Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become an everyday convenience in Florida. But when accidents happen, passengers, drivers, and even pedestrians often face confusion about who is responsible for injuries and damages. Unlike traditional car accidents, rideshare accidents involve multiple layers of liability and insurance coverage, making personal injury claims more complex.
At Moore Payne Law, our attorneys fight to ensure victims of rideshare accidents are not left struggling with medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. Whether you were a passenger, another driver, or even a pedestrian hit by a rideshare vehicle, understanding your rights is essential to securing compensation.
How Rideshare Liability Works
Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. This distinction allows the companies to limit their liability in accidents—but it doesn’t remove their responsibility entirely. Liability often depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash:
- 1.
- Driver Not Logged Into the App
– If the rideshare driver is not using the app, their personal auto insurance applies. Uber or Lyft will not provide coverage. - 2.
- Driver Logged In but Waiting for a Ride Request
– Limited liability coverage from Uber or Lyft may apply: typically up to $50,000 for bodily injury per person and $100,000 per accident. - 3.
- Driver En Route to Pick Up a Passenger or Transporting a Passenger
– Uber and Lyft provide $1 million in liability coverage, which can apply to passengers, other drivers, or pedestrians injured in the accident.
Understanding which insurance policy applies is critical in personal injury cases. An experienced attorney can help cut through the red tape and make sure the right party is held accountable.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare drivers face unique challenges compared to ordinary drivers. Many accidents occur because of:
- Driver distraction – Checking the app, GPS, or phone calls from passengers.
- Fatigue – Many rideshare drivers work long hours or drive late at night.
- Speeding or aggressive driving – Trying to maximize the number of rides in a shift.
- Improper vehicle maintenance – Using personal cars without regular inspections.
- Other negligent drivers – Sometimes the crash isn’t the rideshare driver’s fault but another motorist’s.
Each of these factors can lead to severe injuries for passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians.
Injuries From Rideshare Accidents
Like other car crashes, Uber and Lyft accidents can result in life-changing harm. Victims often suffer:
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord and back injuries
- Burn injuries from airbag deployment or fires
- Emotional trauma and PTSD
These injuries can lead to mounting medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost income, and long-term care needs. Victims may also experience pain and suffering that impacts every aspect of their lives.
Compensation Available to Victims
If you were injured in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, especially when multiple policies are involved. That’s why having strong legal representation is critical.
How Moore Payne Law Helps Rideshare Accident Victims
Rideshare accident claims are more complicated than standard auto accident cases. At Moore Payne Law, Attorneys Geoff Moore and Spencer Payne have the knowledge and determination to navigate these challenges. Our team:
- Investigates the accident thoroughly – Reviewing app data, police reports, and witness statements.
- Determines applicable insurance coverage – Identifying whether the driver, Uber/Lyft, or another motorist is liable.
- Works with medical and financial experts – To calculate the full extent of your damages.
- Negotiates aggressively with insurers – Refusing lowball settlements.
- Takes cases to trial if necessary – Fighting for maximum compensation.
We believe victims of negligence—whether by a rideshare driver, another motorist, or the rideshare company itself—deserve justice.
Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident
If you’ve been involved in a rideshare crash, protect your rights by:
- 1.
- Seeking immediate medical attention – Even minor injuries can worsen later.
- 2.
- Reporting the accident to police and Uber or Lyft.
- 3.
- Documenting the scene – Photos, driver details, and witness contact information.
- 4.
- Not speaking to insurers before consulting an attorney.
- 5.
- Contacting Moore Payne Law – The sooner we’re involved, the stronger your case can be.
Conclusion
Rideshare services make travel more convenient, but they also create new legal complications when accidents occur. If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Florida, knowing who is liable and how to pursue a personal injury claim is essential.
Moore Payne Law is committed to protecting victims and holding negligent parties accountable. Our firm helps clients secure compensation for medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering—so they can focus on recovery, not financial stress.
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, don’t face the process alone. Contact Moore Payne Law today to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
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