From Orlando to Fort Lauderdale and everywhere in between, Florida residents use rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft for convenient travel, from airport runs to nights out. A Broward County audit showed nearly 450,000 Uber pickups in April, June and September 2024 alone, evidence of heavy rideshare activity at just one of Florida’s major hubs.
Ridesharing services first emerged just over a decade ago and are especially popular among younger generations, who may use Uber or Lyft to avoid drinking and driving, as an alternative to taking a bus or taxi service. While a survey by MetroPlan Orlando indicated people of all ages use ridesharing sometimes, those under 35 use it the most. About 78% of respondents within this age group frequently use Uber and Lyft rideshare services.
However, many Florida residents say the high cost keeps them from utilizing rideshare services, and both users and non-users report safety concerns. Uber and Lyft rides are generally safe modes of transportation, but car accidents do occur in Florida, regardless of how you travel. If you’re a rideshare driver who’s suffered personal injury or property damage as a result of an auto accident or an Uber passenger who was injured while using rideshare services, you may be entitled to compensation.
Florin|Roebig personal injury lawyers can help you file an injury claim, understand Florida law regarding rideshare accidents and pursue compensation for losses resulting from the accident. Our experienced Florida rideshare lawyers seek compensation for medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering and vehicle damage if applicable. Contact us for a free case review.
Are Passengers Covered for Florida Rideshare Accidents?
Passengers are protected in the event of an Uber or Lyft accident in Florida. Transportation network companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft are required to provide liability coverage for drivers to cover accidents.
Typically, this coverage begins from the time a rideshare driver pairs with you for a ride and is en route to pick you up. You’re covered throughout the entire ride, so if you were in a rideshare vehicle at the time of the accident and received injuries, you may be able to file a claim.
If a Lyft or Uber driver hits you while they’re en route to a passenger or while giving a passenger a ride, you may also be able to file a claim. Speak with a Lyft or Uber accident lawyer at Florin|Roebig to learn more about your legal options.
What To Do After Getting Into a Rideshare Accident in Florida
Despite the high use of rideshare services in Florida, you may be unaware of what to do if you or a loved one gets into an accident while using Uber or Lyft. Determining whether you’re liable for the accident and how to seek compensation for damages can be tricky. You must take specific steps as soon as you’re able to get things moving and receive the help your case needs later on.
1. Seek Medical Attention for All Accident Victims
Your safety and that of your passengers, if relevant, should be the number one priority in the aftermath of an auto accident. If you or anyone else involved in the accident is injured or has fallen unconscious, call 911 for immediate medical treatment. Even if you feel okay, get evaluated as soon as possible, because Florida’s personal injury protection (PIP) law requires that you receive initial treatment within 14 days of the accident. Getting treatment is vital for covering any medical expenses related to the accident through a personal injury claim, and you need medical records to seek compensation for your injuries.
2. Gather Information
Once you’ve handled medical concerns, gather the personal and insurance information from all motorists involved in the accident, including your own insurance. The information you gather should include names, driver’s license numbers, information about insurance carriers, contact information and license plate numbers.
3. Contact The Police
The state of Florida requires you to report any accident that involves bodily injury or property damage of $500 or more. Police officers can help you seek medical care and are required to file an official accident report. You can use this police report as evidence should you decide to file a personal injury claim. Don’t forget to ask for the report number at the scene, so you can request a copy of the report when it becomes available on Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ (FLHSMV) Crash Portal.
4. Take Photos of the Accident Scene
While a police officer may take notes of important details once they arrive, you should also record the accident scene before and after their arrival. Details to record include:
- Photos of the accident scene
- Time and location of the accident
- Screenshot of your ride status (within the Uber or Lyft apps)
- Electronic receipt with origin, destination, time and distance
- Any injuries
- Damage to other motorists, pedestrians or property
- Witness testimony
5. Contact a Rideshare Accident Attorney
Contacting an experienced rideshare accident lawyer can be one of the most important calls you make after being in an Uber or Lyft accident. You may call an attorney before or after calling the police. The attorneys at the law office of Florin|Roebig can help you understand your legal rights and file your claim with the correct insurer. If you’re a rideshare driver, remember, never admit fault for the accident or provide a statement to a representative from your rideshare company before speaking to an attorney to prevent complicating your case or hampering your ability to receive compensation.
6. File A Personal Injury Claim
Being involved in a rideshare accident can quickly lead to extensive costs, from ambulance fees to medical bills and car repairs. Depending on the nature of your accident, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim to seek compensation to cover accident-related damages.
Filing a personal injury claim after a rideshare accident can help you cover medical costs not covered by your personal auto insurance or the rideshare insurance policy. It can also provide compensation for expenses resulting from the accident, such as lost wages, pain and suffering, mental anguish or projected treatment costs for serious or permanent injury.
