Uber Accident in Florida | What Happens Next?
 

NewsPersonal InjuryWhat Happens in Florida if Your Uber Driver Gets into a Car Accident?

December 16, 2024

If you were riding in an Uber when the driver got into a car accident in Florida, you may feel worried and unsure about your next steps. Our Florida car accident attorneys understand how stressful this situation can be.

One of the most important things you can do is seek medical attention right away. Some injuries may not seem serious at first but can become worse as time passes. You should consider a medical checkup to protect your health and document your condition.


Uber/Lyft Driver


 

After you have received the care you need, you may want to learn about your legal options. As rideshare passengers, many people do not realize that they may be entitled to compensation for losses caused by an accident. It may seem confusing at first because Uber, the driver’s personal insurance, and other factors all come into play. By understanding how Florida law applies, you can begin taking steps to recover what you deserve.

The Role of Uber’s Insurance in Your Accident

In Florida, Uber is required to maintain specific insurance coverage amounts based on what stage of the trip the driver is in. These requirements are set by law to protect passengers and other parties on the road. When an Uber driver is on the app and engaged in transporting or picking up passengers, the insurance coverage is usually higher than at other times. Understanding these differences can be key to finding out what compensation may be available to you.


Rideshare Apps like Uber and Lyft


 

If the Uber driver was in the process of transporting you—that is, they had accepted your trip and you were either on your way to the destination or in the car—the company must provide at least $1,000,000 in liability coverage. This amount is intended to cover bodily injuries and property damage if the driver causes an accident. In many cases, Uber’s insurance during this period also includes coverage for injuries caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers who hit the Uber vehicle, which can be a critical source of payment if the at-fault driver does not have enough coverage.

If the driver had logged into the app but had not yet accepted a ride request or had accepted a request but had not yet picked up the passenger, the coverage requirements are different. During this time, Florida law requires what is generally referred to as “contingent” coverage. This means that the driver’s personal auto policy is considered first, but if that policy does not cover the loss, Uber’s contingent liability coverage applies. In these circumstances, the coverage must be at least $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.

If the driver was not logged into the app at all—meaning they were off-duty and not looking for fares—then only the driver’s personal insurance would generally apply. In that scenario, Uber’s higher coverage would not come into play.

These distinctions matter. Determining which phase of the trip the Uber driver was in at the time of your accident can significantly affect how much coverage is available and from which source. At Consumer Law Attorneys, we can analyze the trip records, the app data, and the insurance documents to figure out whether you qualify for the higher coverage amounts. By investigating these details, we can identify the best path toward securing payment for your injuries, medical costs, lost income, and other related expenses.

Florida’s No-Fault Insurance and Your Injuries

Florida follows a no-fault insurance system for car accidents. Under this system, your own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage normally pays up to $10,000 of your medical bills and certain related losses, regardless of who caused the accident. But if your injuries are serious and lead to expenses beyond that limit, you may need to consider other avenues. When you are the passenger in an Uber, you have unique opportunities to seek additional compensation if the driver or another party was at fault.

Our Florida car accident attorneys can review the circumstances surrounding the crash to see if you can pursue damages beyond your own PIP policy. This may involve filing a claim with Uber’s insurance or, in some cases, pursuing compensation from other parties, such as another driver who hit your Uber or even the driver of your Uber if they drove carelessly.

It is important to note that Florida law allows seriously injured victims to seek payment for a range of losses, including medical costs that exceed your insurance coverage, lost income, reduced ability to earn in the future, and pain and suffering. Identifying the right path to take requires looking at the details of your crash and your injuries.


Florida Car Accident


 

Seeking Compensation After an Uber Accident

If your Uber driver caused the accident or acted without due care, you may pursue compensation from their insurance coverage or potentially from the policies carried by Uber. If another driver’s negligence caused the accident, you may seek compensation through that driver’s insurance or a combination of policies. In some cases, you might even consider holding more than one party responsible if multiple acts of carelessness contributed to the crash.

As a passenger, you often have a strong position because you were not controlling the vehicle. Still, you must show that someone’s unsafe actions caused the crash and that this led to your injuries and losses. Our attorneys can help gather the evidence needed. This might include reviewing the police report, analyzing traffic camera footage if available, interviewing witnesses, and examining the driving history of the Uber driver.

Building a solid claim often comes down to showing that someone owed you a duty of care and failed to uphold it. For example, if your Uber driver was texting while driving, speeding, or ignoring traffic signals, this might be seen as a failure to provide safe transportation. If another driver ran a red light or was driving under the influence, that driver may be held accountable. By linking these unsafe actions to the injuries you suffered, we can make a case for fair compensation.

What Compensation Could Include

When people think of compensation, they often focus on medical bills, and rightfully so. Your hospital stay, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and follow-up care can become costly.

Compensation can also address other needs that arise as you recover. If you could not work because of your injuries, you may request payment for lost wages. If your injuries impact your ability to work in the future, you may seek compensation for reduced earning capacity.

Beyond these practical costs, many people experience pain, discomfort, and emotional distress after a rideshare accident. These losses may also be compensable. By painting a full picture of how the accident has affected your life, we can ask for payment that helps you move forward.

Some accidents cause permanent changes, like a disability or scarring. In these cases, the impact can go beyond medical bills and wage losses. You may need ongoing therapy, assistive devices, or changes to your home environment. Compensation should address all these aspects, ensuring that you are not left shouldering these burdens alone.


Damaged car of Uber


 

No Upfront Legal Fees

At Consumer Law Attorneys, we understand that the financial stress following an accident can be overwhelming. Medical bills, vehicle repairs, lost income, and other costs pile up. We want to make it easier for you to seek legal help, which is why our firm often works on a contingency fee basis. This means we do not get paid unless we secure compensation for you. If we recover money, we take our fees from that amount, not out of your pocket upfront.

This arrangement allows you to focus on your recovery without worrying about legal bills. You can ask questions, understand your rights, and move forward with confidence.

Call Us Today for a Free Consultation

You do not have to face the legal challenges of an Uber accident alone. Our Florida car accident attorneys are ready to listen to your story and help you understand your options. During a free consultation, we can discuss the details of the accident, your injuries, and the steps you can take next. We can explain how Florida law applies, who may be responsible, and how we can help you seek fair compensation for your losses.

If you decide to work with us, we will handle the necessary legal tasks. We will gather evidence, communicate with insurers, and strive to secure a settlement that reflects what you have lost. If the insurers refuse to be fair, we can take your case to court. Our goal is to help you move forward and find a fair resolution.

Your recovery and well-being matter. After an Uber accident, taking the right steps can make a difference in how you move forward. Contact Consumer Law Attorneys today at 877-241-2200 for a free consultation and learn how our attorneys can assist you.



    *Disclaimer: The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience.