s TNC rules and the driver’s compliance.
What To Do After Getting Into a Rideshare Accident
Whether you’re a driver or a passenger, getting into an accident while in a ridesharing vehicle can be a frightening and confusing experience. Here’s a clear list of the most important steps to take if you’re involved in a rideshare accident:
1. Check for injuries. The top priority following an accident is attending to injuries and checking on the health and safety of everyone involved. Remember, some injuries, including concussions, can show up hours or days later, so get medical care following an accident even if you feel “okay.”
2. Get to a safe location. If you’re a rideshare driver and it’s safe, move out of traffic and turn on your hazards while you wait for help. Don’t put yourself or your passenger in a dangerous spot on the roadway.
3. Call the police and get a report. Ask the responding officer for the report number and where to obtain a copy. This document can be key evidence for insurance and any Uber or Lyft claim.
4. Document everything. Make notes on as many details concerning the accident as you can, while they’re fresh in your mind. Take photos for further documentation. Details you should record include:
- Personal injuries
- Injuries to a passenger
- Physical car damage
- Photos of the accident scene
- Screenshot of the rider status on your Uber/Lyft app
- Damages to other drivers, pedestrians or property
- Testimony from other witnesses/involved persons on the scene
- Personal and insurance information of other drivers or pedestrians involved
Rideshare drivers who are involved in a car accident should also notify their rideshare company. As a passenger, screenshotting the app showing trip status and details and saving the electronic receipt helps establish the coverage period.
5. Contact an experienced rideshare accident attorney. An Uber accident lawyer or Lyft accident attorney can help you determine and understand your coverage rights related to an accident-related personal injury based on state TNC rules.
Our team of attorneys at Florin|Roebig has the experience to help you navigate complex legal situations and secure fair compensation for damages based on the details of your case. Our offices offer free initial case evaluations for those seeking to understand what type of legal action they can take following a rideshare accident.
6. File a rideshare accident claim if you choose. After consulting with a rideshare accident attorney, if your case is eligible, they’ll likely recommend filing a rideshare accident claim. However, the choice of whether to file a claim is entirely up to you.
Reasons why you might choose to file a claim include:
- Securing compensation for damages that aren’t covered by your personal auto insurance or rideshare company policy.
- Getting greater compensation for an accident that occurred without a rideshare passenger in the car.
- Securing compensation for uncovered medical expenses, lost wages or mental anguish as a result of the accident.
Should you have any additional questions, contact the nearest Florin|Roebig office. Our attorneys would be happy to explain this process in greater detail.
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What To Know If You’re the Driver In a Rideshare Accident
Many people seeking legal representation for ridesharing-related accidents are those who suffered an injury as a passenger. However, Uber and Lyft drivers are just as likely, potentially more likely, to require legal assistance for accident-related damages.
Drivers who contract with Uber and Lyft are required to have insurance under the company’s insurance plans. However, the amount of coverage offered for rideshare drivers who get into an accident varies based on their status in the app.
Types of Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) Accidents
Issues of liability and eligibility for insurance coverage in a rideshare accident depend on the nature of the accident and what stage of the process the driver was in when the accident occurred, otherwise known as the ride status.
Uber/Lyft Accidents While Logged Into the App With a Passenger
Rideshare insurance coverage is provided for both the driver and passengers as soon as the driver has accepted a ride request via the Uber or Lyft app. This coverage continues to apply for both parties until the passenger(s) completely leaves the vehicle.
Both Uber and Lyft offer similar insurance coverage in the event of an accident, either during or en route to a ride request. These plans include up to $1 million in uninsured or underinsured motor vehicle bodily injury coverage and $1 million in third-party liability coverage for damages to passengers, another driver, pedestrians or property.
When another driver is at fault, this covers all individuals who were present in the rideshare vehicle, including hit-and-run situations where the at-fault driver has left the scene without stopping to provide their information.
Insurance coverage through these rideshare services also offers car damage protection for drivers who maintain contingent collision and comprehensive coverage on their personal auto insurance. This coverage provides physical damage protection up to the actual cash value of the car, with a required $2,500 deductible.
Uber/Lyft Accidents While Logged Into the App Without Passengers
Uber/Lyft drivers logged into their rideshare app but haven’t picked up any passengers yet and aren’t at fault in an accident may be eligible for the following coverage through their rideshare insurance plan:
- $50,000 in bodily injury per person
- $100,000 in bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damages
This coverage is offered as third-party liability for damages that aren’t covered by your personal auto insurance. In Lyft’s explanation of its rideshare insurance plan, this is referred to as contingent liability. Coverage amounts can differ in certain states.
