Rideshare accidents have become common as Uber and Lyft fill the roads of South Florida. Whether you were a passenger, the rideshare driver, or in another vehicle, the injuries are real — but the insurance picture is unusually complicated.
Uber and Lyft carry large insurance policies, but coverage turns on the driver's status in the app at the moment of the crash: offline, waiting for a ride request, or actively carrying a passenger. Each phase triggers different coverage, and the companies are quick to point fingers.
Local knowledge that matters
Rideshare traffic is heavy around Palm Beach County's nightlife, the airport, hotels, and event venues. I understand how these crashes tend to happen locally and how to untangle which policy — the driver's, Uber's, Lyft's, or another driver's — should pay for your injuries.
What to do after rideshare accidents
- 1
Report the crash and call 911
Get a police report. If you're a passenger, report the incident in the app as well.
- 2
Screenshot the ride
Capture the trip details, driver info, and app status. This proves the driver's status at the time.
- 3
Get medical attention
As with any crash, prompt treatment protects both your health and your claim.
- 4
Collect information from all drivers
The rideshare driver and any other drivers involved — names, insurance, and plates.
- 5
Call a lawyer before dealing with the insurers
Multiple insurers may be involved, each hoping another one pays. Let me coordinate them.
Common injuries I see
- Whiplash and neck/back injuries
- Herniated discs
- Concussions and head injuries
- Broken bones
- Knee and shoulder injuries
- Seat-belt and airbag injuries
How Florida law applies
- Coverage depends on app status
- When a rideshare driver is carrying a passenger or en route to one, Uber and Lyft generally provide up to $1 million in liability coverage. When the app is on but no ride is accepted, lower limits apply. When the app is off, only the driver's personal policy applies.
- Passengers are almost never at fault
- If you were a passenger, you generally have a strong claim — the only real question is which policy pays. That question is exactly where these cases get contested.
- Comparative negligence and two-year deadline
- Florida's fault and two-year filing rules apply here too. Determining and preserving proof of app status early is key.
How I help with your case
- Determine the driver's app status and which policies apply.
- Deal with Uber's or Lyft's insurers and any other driver's insurer.
- Make sure no company shifts blame onto another to avoid paying you.
- Pursue the full coverage available for your injuries.
Rideshare Accidents — frequently asked questions
As a passenger you're rarely at fault, so you usually have a solid claim — but the responsible policy depends on the circumstances and which driver caused the crash. Uber's coverage, the driver's coverage, or another driver's policy may apply. I'll sort out which.
It depends on your app status at the time and the details of the crash. Rideshare drivers have coverage options that are easy to overlook. Let's review your specific situation.
These companies classify drivers as independent contractors, which complicates direct claims — but their insurance policies are often what provides your recovery. The key is identifying and accessing the right coverage, which is what I do.