Rideshare accidents differ significantly from regular car accidents due to their unique legal and insurance complexities. Services like Uber and Lyft operate on a model where drivers are classified as independent contractors, which often complicates liability issues. An Uber & Lyft accident is legally intricate because:

• Multiple Insurance Policies May Apply: Depending on whether the rideshare app was active or the driver had accepted a ride, various insurance coverages come into play.
• Determining Fault Can Be Challenging: Responsibility may involve the rideshare driver, another driver, or even environmental factors.
• Rideshare Company Liability: Companies like Uber and Lyft often argue that drivers are not employees, limiting their legal accountability.

Because of these factors, securing compensation requires experienced legal representation to untangle the insurance and liability complexities. At Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A., we use our knowledge of rideshare laws to help victims identify liable parties, hold insurers accountable, and recover fair compensation.

How Do You Determine Fault in a Rideshare Accident?

Establishing fault in a rideshare accident is often more complicated than in standard car crashes. The process involves:

1. Driver Negligence: Was the rideshare driver speeding, distracted, or violating traffic laws at the time of the crash? Evidence such as phone records, dashcam footage, and witness testimony can help prove negligence.
2. Third-Party Involvement: If another driver caused the accident, their insurance coverage may come into play. Police reports, photographs of the accident scene, and eyewitness accounts can help clarify fault.
3. Environmental Factors: Poor road conditions, missing traffic signals, or inclement weather could play a role, shifting liability partially to a government entity or construction crew.
4. Vehicle Defects: Mechanical failures or improper maintenance might contribute to the accident, making the vehicle manufacturer or maintenance provider liable.

At Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A., we thoroughly investigate every detail of your accident. Working with accident reconstruction experts, we identify the at-fault parties and build a strong case to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

How Does Insurance Coverage Work in Rideshare Accidents?

The insurance coverage for a rideshare accident depends on the driver’s status in the rideshare app at the time of the crash. Here’s how it works:

If the App Was Off
The rideshare company provides no coverage. The driver’s personal auto insurance is solely responsible for covering any damages or injuries.

If the App Was On, But No Ride Accepted
Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage for accidents caused by their drivers. This typically includes:

• Up to $50,000 for bodily injury per person.
• Up to $100,000 total bodily injury coverage per accident.
• Up to $25,000 for property damage.

If the Driver Had Accepted a Ride or Was Transporting a Passenger
Uber and Lyft’s $1 million liability policy is in effect. This includes:

• Third-party liability coverage for injuries or damages.
• Coverage for uninsured or underinsured motorists (e.g., if another driver without sufficient insurance caused the crash).
• Contingent collision and comprehensive coverage for the rideshare driver’s vehicle.

While rideshare companies provide substantial coverage during active rides, insurers often dispute claims or delay payouts. Our attorneys handle the negotiations, ensuring you are not left navigating insurance red tape alone.

What Should You Do Immediately After a Rideshare Accident?

If you are involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, it’s important to act quickly to protect your health and your legal rights. Follow these steps:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, some symptoms may not appear until later. A medical evaluation ensures your safety and creates a record of your injuries.
2. Report the Accident: Notify the police and ensure a formal accident report is filed. Additionally, report the crash to Uber or Lyft using their in-app accident reporting feature.
3. Document the Scene: Gather as much evidence as possible, including:
   • Photos of vehicle damage, injuries, and road conditions.
   • Contact information for witnesses and all involved parties.
   • A copy of the police report once available.
4. Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters: Insurance companies may contact you quickly after the crash. Avoid giving statements or accepting settlements before consulting a lawyer.
5. Contact Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A.: Our attorneys will guide you through the process, ensuring all evidence is preserved and your claim is filed properly.

Taking these steps can significantly strengthen your case and ensure you receive the compensation you need for recovery.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Rideshare Accident?

Victims of rideshare accidents may recover compensation for various losses, including:

1. Medical Expenses: Immediate medical bills, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and long-term care costs.
2. Lost Wages: Income lost during recovery and potential future lost earnings if your injuries impact your ability to work.
3. Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life.
4. Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace damaged vehicles or other personal property.
5. Wrongful Death: If a loved one was killed in a rideshare accident, families may seek compensation for funeral costs, loss of income, and emotional suffering.

At Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A., we work tirelessly to evaluate all damages and ensure you receive a fair settlement. If necessary, we are fully prepared to take your case to court.

How Can an Attorney Help After a Rideshare Accident?

Handling a rideshare accident claim alone can be overwhelming. An experienced attorney can:

1. Identify All Liable Parties: We determine fault and ensure every responsible party is held accountable.
2. Handle Insurance Negotiations: Our team deals with insurance companies to prevent delays, denials, or lowball offers.
3. Collect Evidence: We gather medical records, police reports, eyewitness testimony, and expert opinions to strengthen your case.
4. Calculate Full Compensation: We assess all damages—current and future—to ensure you are adequately compensated.
5. Represent You in Court: If negotiations fail, we are ready to fight for your rights before a judge or jury.

What Happens if Another Driver Caused My Rideshare Accident?

If another driver caused your rideshare accident, you have multiple options for pursuing compensation. The process involves filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy while also determining whether additional coverage is available through Uber or Lyft’s insurance. Here’s how this works:

Claim Against the At-Fault Driver

The first step is to file a claim with the other driver’s auto insurance. This is standard in any accident where another party is deemed responsible for causing the collision. Evidence such as police reports, eyewitness statements, and dashcam footage can help establish fault.

Rideshare Company’s Insurance Coverage

If the at-fault driver’s insurance policy has insufficient coverage (or if they are uninsured), Uber and Lyft provide uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage protects you in cases where the at-fault driver cannot fully compensate for your injuries and damages.

• Example: If the at-fault driver has a policy limit of $25,000 but your medical bills total $50,000, Uber or Lyft’s uninsured motorist coverage can bridge the gap up to their $1 million policy limit (if you were a passenger at the time of the crash).

Multiple Claims

In rideshare accidents, it’s not uncommon to file claims against multiple parties. For instance, you may pursue compensation from:

• The at-fault driver’s insurance.
• Uber or Lyft’s insurance (uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage).
• Your own personal injury protection (PIP) policy, if applicable.

Legal Representation

Insurance companies may attempt to dispute liability or undervalue your claim. This is why it’s essential to consult with an experienced rideshare accident attorney who can protect your rights, manage negotiations, and maximize your compensation.

At Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A., we ensure that all possible sources of compensation are pursued, helping you recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. We take the complexity out of the claims process so you can focus on your recovery.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Rideshare Accident?

In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a rideshare accident is 4 years from the date of the accident. However, while this may seem like a generous window, acting quickly is critical for the success of your claim. Here’s why:

1. Preservation of Evidence
   Key evidence such as accident scene photos, witness statements, and dashcam footage may be lost, damaged, or become unavailable over time. Immediate action ensures this evidence is secured and preserved.
2. Witness Testimony
   Eyewitness accounts are more reliable when gathered shortly after the accident. Waiting too long may cause witnesses to forget details or become difficult to locate.
3. Insurance Deadlines
   Although the statute of limitations is 4 years, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft often have specific reporting requirements for accidents. Delays in reporting could complicate your ability to file a claim against their insurance policies.
4. Medical Treatment Documentation
   Prompt medical care not only protects your health but also establishes a clear record of your injuries. Waiting too long to seek treatment could allow insurance adjusters to argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident or are not as serious as claimed.
5. Negotiations and Legal Process
   Building a strong claim takes time. Your attorney will need to gather medical records, consult experts, negotiate with insurers, and, if necessary, prepare for litigation. The earlier you involve an attorney, the stronger your case will be.

Why Trust Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A. for Your Rideshare Accident Case?

At Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A., we bring decades of experience and a compassionate approach to every rideshare accident case. Here’s why clients trust us:

✅ Proven Expertise: Successful outcomes in complex Uber and Lyft accident cases.
✅ Personalized Representation: Tailored strategies to meet your needs.
✅ Bilingual Support: Legal services in English and Spanish for our diverse community.
✅ Aggressive Advocacy: We fight for full and fair compensation, even if it means going to court.
✅ No Fees Unless You Win: You don’t pay unless we secure compensation for you.

Contact Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A. Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an Uber & Lyft accident, don’t face the complexities alone. At Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A., we are committed to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.

Protect your future with trusted rideshare accident attorneys. Your recovery starts now.