Tip: Keep a simple file with your medical records, receipts and the crash report. If you don’t have the report number, your attorney can locate it through FLHSMV using the crash date, location and parties involved.
What To Know About Uber and Lyft Services
Unlike traditional transportation services such as public buses and taxis, most rideshare services require the use of a digital application via a smartphone or laptop. To use these services, you must register as a user on the respective app, enter payment information and enter the location you wish to go.
Florida is a popular place to live and a major tourist attraction, so the state has a large base of rideshare service users from in and out of state. Drivers for Uber and Lyft are required to follow company-specific insurance procedures before being able to transport passengers through the app.
They are also required to carry liability insurance because they’re independent contractors, which means their auto insurance policy likely doesn’t cover business needs without adding this coverage.
Who Is Liable for an Uber or Lyft Accident in Florida?
Under Florida law, Uber and Lyft drivers are subject to rideshare-specific regulatory processes when it comes to determining liability in an accident.
How liability in rideshare accidents is handled can depend on whether you:
- Was logged into the rideshare app and waiting for ride requests when the accident occurred.
- Had passengers in your car.
- Was the at-fault driver.
The status of a ride impacts the amount of coverage drivers are eligible for, as detailed further by the rideshare company’s policy. This coverage can play a role in a rideshare driver’s liability for resulting personal injury and property damage costs.
The best way to understand who can be held liable for a rideshare accident is to consult a skilled Uber or Lyft accident attorney at Florin|Roebig.
How Uber And Lyft May Attempt to Deny Your Accident Injury Claim
When involved in a rideshare accident in Florida, victims often encounter significant challenges in securing compensation from Uber and Lyft. These companies employ various tactics to minimize or deny claims, but Florin|Roebig is adept at countering these strategies to ensure victims receive the compensation they deserve.
The following is a breakdown of what Uber and Lyft might do to avoid paying a claim and how Florin|Roebig combats these tactics:
- Denying Liability: Uber and Lyft might argue that the driver wasn’t logged into the app or actively working when the accident occurred, thereby denying liability. They may claim the driver was off-duty or the accident didn’t occur during an active ride.
Florin|Roebig’s Approach: We conduct a thorough investigation to establish the driver’s status at the time of the accident. By obtaining app activity logs, GPS data and eyewitness accounts, the firm can demonstrate that the driver was indeed working for the rideshare company, thereby holding them liable. - Disputing Coverage: The rideshare companies may claim that their insurance coverage doesn’t apply if the driver was in between rides, pushing the responsibility onto the driver’s personal insurance.
Florin|Roebig’s Approach: We carefully review the insurance policies of both the driver and the rideshare company. Our rideshare lawyers leverage their deep understanding of Florida’s rideshare insurance laws to argue that the rideshare company’s policy should cover the incident, especially if the driver was logged into the app and available for rides. - Downplaying Injuries: Insurance adjusters may try to minimize the severity of injuries, arguing that they’re pre-existing or that the medical treatment sought was unnecessary.
Florin|Roebig’s Approach: Florin|Roebig works closely with medical experts to document the full extent of your injuries and necessary treatments. They compile comprehensive medical records and expert testimonies to counter any attempts to downplay the injuries and ensure that the victim’s medical expenses and future care needs are fully covered. - Delaying Tactics: Uber and Lyft might use delaying tactics to frustrate claimants, hoping they’ll settle for a lower amount or abandon the claim altogether.
Florin|Roebig’s Approach: Florin|Roebig uses its extensive experience to expedite the claims process. We maintain constant pressure on the insurance companies by adhering to strict timelines and are prepared to file a lawsuit if necessary. Our proactive and persistent approach ensures that delays don’t undermine the victim’s ability to receive timely compensation.
Florin|Roebig effectively counters the tactics used by Uber and Lyft to avoid paying claims. Our meticulous evidence collection, expert consultations and strategic litigation ensure our clients in Florida receive the highest possible settlements or jury verdicts, enabling them to recover and move forward with their lives.
Florida Rideshare Accident Laws
Florida’s 2017 House Bill 221 (HB221), codified at Fla. Stat. § 627.748, sets a statewide framework for Uber and Lyft, preempts most local rules and ties insurance to a driver’s app status. This status determines insurance caps, with 50k/100k/25k for when a driver’s logged in but hasn’t accepted a trip, and $1 million from the time they accept a passenger through drop-off, plus personal injury protection insurance and uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage as required by existing Florida law.
The law lets personal auto insurers exclude coverage during TNC use, requires the TNC policy to step in from the first dollar if needed and mandates in-app driver and plate identification, electronic receipts with trip details and proof-of-coverage disclosures after a crash. If the driver’s offline, only the personal policy applies.
