Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become an everyday convenience for Palm Bay residents. Whether commuting to work, heading to a night out, or avoiding the stress of parking downtown, thousands of people rely on these apps to get around safely. But what happens when something goes wrong?
An unexpected collision during a rideshare trip can leave you with more than physical injuries—it can bring confusion, frustration, and a complicated insurance process. Unlike standard car accidents, rideshare crashes involve multiple parties, multiple insurance policies, and legal gray areas that make filing a personal injury claim especially difficult.
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That’s why it’s crucial to understand your rights. Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver hit by an Uber or Lyft vehicle, an injury lawyer serving Palm Bay can help you navigate the path to compensation and hold the right party accountable.
How Rideshare Insurance Works in Florida
Uber and Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors—not employees—which means their personal auto insurance typically doesn’t cover passengers or accidents that occur while they’re working. That’s where the rideshare company’s commercial insurance policies come into play—but these policies don’t apply in all situations.
Florida law requires Uber and Lyft to carry the following coverage, depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident:
- App Off: If the driver is not logged into the app, only their personal insurance policy applies.
- App On, No Passenger Yet: If the driver is waiting for a ride request, rideshare companies provide limited liability coverage (usually $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident).
- En Route or Passenger in Car: Once the driver accepts a ride or has a passenger onboard, Uber and Lyft offer up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage, plus uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
These details matter. If you’re injured in a rideshare accident, the driver’s status at the time of the crash could determine which insurance company is responsible—and how much they’re willing to pay.
Who Can File a Claim After a Rideshare Accident?
One of the most confusing aspects of rideshare accident cases is figuring out who’s eligible to pursue a claim. The good news is that you don’t have to be a passenger in the Uber or Lyft vehicle to qualify for compensation.
The following people may have a valid personal injury claim:
- Rideshare passengers injured during a trip
- Drivers or passengers in other vehicles involved in a collision with a rideshare car
- Pedestrians or cyclists struck by a rideshare driver, regardless of trip status
- Rideshare drivers themselves, if another driver caused the crash and the company’s coverage applies
No matter your role in the crash, proving liability and identifying the correct insurer are essential. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help review police reports, app activity logs, and insurance policies to ensure your claim is filed with the right party.
Proving Liability in a Rideshare Crash
In any personal injury claim, establishing who was at fault is critical—but it becomes more complex in a rideshare scenario. Was the Uber or Lyft driver distracted? Did another motorist cause the crash? Or was it a combination of both?
Florida is a comparative fault state, which means each party can be assigned a percentage of the blame. Proving liability may involve examining app data to see whether the rideshare driver was distracted by navigation, accepting new rides, or communicating through the app during the crash. Police reports, dashcam footage, and eyewitness statements all play a role in building a solid case.
In many situations, insurance companies may try to downplay their client’s role or claim the driver was not “active” on the app at the time of the incident. A lawyer can help uncover the timeline of events and hold the appropriate insurer accountable—especially when multiple drivers are pointing fingers.
Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident in Palm Bay
Whether you’re riding in a Lyft, driving your own car, or walking across a busy intersection in Palm Bay, the steps you take immediately after an accident matter greatly to the success of your claim.
First, seek medical attention—even if you feel okay. Some injuries don’t show up until hours or days later, and a medical record helps establish that the accident caused your injuries.
Next, report the accident to law enforcement and ensure that a police report is filed. If you’re a passenger or driver, use the rideshare app to notify the company about the crash. Take photographs of the vehicles, roadway, and any visible injuries if you’re physically able.
Finally, speak with an attorney before providing any recorded statements to insurance companies. This ensures your words aren’t used to reduce your claim’s value later. The complexities of rideshare coverage and layered liability make it easy to unintentionally harm your case without legal guidance.
Why You Need Legal Help for Rideshare Claims
While rideshare companies offer up to $1 million in coverage in some situations, getting access to that compensation is rarely straightforward. Insurance providers are often quick to dispute claims, deflect responsibility, or push lowball settlements—especially when multiple parties are involved.
A personal injury lawyer serving Palm Bay can level the playing field. Your attorney will examine all applicable policies, gather and preserve evidence, and manage communications with both the rideshare company and the insurers involved. They can also ensure you meet deadlines for filing your claim and help quantify damages like medical costs, lost wages, and long-term pain and suffering.
When you’re facing physical recovery and financial stress, having a legal advocate allows you to focus on healing while someone else fights for your rights.
Don’t Navigate This Alone
Rideshare accidents often leave victims confused and unsure of who to hold responsible. Whether you were a passenger in an Uber, another driver, or a pedestrian caught in a serious collision, the steps you take next can impact your ability to recover physically and financially.
To understand your legal rights, contact Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers for knowledgeable advice. Working with a personal injury lawyer serving Palm Bay ensures that you don’t fall through the cracks of a complex insurance web. If you’ve been hurt in a rideshare crash, legal support can be the difference between a dismissed claim and full compensation.
About the Author
This article was written by a legal content writer with extensive experience covering rideshare liability, Florida auto insurance law, and personal injury litigation. They specialize in breaking down complex legal systems into clear, actionable information for accident victims and their families.
