Florida Rideshare Accident Lawyer: Help After Uber & Lyft Crashes

When rideshare accidents happen in Florida, victims often face complex insurance situations and uncertainty about their rights. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have specific insurance policies that may apply to accidents, but these companies and their insurers frequently try to minimize payouts. A specialized Florida rideshare accident lawyer knows how to navigate these complicated cases and fight aggressive insurance adjusters to help victims receive fair compensation for their injuries and losses.

After a rideshare accident in Florida, determining liability can be challenging. The driver’s status at the time of the accident matters: whether they were waiting for a ride request, on the way to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting someone. Each scenario involves different insurance coverage levels and responsible parties, making professional legal guidance essential.

The attorneys at The Landau Law Group understand Florida’s no-fault insurance laws and how they interact with rideshare company policies. They provide personalized attention to each case, handling the legal complexities while car accident injury victims focus on recovery. With experienced legal representation, accident victims can better protect their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.

If you were injured in a car crash involving a rideshare service in Florida, you may be able to collect compensation. Contact us today for a free case consultation. 

Understanding Florida Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare accidents in Florida involve unique legal complications due to the state’s no-fault insurance laws and the multiple insurance policies that may apply. Victims often face challenges determining liability between drivers, rideshare companies, and other parties.

Common Causes of Rideshare Collisions

Rideshare accidents in Florida often result from driver distraction. Uber and Lyft drivers frequently check their apps while driving, dividing their attention between the road and incoming ride requests.

Driver fatigue contributes significantly to these accidents. Many rideshare drivers work long hours or operate during late-night hours when their alertness is compromised.

Unfamiliarity with routes can lead to sudden stops or lane changes. Drivers navigating unfamiliar areas while following GPS directions may make dangerous maneuvers.

Speeding to complete more rides is another common factor. The incentive-based pay structure may encourage drivers to rush between fares, especially during surge pricing periods.

Poor vehicle maintenance can also lead to mechanical failures. Some drivers may delay repairs to avoid downtime, creating unsafe conditions.

Types of Injuries in Uber and Lyft Accidents

Whiplash and neck injuries are among the most common injuries in rideshare accidents. These soft tissue injuries may not appear immediately but can cause long-term pain and limited mobility.

Traumatic brain injuries can occur even in low-speed collisions. Passengers without seatbelts are at higher risk for severe head trauma.

Broken bones and fractures frequently result from side-impact collisions. Passengers in the backseat may suffer hip, rib, or arm fractures during a crash.

Back injuries, including herniated discs, can cause chronic pain and disability. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Psychological trauma, including PTSD and anxiety, affects many rideshare accident victims. These invisible injuries may require therapy and can impact daily functioning.

Differences Between Rideshare and Regular Car Accidents

Insurance coverage in rideshare accidents is more complex than in typical car crashes. Different policies may apply depending on whether the driver was logged into the app, waiting for a ride request, or transporting passengers.

Liability determination involves multiple parties in rideshare accidents. The driver’s personal insurance, the rideshare company’s policy, and potentially other drivers’ insurance may all come into play.

Florida’s no-fault insurance system works differently with rideshare accidents. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage may be insufficient for serious injuries, requiring victims to navigate additional insurance claims.

Documentation requirements are more extensive for rideshare accidents. Screenshots of the ride status, driver information, and in-app communications become crucial evidence.

Rideshare companies often attempt to distance themselves from liability by classifying drivers as independent contractors rather than employees.

Legal Rights and Insurance in Florida Rideshare Crashes

Florida rideshare accidents involve complex insurance coverage and specific legal protocols that differ from typical auto accidents. Understanding these differences is crucial for victims seeking compensation.

Florida Rideshare Insurance Policies

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft maintain tiered insurance policies in Florida that activate based on the driver’s status. When drivers are offline, only their personal auto insurance applies. Once the app is on but no passenger is matched, rideshare companies provide limited liability coverage.

The most substantial coverage, at least $1 million in liability insurance, kicks in when a driver accepts a ride and continues until the passenger is dropped off. This coverage is significantly higher than Florida’s minimum requirements for personal vehicles.

Florida law specifically mandates this $1 million coverage requirement for rideshare companies. This helps protect passengers, other motorists, and pedestrians involved in accidents with rideshare vehicles.

Rideshare Liability and Negligence

Determining liability in rideshare accidents can be challenging due to the multiple parties potentially responsible. Possible liable parties include:

• The rideshare driver
• The rideshare company (Uber or Lyft)
• Other drivers involved
• Vehicle manufacturers (if defects contributed)

Florida operates under a comparative negligence system. This means compensation may be reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned to each party.

Rideshare companies often try to distance themselves from driver actions by classifying drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. However, their insurance policies must still respond appropriately based on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.

Reporting an Accident Involving Uber or Lyft

If involved in a rideshare accident, take these immediate steps:

1. Ensure safety and call 911 for any injuries
2. Document everything – Take photos of the accident scene, vehicles, and injuries
3. Collect information from all parties, including the rideshare driver’s name and rideshare information
4. Report the accident through the rideshare app immediately

The reporting timeline is critical in Florida. You must report the accident to your insurance within 24-48 hours and file any personal injury claims within Florida’s statute of limitations (generally four years).

