What to Do If You’re Injured as a Passenger in a Florida Uber or Lyft

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have become a convenient mode of transportation across Florida, especially in busy areas like Miami, Coral Gables, and the Florida Keys. However, with this convenience comes an increased risk of accidents. If you’ve been injured as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft, the aftermath can feel overwhelming—physically, emotionally, and financially. Understanding the steps you need to take after such an accident can help protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

This guide walks you through the critical actions to take following a rideshare accident and provides insights into the insurance and legal processes specific to rideshare incidents in Florida.

Key Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident in Florida

1. Ensure Immediate Safety and Seek Medical Attention

The moments after an accident are often chaotic and confusing. Your safety is the top priority. If you’re able, check if everyone involved in the accident, including yourself, is safe and out of harm’s way. If possible, move to a secure location away from traffic. Even if you don’t feel injured right away, it’s essential to seek medical attention. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, may not show symptoms immediately but can have serious long-term consequences.

Visiting a healthcare professional as soon as possible not only ensures your well-being but also creates an official record of your injuries, which is crucial if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim later.

2. Call the Police and Report the Accident

After ensuring safety, contact local law enforcement to report the accident. A police report is an essential document when pursuing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. The responding officers will create an official report, assess the situation, and gather details that may become valuable evidence for your case.

When speaking with the officers, stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault or speculating about what caused the accident. If the rideshare driver fails to report the accident, be sure to do so yourself to ensure that the incident is properly documented.

3. Gather Evidence at the Scene

Gathering evidence at the scene is a crucial step in building your injury claim. If possible, take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from the rideshare driver, other parties involved, and any witnesses. All this information will play a pivotal role in determining liability and seeking compensation.

Uber and Lyft have internal reporting systems for reporting accidents, which record details about the ride, the driver, and the route taken. If your rideshare driver is uncooperative, you can access the necessary details through the rideshare company.

4. Report the Accident to Uber or Lyft

Once the immediate aftermath is under control, it’s time to report the accident to Uber or Lyft. Both companies have specific procedures for filing reports through their apps or customer support. Typically, Uber and Lyft offer up to $1 million in third-party liability insurance, which may apply depending on the circumstances of the accident. However, accessing this coverage can be complicated, especially when determining fault.

To protect your rights, report the accident as soon as possible and consult a rideshare accident attorney to guide you through the claims process.

5. Understand the Insurance Coverage Available

Understanding which insurance policy applies after a rideshare accident can be confusing. In Florida, rideshare drivers are required to carry personal insurance, but the coverage provided by Uber or Lyft depends on what phase of the ride the driver was in when the accident occurred:

• Period 1: The driver is logged into the app but hasn’t accepted a ride request. The driver’s personal insurance usually applies during this period.
• Period 2: The driver has accepted a ride request and is en route to pick up the passenger. Uber and Lyft’s insurance policies typically cover this period.
• Period 3: The passenger is in the vehicle. Uber and Lyft’s $1 million insurance policy covers this period, which includes liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

If another driver caused the accident, their insurance would be responsible for your injuries. If your rideshare driver is determined to be at fault, Uber or Lyft’s insurance will generally cover the damages. Given the complexity of determining fault and coverage, consulting with a Florida rideshare accident lawyer is critical to ensure you understand your rights.

6. Be Cautious When Speaking to Insurance Companies

After the accident, you may be contacted by insurance companies representing Uber, Lyft, the driver, or other involved parties. While it might seem helpful to provide them with information, be cautious. Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, which could affect the compensation you’re entitled to receive.

Before making any statements or agreeing to anything, it’s crucial to consult with a Florida rideshare accident attorney. At DLopez Law Firm, our team will handle all communications, protecting your rights and ensuring you don’t unintentionally say anything that could harm your case.

7. Keep Detailed Records of Medical Treatment and Expenses

Documentation is key to building a strong personal injury claim. Keep a record of every medical visit, treatment, and prescription related to your injuries. Track any out-of-pocket expenses, including transportation fees for medical appointments and expenditures for medical equipment. Additionally, document any missed work or reduced earning capacity due to your injuries. 

These records will be essential when calculating the full compensation you are entitled to for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

8. Be Aware of Florida’s Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims

In Florida, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Missing this deadline could prevent you from seeking compensation. It’s important to act quickly, as evidence may fade and witnesses’ memories can become less reliable over time. Consulting with a Florida rideshare accident attorney at DLopez Law Firm as soon as possible ensures that your case is filed within the legal timeframe and that your rights are protected.

Don’t Wait—Contact Our Florida Rideshare Accident Attorneys Today

An Uber or Lyft accident can turn your life upside down, making recovery both physically and emotionally challenging. Don’t face the aftermath alone. At DLopez Law Firm, our dedicated team of Florida rideshare accident lawyers is ready to protect your rights and pursue the maximum compensation available. Whether you’ve been injured in Miami, Coral Gables, the Florida Keys, Miami-Dade County, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, we have the local expertise and legal knowledge to guide you every step of the way.

Don’t wait—call us today for your free consultation or fill out our online contact form. Let our Florida Uber and Lyft accident attorneys fight for the justice and financial recovery you deserve, so you can focus on what matters most—healing and moving forward.