Injured in a Rideshare Accident? Find Out Who Pays and How to Protect Your Rights
Are rideshare trips always safe? Accidents happen — and knowing what to do can make all the difference. Read our latest blog to protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve!
In 2024, rideshare services, such as Uber and Lyft, reported more than 195 million active users! Rideshare services have changed the way we travel, offering convenience at the tap of a button. When you use a rideshare service, you expect a safe and easy trip to your destination — but unfortunately, accidents can and do happen.
If you are injured in a rideshare accident, understanding who’s responsible — and what you should do next — can feel overwhelming. Knowing your rights and having a strong plan of action is crucial. In this article, our Florida car accident attorneys explain how rideshare negligence happens, who pays for your injuries, and why you need an experienced attorney in your corner.
What is rideshare negligence?
Just like any other driver on the road, rideshare drivers can be negligent. However, because they are working while transporting passengers, their responsibilities are even greater. Common examples of rideshare negligence include:
- Distracted driving: Drivers who text, use navigation apps, or accept ride requests while operating the vehicle can easily become distracted — and dangerous.
- Fatigue: Many rideshare drivers work long hours or drive for multiple services, leading to exhaustion and slower reaction times.
- Reckless driving: Speeding to pick up the next fare or aggressive maneuvers to beat traffic can cause accidents.
- Impaired driving: Although rare, there are instances where drivers operate under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Vehicle maintenance issues: Rideshare drivers are responsible for maintaining safe, functioning vehicles. Ignoring necessary repairs can lead to serious mechanical failures on the road.
Not only drivers, but rideshare companies themselves, may also share liability. If Uber, Lyft, or another service fails to properly screen, train, or monitor their drivers, they could be held accountable for negligence as well.
Who pays for your injuries in a rideshare accident?
Determining who is responsible for covering your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages can be complex. Here’s a breakdown:
- When the rideshare driver is at fault: Both Uber and Lyft provide liability insurance coverage when their drivers are “on the clock” — meaning they have accepted a ride request or have passengers in the car. Their insurance typically covers injuries up to $1 million.
- When another driver is at fault: If a third party causes the accident, their insurance would typically be the first line of recovery. However, if they are uninsured or underinsured, Uber and Lyft also carry coverage for those situations.
- When the rideshare company is negligent: If it can be proven that the rideshare company itself was negligent (such as poor driver background checks), you may be able to pursue additional claims against the company directly.
Every situation is different, and insurance companies — including rideshare giants — are known for making the process confusing to minimize payouts. That’s why having strong legal representation is so important.
Steps to take if you are involved/injured in a rideshare accident
If you find yourself in a rideshare-related accident, here’s what you need to do:
- Check for injuries and call 911: Safety is the first priority. Report the accident and seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries seem minor.
- Document everything: Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, vehicle damage, and road conditions. Collect names, contact info, and insurance details from all drivers involved — including your rideshare driver.
- Report the accident to the rideshare company: Both Uber and Lyft have app-based reporting systems. Make sure you submit a report through the app.
- Avoid speaking to insurance companies alone: Their goal is to pay as little as possibles. Politely decline giving a recorded statement until you have legal counsel.
- Contact a knowledgeable attorney immediately: An experienced rideshare accident attorney, like the accident attorneys at Avera & Smith, can help you navigate complex insurance claims and fight to protect your rights.
Why you need a knowledgeable rideshare accident attorney on your side
Rideshare accidents are different from typical car accidents. Between multiple insurance policies, corporate lawyers, and confusing liability rules, it’s easy for accident victims to get overwhelmed — or worse, taken advantage of.
An experienced rideshare accident attorney will:
- Investigate the accident thoroughly
- Identify all liable parties
- Deal with insurance companies so you don’t have to
- Have the experience and expertise to go up against large rideshare corporations and their attorneys
- Fight for the full compensation you deserve for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering
You deserve an advocate who knows the law, understands rideshare company tactics, and is ready to fight for you.
Injured in a rideshare accident in North or Central Florida?
Call 800-654-4659 to speak with our experienced rideshare accident attorneys for free
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in Gainesville, Ocala, Jacksonville, Lake City, The Villages, or surrounding areas, contact our trusted rideshare accident attorneys today — because your recovery, your rights, and your future are too important to leave to chance.
When it comes to taking on insurance companies and rideshare corporations, you need a firm with the experience, resources, and tenacity to win. Avera & Smith has been a litigation powerhouse for over 70 years, helping thousands of Florida accident victims pursue fair compensation.
Discover the Avera & Smith difference:
- Board-certified attorneys – Avera & Smith has multiple board-certified attorneys, a distinction earned by only a select group of lawyers (less than 1% in Florida) who have demonstrated exceptional skill, knowledge, and success in their field.
- Fearless against rideshare corporations – We are not afraid to take on the largest insurance companies and rideshare corporations to fight for your rights. Our track record of landmark settlements against major corporations proves our steadfast commitment to relentlessly pursue justice for our clients.
- Experience with rideshare accident cases – At Avera & Smith, we have handled numerous cases where we have used vehicle data to prove our clients are not at fault and to prove the other driver was negligent. This type of approach is critical when representing victims of a complex rideshare accident.
Request a free case review through our online form or call 800-654-4659 to speak with one of our attorneys.