Uber accidents in Florida can leave you with a wide range of injuries and both financial and personal losses. To ensure you get the compensation you deserve and hold the responsible parties liable, you’ll want to hire an experienced Florida Uber accident lawyer.
The team at Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers has over 60 years of combined experience in personal injury law. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our Uber accident team. Call (727) 787-2500 today.
Florida Uber Accident Statistics
In a recent year, there were 153 Uber accident fatalities in the United States. While this is a small percentage of all Uber rides, these accidents do happen and can be catastrophic. 95% of these fatalities involved a third-party driver, which can make liability complicated.
Can I Sue Uber if My Driver Crashes?
Uber classifies its drivers as independent contractors, which can make liability tricky. This classification typically means that Uber is shielded from being directly liable for their drivers’ actions, but there are exceptions. For example, if Uber failed to properly investigate a driver’s background or ignored obvious issues, they might be able to be held liable for any damages that result. This complicated framework is one of the many reasons why it is a good idea to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer if you’re in an Uber accident.
Who Could Be Liable for My Uber Accident?
Several parties could be liable in an Uber accident, depending on the circumstances. This might include the Uber driver, Uber itself, other drivers, or even third parties like vehicle manufacturers if mechanical issues were involved. Liability also depends on factors like whether the Uber driver was on duty, if Uber’s insurance applies, and whether another driver was at fault. An experienced lawyer can help navigate these complexities to determine responsibility in your case.
Uber’s Liability Coverage
Uber maintains commercial insurance on behalf of its drivers. Whether or not this insurance will apply in your case depends on several factors, such as fault, whether the driver was on or offline, and the driver’s personal car insurance policy.
Uber’s policy applies as follows:
- If the driver is offline: The driver’s personal auto insurance applies. Drivers are required at least to maintain personal auto insurance at mandatory minimum limits and provide proof of such coverage to Uber.
- If the driver is online and available for a trip: Uber’s third party liability insurance covers the cost of injuries or damages up to at least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for injuries, and, $25,000 in property damage per accident.
- If the driver is en route or on a trip: Uber’s insurance covers at least $1,000,000 for property damage and injuries to riders and third parties involved in an accident where the driver is at fault.
If you have questions about what coverage might apply in your case and to what extent, contact us for a free consultation.
Uninsured Motorist and Personal Injury Protection Coverage in Florida
If the Uber driver involved is offline, you’ll need to rely on other methods of insurance. Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage protects you if you are hit by a driver who does not have auto insurance. As of January 2025, 5.88% percent of Florida drivers, or 953,468 drivers, are uninsured. Uninsured motorist coverage in Florida is suggested and must be offered with other policies, but is not required.
Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, also called “no-fault insurance,” covers medical bills and other costs related to an accident, no matter who caused it. Florida’s no-fault law requires drivers to have PIP coverage of at least $10,000. PIP policies have both minimum coverage amounts and a per-person limit on benefits.
If UM and/or PIP coverage does not cover your expenses, you may be able to file a lawsuit.
What to Do After an Uber Accident In Florida
If you are involved in an Uber accident, it is important to know what steps to take to protect your safety and legal rights. You should take the following steps:
- Ensure the safety of yourself and others involved
- Seek medical care
- Document the scene through video and photographs
- Call the police and file a report
- Obtain the Uber driver’s details and report the incident to Uber
- Get the details of any witnesses to the accident
- Contact your insurance provider
Once you have taken the above immediate steps, you should contact a personal injury lawyer to understand your options and guide you through the process, ensuring you get the compensation you deserve.
Common Injuries in Uber Accidents
Any number of injuries can happen in Uber accidents, much like any auto crash. Some of the most common injuries we see include:
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Head injuries (such as concussions)
- Neck and back injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Wrongful death
- Emotional trauma or PTSD
Even if you believe your accident was minor, it’s wise to seek medical attention to rule out any delayed injuries and to consult with a lawyer. Regardless of the extent of your injuries, a Clearwater car accident lawyer at Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers can help you navigate the process and pursue the compensation you deserve.
How Long Do I Have to Bring an Uber Accident Case in Florida?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is typically two years from the date of the accident. If you don’t file within this period, you may lose your right to pursue compensation. However, certain exceptions may apply depending on your situation. The best way to understand how these rules apply to your case is by consulting with a personal injury lawyer.
Contact Our Florida Uber Accident Lawyers for Help
If you’ve been in an Uber accident in Florida, Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help you take steps to preserve your legal rights and secure the compensation you need to recover. We operate on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t owe a cent if we don’t recover for you. You can trust that we will put our century of knowledge to work for you. Get in touch with us today for a free consultation with a Florida Uber accident lawyer.
