Hurt In An Uber Or Lyft?

Your Guide To Florida Rideshare Accident Claims

When a rideshare trip ends in a crash, the consequences can be devastating. Whether you’re a passenger, pedestrian, or driver of another vehicle, understanding your rights under Florida law is critical to securing the compensation you deserve. At Needle & Ellenberg, P.A., our Miami, FL personal injury lawyer team—recognized by Best Lawyers in America and Florida Super Lawyers—has been protecting the rights of injured Floridians for over 50 years.

With rideshare accidents on the rise across Florida, the need for seasoned legal representation has never been greater. Our firm serves clients throughout the state from our Miami offices, bringing decades of trial experience and a proven track record of multi-million-dollar results to every case we handle.

What To Do Immediately After A Florida Rideshare Accident

The actions you take in the moments following a crash can significantly impact your ability to recover damages. Follow these critical steps to protect your health and your legal claim.

1. Make Sure You Are Safe And Call 911

Move to a safe location if possible and immediately call 911. Florida law requires reporting crashes involving injuries, and a police report creates an official record of the incident.

2. Seek Medical Attention Within 14 Days

Under Florida’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) law, you must seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident to be eligible for PIP benefits. Some serious injuries—like traumatic brain injuries or internal bleeding—may not show immediate symptoms.

3. Document Everything At The Scene

Use your phone to capture extensive photos and videos of vehicle damage, your visible injuries, road conditions, traffic signals, and license plates. If you are a passenger, screenshot your ride details in the Uber or Lyft app before the trip disappears.

4. Collect Contact Information

Gather names, phone numbers, insurance information, and driver’s license details from all drivers involved, as well as contact information from any witnesses.

5. Report The Accident In The App

Formally report the crash through the Uber or Lyft application to create a digital record. However, do not give a recorded statement to any insurance adjuster before consulting with an attorney—their goal is to minimize your claim, not protect your interests.

Understanding Florida’s Three-Tiered Rideshare Insurance System

Unlike traditional car accidents, rideshare crashes involve multiple layers of insurance coverage that depend entirely on the driver’s status at the precise moment of the collision.

Period 1: App On, Waiting For A Ride Request

When the driver is logged into the app but has not yet accepted a ride, limited coverage applies. Florida Statute § 627.748 requires rideshare companies to provide $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage.

Periods 2 & 3: En Route To Passenger Or During The Ride

Once the driver accepts a ride request and until the passenger exits the vehicle, a $1 million commercial liability policy from Uber or Lyft is active. This policy also includes $1 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which protects you if the at-fault driver has insufficient insurance.

App Offline

If the rideshare driver was not logged into the app, their personal auto insurance is the primary source of coverage.

Who Can Be Held Liable In A Florida Rideshare Accident

Determining liability in rideshare cases requires a thorough investigation. Multiple parties may be responsible for your injuries, including:

• The Uber or Lyft driver (for negligent driving, speeding, distracted driving, or reckless behavior)
• Another at-fault driver who collided with the rideshare vehicle
• The rideshare company itself (Uber or Lyft) for failing to properly vet drivers or maintain safety standards
• Third parties, such as vehicle manufacturers (if a defective part caused the crash) or government entities (if dangerous road conditions contributed)

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule under Florida Statute § 768.81. As of March 24, 2023, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover any damages. If you are 50% or less at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurance companies aggressively use this rule to shift blame and minimize payouts—which is why skilled legal representation is essential.

Compensation You Can Recover After A Rideshare Accident

At Needle & Ellenberg, P.A., we fight to recover full compensation for all aspects of your losses, including:

Economic Damages

• Past and future medical expenses
• Rehabilitation, physical therapy, and surgery costs
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Property damage and vehicle repair costs

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress, anxiety, and PTSD
• Permanent scarring, disfigurement, or disability
• Loss of enjoyment of life and diminished quality of life
• Punitive damages

In rare cases involving grossly negligent or reckless conduct, punitive damages may be available to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.

Settlement ranges vary dramatically based on injury severity. Minor injuries like whiplash typically may settle at around $75,000, while catastrophic injuries involving spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or permanent disability often result in settlements exceeding $500,000 to over $1 million.