Uber/Lyft Accidents While Not Logged Into the Rideshare App
Drivers contracted with a rideshare company are only eligible for rideshare insurance coverage when they’re logged into their account and/or actively transporting passengers. If drivers get into an accident on their own time, they can only seek coverage for damages through their personal auto insurance policy.
Uber/Lyft Accidents While Parked And Waiting For A Request
As long as Uber/Lyft drivers are logged into their app and accepting work, they have access to the same coverage as those who are logged in but without passengers.
Uber/Lyft Accidents While En Route to a Passenger
Rideshare drivers who get into an accident while en route to pick up a passenger are eligible for similar coverage to that offered during a ride request with a passenger(s) in the vehicle.
The primary difference between getting into an accident during a ride or before a ride is that drivers are only eligible for $1 million liability coverage while a paying passenger is in the vehicle. Otherwise, coverage amounts while en route to pick up a passenger are the same as those driving without a passenger or a ride request.
Again, some coverage amounts may vary by location to comply with state laws and regulations. If you’re unsure which period you were in, a rideshare accident lawyer can line up your app data with state TNC statutes to pursue the right coverage against Uber’s or Lyft’s insurer.
Insurance Requirements for Rideshare Services
Every driver on the road is required to have personal auto insurance, but rideshare drivers are also often required to opt into company-provided insurance. This coverage is what can provide protection for accident-related injuries and other damages that occur while logged into the app or driving an Uber/Lyft passenger to their destination.
Although subject to regulatory processes that differ from other transportation services, in the years that rideshare services have gained popularity, questions surrounding issues of liability and insurance have garnered a significant amount of attention.
Rideshare Accident Laws
Under Florida law, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are regulated under House Bill 221 (HB221), passed in 2017, to create a uniform statewide framework for transportation network companies. Often referred to as the “Uber/Lyft bill,” HB 221 preempts most local rules and requires a minimum amount of coverage for drivers.
It also covers other requirements, such as sending an electronic receipt listing origin, destination and total time, distance and fare that helps a rideshare accident lawyer confirm the coverage period. Other regulations in HB221 help your attorney determine compliance following an Uber or Lyft accident.
Questions To Ask a Rideshare Attorney
What are my rights following a rideshare accident?
If you’re contracted as a driver with Uber or Lyft and have insurance through the company, any accident that occurs when you’re logged into their application makes you eligible for minimum levels of coverage.
If you feel your rights to coverage have been violated or you’re unsure of your rights, contact the law office of Florin|Roebig to schedule a free evaluation. This consultation allows us to give you more specific answers based on the details of your case.
Will I lose access to my Uber or Lyft services if I file a claim?
Uber and Lyft drivers who bring a valid personal injury claim can’t be penalized. Many people who drive for ridesharing services like Uber or Lyft have concerns about taking any action they believe may jeopardize their position as a driver. It’s also very common for people to be unaware of their rights, which can create even greater frustration and confusion. Your right to file a valid claim under the ridesharing company insurance policy is protected and can be further legitimized with proper paperwork and documentation from police and medical professionals.
How much is my case worth?
There’s no average amount for rideshare accident cases. The best way to find out how much your case is worth is to contact a rideshare attorney, like the seasoned attorneys at Florin|Roebig. We can provide an informed number based on the details of your case.
How long do I have to file a rideshare accident claim?
The time limit for filing a rideshare accident claim varies by state through statute of limitations laws. Thus, in addition to the police, 911 for medical assistance and your rideshare company, a rideshare accident attorney should be one of the first people you should contact following a rideshare accident. Generally, the sooner you contact an attorney to begin the claim-filing process, the better.
What are your fees?
One of the biggest concerns individuals often have when seeking legal representation is the cost. With personal injury cases, many lawyers work on a contingency basis, receiving a percentage of the recovered damages as their compensation.
However, clients may also be responsible for an upfront cost or additional case-related costs if they don’t receive recovered damages. These costs can vary on a case-by-case basis. Call our office for more information on fee amounts based on your personal injury case.
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How To Find a Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) Attorney Near Me
A crash involving Uber or Lyft can leave you juggling medical care, time off work and confusing insurance questions. You don’t have to sort that out alone.
At Florin|Roebig, we handle Uber and Lyft accident claims in Florida, Texas, Minnesota, and Colorado. Our knowledgeable team of successful personal injury attorneys possess the skills needed to explore every detail of your rideshare accident case and patiently discuss these details with you. We’ll help you get the compensation you deserve based on the nature of your accident and any obstacles placed in the way by personal auto insurance policies or rideshare company policies.
Our firm has recovered more than $1 billion for clients nationwide. Don’t wait to find out what your case is worth. We’re ready to help. Call us or use our online form to schedule a free consultation with one of our adept rideshare accident attorneys and learn how we can move your claim forward.
