Uber and Lyft Accidents in Florida: Who Is Insured, When, and for How Much

An individual injured in a rideshare accident must sort through a lot of questions after the dust has settled from the car crash. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have insurance policies, as does the at-fault driver. On top of those insurance policies, there is the injury victim’s own PIP insurance, as well as any third-party policy that may exist. 

The reality is that many injury victims involved in rideshare accidents are not fully compensated for their injuries and other damages due to a lack of understanding associated with all these insurance policies. Rideshare accident victims cannot approach a crash with an Uber or Lyft driver in the same way as any other car accident. Rather, a plan is needed to know who is insured, when, and for how much. 

Insurance Coverage in Florida Rideshare Accident Cases

The rideshare companies themselves carry substantial insurance policies to protect themselves from injury claims. However, the availability of these policies to provide coverage for an injured person depends upon the rideshare driver’s actions during the accident. The difference between the following scenarios could mean hundreds of thousands of dollars gained or lost by the injury victim. 

No matter who caused the accident, if the injured party was a passenger during an active rideshare ride, then up to $1 million in coverage is available regardless of whether the rideshare driver was at fault for the accident. 

In the event that the Uber or Lyft driver was at fault for the accident, there is a possibility that the injured person can successfully file a claim against either rideshare company’s insurance commercial policy. 

Even if the rideshare driver was not at fault for the accident, an injury victim can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy before filing against Uber or Lyft’s uninsured or underinsured motorist policy for any damages that exceed the policy limit of the at-fault driver’s insurance. 

When Insurance Gaps Matter Most In Rideshare Accidents

There is one scenario in rideshare car accidents where insurance “gaps” tend to produce less-than-desirable results for injury victims. In some situations, a rideshare driver will have their App in active mode but will not be driving a passenger. In this scenario, the commercial policies of Uber and Lyft would not apply. At that point, the insurance company for the at-fault driver could possibly deny liability in the accident. The injury victim is caught in the middle of two insurance companies that are attempting to deflect responsibility away from themselves. 

How Much Coverage Does PIP Insurance Pay In Rideshare Accidents?

An injury victim’s own PIP (Personal Injury Protection) Insurance may pay for initial medical treatment, no matter who was at fault for the accident. 60% of lost wages and 80% of medical bills can be paid up to the limit of $10,000. 

Contact Difilippo & Pica, PLLC, Today For a Free Case Review

Florida rideshare attorneys, Difilippo & Pica, PLLC, know how to fight for their injured clients. A free case review is available by contacting our office today.