Florida’s Unique Legal Landscape: Why You Need Skilled Representation

The laws and tactics surrounding rideshare litigation are constantly evolving. In 2025, Uber began filing aggressive federal RICO lawsuits against certain law firms, accusing them of fraudulent schemes. This demonstrates the high-stakes, adversarial nature of these cases and underscores the need for a law firm with the resources and determination to stand up to corporate giants.

Additionally, Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is only two years from the date of the accident for incidents occurring after March 24, 2023. Missing this critical deadline will permanently bar you from recovering any compensation.

Miami And South Florida: Rideshare Accident Hotspots

Miami-Dade County experiences a high volume of traffic accidents annually. High-risk areas for rideshare accidents include:

• Overtown: Narrow roadways, heavy nightlife traffic, and frequent late-night pickups
• Wynwood And South Beach: Tourist-heavy zones with congested intersections and impaired drivers
• Brickell Avenue: Urban T-bone collisions and high-speed crashes
• I-95 At NW 20th Street: Rear-end collisions from sudden braking
• Palmetto Expressway (SR-826): Congestion-related crashes during rush hour

Approximately 90% of Uber crashes occur in urban areas, with an increasing number happening at drop-off and pick-up locations. Understanding these patterns helps our attorneys build stronger cases and hold negligent parties accountable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Rideshare Accidents

What if the Uber or Lyft Driver Lacks Personal Insurance?

The rideshare company’s coverage applies when the driver is logged in. If the driver was not logged in and lacks insurance, your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) policy may provide coverage.

Can I recover compensation for emotional distress or PTSD?

Yes. If you suffer anxiety, PTSD, or other psychological trauma as a result of the accident, these are compensable non-economic damages under Florida law.

What if the app was on but no passenger was in the car?

Coverage is lower during Period 1 (app on, awaiting ride request), with $50,000/$100,000 bodily injury limits.

How long do I have to file a claim in Florida?

For accidents occurring after March 24, 2023, Florida’s statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. Acting quickly is critical to preserve evidence and witness testimony.

Will my personal auto insurance cover me if I’m injured as a rideshare passenger?

Your personal auto insurance may provide some coverage depending on your policy’s terms. However, the rideshare company’s insurance coverage will likely be the primary source of compensation when the driver was actively transporting passengers.

Can I sue the rideshare driver personally?

Yes, you can file a lawsuit against an Uber or Lyft driver personally if they caused the accident through negligence. However, the rideshare company’s $1 million policy typically provides the most substantial source of recovery.

Why Choose Needle & Ellenberg, P.A.

Nationally Recognized Excellence

Andrew Needle and Andrew Ellenberg have been repeatedly honored by their peers. Mr. Needle was named “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers for 2025 in Miami, and both partners are consistently listed in The Best Lawyers in America and Florida Super Lawyers for their work in personal injury litigation.

Over 50 Years Of Combined Trial Experience

We prepare every case as if it will go to trial. This aggressive approach makes certain we negotiate from a position of strength and are always ready to fight for you in court.

A Record Of Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our firm has achieved numerous multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements for clients who have suffered catastrophic injuries. We have the skill to handle complex cases involving serious injuries like traumatic brain damage, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, and wrongful death.

Personalized, Compassionate Representation

We are highly selective about the cases we accept, allowing us to provide each client with the dedicated attention they deserve. We understand the immense physical, emotional, and financial toll an injury takes, and we are committed to improving the lives of our clients.

Statewide Representation From Miami

Our firm represents injured clients throughout Florida from our Miami offices. No matter where in the state your accident occurred, we have the resources and reputation to deliver results.

Contact Needle & Ellenberg, P.A. For A Free Consultation

If you were injured in a rideshare accident anywhere in Florida, do not wait. Insurance companies will move quickly to minimize their liability—you need a skilled advocate on your side just as fast. Call Needle & Ellenberg, P.A. today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Let our award-winning trial lawyers fight for the justice and financial recovery you need to move forward with your life.