Statute Of Limitations On Rideshare Accident Claims
Most Florida rideshare crash lawsuits are subject to a two-year statute of limitations. In 2023, House Bill 837 shortened the deadline for general negligence, and this change applies to any accidents occurring on or after March 24, 2023. Wrongful death claims are also two years under Florida law. If a government vehicle or agency is involved, you must give pre-suit notice to the agency and the Department of Financial Services, generally within 3 years (2 years for wrongful death), and wait for the statutory investigation period before filing. Missing these deadlines can bar your recovery, so it’s wise to act quickly.
Florida Insurance Requirements for Rideshare Services
Uber and Lyft both require their drivers to carry personal auto insurance. However, both companies also provide their drivers with company insurance coverage for accidents that occur while drivers are using their vehicles for ridesharing purposes. Florida ties Uber and Lyft insurance to the driver’s app status under Fla. Stat. § 627.748 (HB 221). Here’s a quick breakdown.
- App OFF (personal use): Only the driver’s personal auto policy applies. Florida law lets personal insurers exclude coverage while a driver is using a vehicle for TNC work.
- App ON, no trip accepted: Primary liability $50,000 per person, $100,000 per incident and $25,000 property damage, plus PIP and UM/UIM as required by Florida law.
- Trip accepted or transporting a passenger (includes en route): At least $1,000,000 in primary liability for death, bodily injury and property damage, plus PIP and UM/UIM as required. Coverage runs from acceptance through drop-off.
The required coverage can be carried by the driver, the TNC or a combination. If the driver’s policy lapses or doesn’t meet limits, the TNC’s policy must step in from the first dollar and has the duty to defend.
Drivers must carry proof of TNC coverage and disclose whether they were logged into the app or on a trip after a crash. TNCs must send an electronic receipt listing origin, destination, time, distance and fare to help prove which period applies.
How Rideshare Accidents Are Handled in Florida
Individuals who drive for Uber and Lyft are regarded by Florida law differently from other transportation service drivers. Under Florida law, Uber and Lyft drivers are subject to rideshare-specific regulatory processes when it comes to determining liability in an accident. These regulatory laws vary by state.
In Florida, how rideshare accidents are handled can depend on whether you:
- Was logged into the rideshare app and waiting for ride requests when the accident occurred
- Had passengers in your car
- Are determined to be at fault for the accident
Drivers for Uber and Lyft are required to follow company-specific insurance procedures before being able to transport passengers through the app. This information is usually relayed to drivers during their initial onboarding process.
If you’re confused by this information, you’re not alone. Determining personal liability in a rideshare accident can be tricky. The best way to get accurate information about your eligibility for legal action after a rideshare accident is to consult with a skilled rideshare attorney.
Our Featured Case Results
Difference Between Rideshare Services and Taxis
Rideshare services may appear to be very similar to traditional taxi services, but several essential aspects make them different.
The most notable differences between taxis and rideshare services include:
- Employment and vehicle classifications
- Auto insurance requirements
- Training
- Cost
- How each service is accessed
How Are Taxis Different From Uber or Lyft Rides?
Uber and Lyft drivers are classified as self-employed independent contractors rather than full- or part-time employees of their respective companies. This distinction impacts how drivers file their taxes, their eligibility for employee benefits (none, for self-employed) and their liability should they get into an accident.
In addition, rideshare drivers use their own vehicles, not company vehicles, which Florida law recognizes as personal, noncommercial vehicles.
Uber and Lyft drivers are also offered very little training compared to taxi drivers. According to several current and former drivers, training for new Uber and Lyft contractors can consist of as little as a short video outlining basic rules and regulations.
In contrast, most taxi services:
- Require drivers to pass certain background checks
- Require more training
- Operate through a different payment system
- Use commercial vehicles
Ridesharing Vs. Taxis: Is One Safer Than the Other?
Both rideshare and taxi drivers have been involved in traffic accidents, so there’s no clear winner on which is safer. Research comparing crash risks is mixed, and outcomes depend on where and when trips happen.
One consistent factor is seat belt use. Rear-seat passengers in for-hire vehicles like taxis or ride-hails buckle up less often, which raises injury risk in a crash. Buckling up in the back seat is one of the simplest ways to improve safety in either mode of transportation.
What To Know If You Are a Lyft or Uber Driver in a Rideshare Accident
If you’re a Florida Uber or Lyft driver and you get into an accident while logged into your company app, you may be eligible for personal injury and property damage compensation with the rideshare company’s insurance. If your rideshare company or your insurance company refuses to cover damages, you may be able to start a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation.
Can Uber/Lyft Drivers Be Fired For Filing A Rideshare Accident Claim?
Drivers for TNCs may worry about how their jobs can be affected if they file an insurance claim against their company. If this is a concern you share, let us set the record straight. You can’t be penalized for bringing a valid injury claim under your rideshare company’s insurance policy.
At Florin|Roebig, our attorneys can offer you a free initial consultation to discuss your legal options based on the details of your accident to help you determine if you move forward with a claim.
Rideshare Accident Rates In Florida
Florida doesn’t publish a separate crash rate specifically for “rideshare” vehicles in its public Crash Facts, so there’s no official Uber/Lyft crash rate to cite. What the state does report is the overall crash burden, which was 395,175 crashes in 2023 or about 1,083 per day, with 3,375 fatalities and 236,886 other-injury crashes.
Those collisions are concentrated in large metro areas where ride-hailing is heaviest, a pattern mirrored by local records like Broward County’s audit confirming $5.06 million in Uber airport pick-up fees at Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport in 2023. In practice, Florida rideshare claims rely on this statewide crash reporting plus TNC app data to pin down ride status and coverage.
Tips On Choosing A Florida Rideshare Accident Attorney
Having the right attorney when filing a rideshare accident claim can make an enormous difference in helping you get a fair settlement for damages. The following tips can help you compare Florida rideshare lawyers and choose the best one for your case.
Look For Experience
Rideshare accidents are subject to different regulations than your typical motor vehicle accident, so these cases require a particular skill set. As you’re searching for a personal injury attorney, make sure they have experience in rideshare accident personal injury law. This experience can provide you with the best chance of receiving compensation for your losses.
Ask For References
Asking an attorney for references from their former clients is an excellent way to get an accurate picture of their trustworthiness and track record. It can also provide insight into the type of experience you can expect to have with them, regarding their communication skills and personal attitude when working with clients.
Florida Rideshare Accident FAQs
How Do I Get Compensation for Injuries After a Rideshare Accident in Florida?
The surest way to get compensation for bodily injury or property damage after an Uber or Lyft accident is to start a personal injury case. Most of the time, these cases reach an agreeable settlement without even going to court. However, if you and the insurance companies can’t reach an agreement, you may have to pursue an injury lawsuit through the courts to seek compensation.
How Much Does It Cost To Work With a Florida Rideshare Lawyer?
How much it costs to work with a Florida rideshare lawyer depends on the lawyer you choose. If you choose a law firm that works on a contingency fee basis, like the Florin|Roebig legal team, it won’t cost you anything upfront. Because we’re contingency-based lawyers, we only receive payment if you win your case. In general, personal injury lawyers charge a percentage, deducted from your claim payout.
How Much Is an Average Rideshare Accident Settlement?
There isn’t an average settlement, because the amount you’ll receive for a Lyft or Uber accident settlement depends on a wide range of factors. These factors can include the extent of your injuries, the total recovery time, whether you’ll make a full recovery, if you can return to work and others.
Is Hiring a Lyft or Uber Accident Lawyer Worth It?
While you can file your rideshare accident claim on your own, working with a lawyer provides many advantages that can make it worth it. When you hire a competent lawyer, you’ll have someone to communicate with insurance companies on your behalf, represent your interests and help break down complex legal terms in a way you can understand. The best rideshare accident attorneys will work hard to build a solid case and won’t be intimidated by insurance adjusters, working ceaselessly to help you secure a fair settlement offer.
List Of Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) Accident Attorneys In Florida
Florin|Roebig is Florida’s premier personal injury law firm, housing a team of attorneys who possess unmatchable skills in providing successful legal representation for Florida residents.
With extensive experience in handling rideshare accident cases for individuals in Florida, our attorneys have the necessary expertise to help you file a strong personal injury claim and secure a fair settlement.
Rideshare accident attorneys of Florin|Roebig in Florida include:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Shaun M. Cummings
- Luca G. Esposito
- Chad K. Florin, M.B.A., LL.M.
- John J. Hart
- Parker Y. Florin, LL.M.
- Taylor D. Roebig
- Michael A. Ossi, O.C.
- Lawrence J. Najem, O.C.
- Nollys R. Solarte, O.C.
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
Find A High-Quality Rideshare Accident Attorney In Florida
After an Uber or Lyft crash, you need clear answers and a steady advocate. Our Florida rideshare accident attorneys at Florin|Roebig document everything, deal with insurers and pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and vehicle damage.
We serve clients statewide from offices in Palm Harbor, West Palm Beach, Fort Myers, Key West and Jacksonville. Our attorneys move quickly to secure evidence like electronic receipts and ride data, then build a focused strategy for your claim.
Schedule a free case evaluation today. We’ll listen, explain your options and next steps, and outline a plan to move your claim forward.