Keep all medical records and documentation of expenses. The rideshare company’s claims department will likely contact you, but it’s advisable to speak with a Florida rideshare accident attorney before providing statements.

How a Florida Rideshare Accident Lawyer Can Help

After a rideshare accident, victims often face complex insurance issues and uncertainty about their rights. A Florida rideshare accident lawyer brings specialized knowledge of both state laws and the unique insurance structures of companies like Uber and Lyft.

Investigating the Accident Scene

A skilled rideshare accident lawyer will thoroughly investigate all aspects of the crash. They collect evidence including police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage that might otherwise be lost over time. The attorney will also examine the rideshare driver’s history and employment status at the time of the accident.

Many lawyers work with accident reconstruction experts to establish exactly what happened. This detailed investigation helps determine whether the driver was logged into the app when the accident occurred, which directly affects which insurance policies apply.

The Landau Law Group sends investigators to the scene quickly to photograph evidence and document road conditions before they change. This prompt action often uncovers crucial details that insurance companies might miss or ignore.

Negotiating With Insurance Companies

Rideshare accidents involve multiple insurance policies, making claims exceptionally complex. A Florida rideshare accident attorney will identify all potential sources of compensation, including:

• The rideshare company’s commercial policy
• The driver’s personal auto insurance
• The driver’s rideshare insurance endorsement
• Your own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts or shift blame. Your lawyer serves as your advocate, handling all communications with these companies and preventing you from accepting unfair settlements.

The Landau Law Group understands the tactics insurance companies use and will push back against lowball offers that don’t fully cover your damages.

Maximizing Compensation for Victims

A dedicated rideshare accident lawyer works to secure compensation for all your losses. This includes obvious costs like medical bills and lost wages, but also less apparent damages such as:

• Future medical treatments
• Reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

They calculate the true value of your claim by consulting with medical experts and economic specialists. This thorough approach ensures no aspect of your suffering goes uncompensated.

Many victims don’t realize the full extent of their injuries immediately after an accident. Your attorney will advise against settling too quickly before the long-term impact of your injuries becomes clear.

Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident in Florida

Taking the right actions after an Uber or Lyft accident in Florida can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. These critical steps protect your rights and strengthen your potential claim.

What to Do Immediately Following a Crash

Call 911 right away after a rideshare accident. Police will document the scene and create an official report, which becomes valuable evidence for your claim. This report establishes facts about the crash while memories are fresh.

Seek medical attention even if you feel fine. Some injuries like whiplash or internal damage might not show symptoms immediately. A medical evaluation creates documentation linking your injuries to the accident.

Report the accident to the rideshare company through their app. Both Uber and Lyft have specific accident reporting features. Take screenshots of your ride information including the driver’s name and trip details.

Stay at the scene until police allow you to leave, unless you need emergency medical transport.

Gathering Evidence and Documentation

Collect contact information from everyone involved in the accident, including drivers, passengers, and witnesses. Get names, phone numbers, addresses, and insurance details.

Take photos of:

• Vehicle damage from multiple angles
• License plates of all vehicles
• The accident scene, including road conditions
• Your visible injuries
• Traffic signals or signs nearby

Save all medical records and bills related to your treatment. Keep a journal documenting your pain levels, limitations, and recovery progress.

Request a copy of the police report, which typically becomes available within 10 days after the accident. This document contains the officer’s assessment of fault and other critical details.

Consulting With a Rideshare Accident Attorney

Contact a Florida rideshare accident attorney as soon as possible. Insurance coverage in Uber and Lyft accidents involves complex layers depending on the driver’s status at the time of the crash.

The Landau Law Group can help determine which insurance policies apply—the rideshare company’s commercial coverage, the driver’s personal policy, or your own insurance.

An injury attorney will:

• Handle communications with insurance adjusters
• Collect and preserve necessary evidence
• Calculate the full value of your damages
• Negotiate for maximum compensation
• File a lawsuit if needed

Most rideshare accident attorneys work on contingency fees, meaning you pay nothing upfront and only pay if they secure compensation for you.

Landau Law: Florida Rideshare Accident Injury Lawyers

The Landau Law Group specializes in helping victims of rideshare accidents across Florida. Our team has handled over $10 million in property damage claims and has extensive experience with Uber and Lyft accident cases.

Rideshare accidents can be complex because they involve multiple insurance policies. When you’re injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, you need lawyers who understand these complexities.

We work with clients who have been injured as passengers, drivers, or even pedestrians hit by rideshare vehicles. Our attorneys know how to navigate the insurance claims process unique to rideshare companies.

The Landau Law Group offers personalized legal support for rideshare accident victims. We investigate your case thoroughly to determine liability and identify all possible sources of compensation.

Some common injuries from rideshare accidents include:

• Whiplash and neck injuries
• Back injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Broken bones
• Soft tissue damage

Our Florida personal injury lawyers fight for the compensation you deserve. This may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to your accident.

We handle all aspects of your claim so you can focus on recovery. The Landau Law Group works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Contact us today at 866-703-4878 for a free case consultation. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve after a rideshare accident.