Tampa Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Support After an Uber or Lyft Crash When You Need It Most

If you were hurt in an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare crash, you are likely dealing with medical care, missed work, and calls from insurance companies all at once. Rideshare collisions often feel more confusing than a typical car wreck because multiple policies, corporate platforms, and drivers can be involved. You may be wondering where to turn and how to protect yourself while everything moves quickly around you.

Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers has represented injured people in the Tampa Bay area since 1955, with a practice built on serious personal injury and wrongful death cases. Our attorneys handle rideshare claims with the same careful preparation and trial-focused approach we bring to every high-stakes matter. We work to identify the coverage that truly matters, keep you informed at each step, and pursue accountability from the people and companies that caused your harm.

Contact us today at (727) 591-3354 to request a free case evaluation.

Florida Rideshare Laws

In Florida, transportation network companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft must comply with specific state regulations governing insurance, driver qualifications, and safety standards. These laws are meant to protect drivers, passengers, and other road users—but they also create unique challenges when an accident occurs.

Under Florida Statutes Section 627.748, rideshare companies must provide required insurance coverage depending on what the driver is doing at the time of the crash. This framework dictates who is liable and which insurance policies apply.

Florida is also a no-fault insurance state, meaning Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits will generally cover initial medical costs and a portion of lost wages regardless of fault. However, when injuries are serious or damages exceed PIP limits, a liability claim against the at-fault party’s insurance becomes necessary.

Who is Liable for an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Determining liability in an Uber or Lyft accident depends largely on the rideshare driver’s status in the app at the moment of the collision. Florida law breaks this into three key scenarios:

Driver is Logged Off (App Closed)

If the Uber or Lyft driver is not logged into the app, they are considered to be driving for personal reasons, not as a rideshare driver. In this case, the driver’s personal auto insurance is typically the primary insurance that applies. Neither Uber nor Lyft’s insurance coverage will respond.

This scenario is treated like a traditional car accident. The injured party must pursue compensation through the at-fault driver’s personal policy—and possibly through their own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage if the driver lacks adequate insurance.

Driver is Logged On but Has Not Accepted a Ride Request

When the driver is logged into the Uber or Lyft app but has not yet accepted a ride request, Florida law requires the rideshare company to provide contingent liability coverage. This limited coverage typically includes:

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

This contingent coverage steps in only if the driver’s personal insurance does not cover the accident or is insufficient. These claims often involve disputes over which policy applies and how to calculate damages.

Driver Has Accepted a Ride or Is Transporting a Passenger

Once the driver has accepted a ride request, is en route to pick up a passenger, or is actively transporting a passenger, Uber and Lyft are required to maintain commercial insurance coverage of at least $1,000,000. This policy typically covers:

• Third-party liability for bodily injury and property damage
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (in certain cases)
• Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage (depending on the driver’s personal policy)

This tier of coverage offers the broadest protection and often applies to passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and other motorists injured by a rideshare driver’s negligence.

Common Types of Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare crashes can happen in many ways in Tampa, including:

• Rear-end collisions
• T-bone crashes at intersections
• Sideswipe collisions
• Pedestrian or cyclist injuries
• Multi-vehicle pileups

No matter how your crash occurred, establishing fault and connecting the accident to your injuries requires careful investigation of evidence, police reports, app data, and insurance records.

Florida Uber & Lyft Accident Claim FAQs

Q: What should I do immediately after a rideshare accident?

A: First, seek medical attention for your injuries. Then, report the accident to local law enforcement and the rideshare company through the app. Document all details—photos, witness contact information, and accident scene evidence—and contact a Tampa rideshare accident lawyer before signing statements with insurance adjusters.

Q: Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly?

A: Uber and Lyft generally label their drivers as independent contractors, which limits direct liability in most cases. However, under certain circumstances—such as negligent hiring or failure to screen drivers—claims against the rideshare company itself may be possible.

Q: How long do I have to file a claim?

A: In Florida, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Waiting too long can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation.

Q: What types of compensation am I entitled to?

A: You may be able to recover damages for medical expenses (current and future), lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, property damage, and, in wrongful death cases, funeral and related expenses.

How Our Attorneys Help After an Uber or Lyft Accident

After a rideshare crash, many people feel that the situation is out of their control. Our goal is to bring order to that process and protect your interests from the start. When you contact our firm, an attorney evaluates the facts of your crash, reviews available information, and discusses your medical treatment and immediate concerns. From there, we work to identify who may be responsible and what insurance policies may come into play.

At Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers, an attorney manages your case and remains directly involved throughout, instead of turning most decisions over to staff. We limit delegation so that you have continuity and can reach the lawyer who is guiding your claim. Our team provides consistent updates, not just when there is a major settlement offer or court date, and we reach out quickly when something important changes.

Rideshare cases often require detailed investigation, including driver conduct, app usage, and traffic patterns in places like busy downtown streets or pickup areas near Amalie Arena. We build each claim as if it may be presented in a Hillsborough County courtroom or another appropriate venue. This preparation supports negotiations and signals to insurers that we are willing to continue forward when a fair outcome is not offered. For clients who cannot easily travel because of their injuries, we can arrange to meet at home, in the hospital, or at another convenient location so that important steps are not delayed.

To talk with our team about your rideshare accident, call (727) 591-3354 today.