The proliferation of Uber and Lyft has allowed many people to get safe rides after late nights and some to even give up car ownership. However, the popularity of these platforms also increases the likelihood that you’ll be involved in an auto accident involving a rideshare driver. 

If you’ve gotten in one of these accidents, you might be wondering, “Can I sue Uber or Lyft in Florida after an accident in Florida?” Here is what you need to know about this important legal issue. 

The Role of Transportation Network Companies

Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies are regulated under Florida’s transportation network company (TNC) statute. The law identifies these companies as those that use a digital network to connect a rider to a TNC driver. The law differentiates these technology companies from taxi companies or other common carriers. These companies generally hire independent contractors rather than employees to provide their ride-hailing services.

As such, most car accidents involving rideshare drivers will not involve lawsuits against TNCs such as Uber or Lyft. Instead, you would file an insurance claim to seek compensation for your losses. There may be some exceptions, such as if you are alleging the company failed to properly screen and background check their drivers, and they are vicariously liable for drivers’ actions, including criminal behavior. 

Insurance Coverage Based on the Transaction 

The insurance policy that applies and that the rideshare driver has in the event of an accident depends on where in the transaction the accident occurred, as follows:

Off the App

If the rideshare driver is not logged onto the app, their personal auto policy applies if they are in an accident. Florida requires all drivers to maintain the following minimum amounts of insurance:

PIP covers a portion of your medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of fault. PDL pays for the damages someone causes to another’s vehicle. 

The App Is On, and the Driver Is Waiting for a Passenger

If the app is on and the driver is actively waiting for a ride request, Florida law requires the rideshare driver to have the following liability insurance:

  • $50,00 for death and bodily injury per person
  • $100,000 for death and bodily injury per accident
  • $25,000 for property damage 

In the event of an accident, a victim can be covered for bodily injury and property damage in up to the above amounts.

Ride Is Accepted 

Once the driver accepts a ride request and until the driver drops off the passenger, the driver must be covered by liability coverage of at least $1 million for bodily injury, death, and property damage. 

Evidence You Can Use in Rideshare Accidents

Just because a rideshare driver was involved in an accident does not mean they are necessarily at fault for the accident. You may need evidence to prove fault and the coverage that applies to the accident, such as:

  • Information from the app and event data recorders
  • Accident reports
  • Witness statements
  • Photos and videos of the accident
  • Driver logs

It is important that you hire a personal injury law firm after a rideshare accident because it’s common for rideshare and insurance companies to try to limit the coverage to $50,000/$100,000 per injury/accident by claiming there was no passenger. Personal injury lawyers can demand the ride history data log to determine if a passenger was actually in the vehicle. If the rideshare company refuses to provide this log, it’s a red flag. 

If you were injured in a rideshare accident in Florida, an experienced attorney from Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers can explain your legal options during a free case review. Call us today to get started.

Contact the Clearwater Law Firm of Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today

For more information, please contact the legal team of Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation with an uber acciedent lawyer in Clearwater. We have convenient locations in Florida: St. Petersburg, Safety Harbor, Clearwater, New Port Richey, and Tampa.

We serve throughout Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County, and its surrounding areas:

Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater Office
1811 N. Belcher Road, Suite I-1
Clearwater, FL 33765

(727) 787-2500

Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Congress Ave Office
2360 Congress Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33763

(727) 591-5610

Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Tampa Office
6601 Memorial Hwy Suite 202
Tampa, FL 33615

(813) 686-7588

Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – New Port Richey Office
2515 Seven Springs Blvd.
New Port Richey, FL, 34655

(727) 815-8442

Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Petersburg Law Office
840 Beach Dr NE Suite 202
St. Petersburg, FL 33701

(727) 787-2500

Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Safety Harbor Law Office
202 9th Ave S Suite A-2
Safety Harbor, FL 34695

(727) 787-2500