Uber accident claims in Florida can quickly become more complex than many people anticipate. Whether you were struck by an Uber driver or involved in a crash while driving for Uber or Uber Eats, injury claims often turn into difficult, confusing, and contentious situations.
For car accident victims in Florida, understanding how the legal system applies to Uber accidents is crucial. Without this knowledge, you could end up shouldering the financial burden of medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses—even if another driver was at fault.
That’s why it’s essential to work with a Tampa Uber accident lawyer who understands the challenges of rideshare accident cases. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process, determine who’s responsible for covering your accident expenses, and fight for the compensation you deserve. With the right legal support, you can focus on recovering while they handle the challenges of your case.
How Common Are Uber Accidents In Florida?
Unfortunately, Uber accidents are more common than many people realize. Each year, hundreds of people across Florida are involved in serious rideshare accidents, some of which result in life-altering injuries or fatalities.
According to a study published in the Journal of Safety Research by the University of Illinois Chicago, one-third of Uber drivers admitted to being involved in an accident while on the job. Additionally, research published by MIT Technology Review found that rideshare services like Uber have contributed to a 3 percent increase in motor vehicle accident fatalities since 2011.
Data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) further highlights the scope of the issue. On average, rideshare accidents in Florida result in approximately 11,300 crashes, 7,300 injuries, and 91 fatalities each year.
What Causes Most Uber Car Accidents?
Uber accidents happen for many of the same reasons as other car crashes, but rideshare drivers face additional challenges that can increase the risk of collisions. Some of the most common causes of Uber accidents in Florida include:
- Distracted Driving: Uber drivers often rely on GPS apps for navigation and may get distracted by incoming ride requests, messages, or other app notifications while driving.
- Fatigue: Many rideshare drivers work long hours or drive late at night, which can lead to drowsy driving and slower reaction times.
- Speeding or Reckless Driving: In an effort to complete more rides, some drivers may speed, weave through traffic, or engage in other reckless driving behaviors.
- Inexperience: Not all Uber drivers have extensive driving experience or familiarity with local roads, increasing the risk of errors behind the wheel.
- Driving Under the Influence: While rare, some rideshare drivers make the dangerous decision to operate their vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Since Uber drivers are responsible for maintaining their own cars, issues like worn tires or faulty brakes can lead to preventable accidents.
Protecting Yourself as an Uber or Lyft Driver:
What Uber’s Insurance Doesn’t Cover
While Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage for drivers when they have an active ride or delivery, there are critical gaps that drivers need to be aware of. One major gap is the lack of uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage during a trip. This means that if you’re driving a passenger and are hit by someone without insurance—or with too little insurance—Uber or Lyft’s policy won’t step in to cover your damages.
Here’s why this matters:
- No UM/UIM Coverage from Uber or Lyft: Even when you’re actively transporting a passenger, Uber and Lyft’s insurance policies provide liability coverage for the other driver, but they don’t offer UM/UIM coverage to protect you if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
- The Risk of Paying Out of Pocket: If you’re injured in this type of accident, you could be left paying for your own medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages unless you have personal UM/UIM coverage.
- The Danger of Low Coverage: Florida’s minimum liability insurance requirements are low ($10,000 PIP and $10,000 PDL), which means even insured drivers may not have enough coverage to fully compensate you for a serious accident.
How to Protect Yourself
To avoid being financially vulnerable, Uber and Lyft drivers should consider the following steps:
- Purchase Personal UM/UIM Coverage: Add UM/UIM coverage to your personal auto insurance policy to protect yourself in case the at-fault driver doesn’t have adequate coverage.
- Explore Rideshare-Specific Policies: Some insurance companies offer rideshare endorsements or policies that include UM/UIM coverage for the periods when you’re driving with passengers.
- Understand Your Policy: Review your personal auto insurance policy and Uber/Lyft’s policies so you know exactly what is and isn’t covered during each phase of a trip.
If you’ve been injured in an accident while driving for Uber or Lyft, it’s critical to speak with a knowledgeable Tampa rideshare accident lawyer.
Do Uber Drivers Have Insurance Coverage Between Rides?
One of the most common misconceptions about driving for Uber or Uber Eats is the assumption that you're fully insured whenever you're on the app. However, many drivers learn the hard way that gaps in insurance coverage can leave them financially vulnerable after an accident—especially when they're not actively completing a delivery or transporting a passenger.
Here is a situation that is a common example of what can happen to rideshare drivers. While driving for Uber Eats, a driver is involved in a car accident shortly after turning on the rideshare app to begin her shift. Because the accident occurred before she accepted a delivery, her insurance claim is denied. Her personal auto insurance doesn't cover the claim since she was using the rideshare app, and Uber’s insurance policy also denies coverage because she wasn’t actively completing a delivery.
Understanding Uber’s Insurance Policy
Uber provides different levels of insurance coverage depending on a driver’s status on the app:
- Offline: When the app is off, the driver’s personal auto insurance policy is responsible for coverage.
- Available (Waiting for a Ride or Delivery Request): Uber provides limited coverage during this period, but it often doesn’t include collision coverage unless the driver has purchased additional coverage.
- On a Trip (Passenger or Delivery Accepted): Once a ride or delivery is accepted, Uber’s insurance provides comprehensive liability coverage for the other driver involved in an accident and collision coverage (if the driver has collision coverage on their personal policy). Remember, it’s important to note that Uber does not provide uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage for drivers.
To avoid being caught in a coverage gap, drivers may need to purchase a rideshare insurance endorsement or policy add-on through their personal auto insurer. These endorsements provide coverage during the period when a driver is logged into the app but not actively completing a ride or delivery. Without this additional protection, drivers risk being responsible for all expenses related to an accident, including vehicle repairs, medical bills, and legal claims.
This is Why Uber Accident Claims Are So Complex
Uber accident claims can quickly become complicated, whether you’re a rideshare driver or someone injured in an accident involving an Uber vehicle. The unique nature of rideshare insurance policies, combined with the challenges of determining liability, often makes these cases more difficult to resolve than typical car accident claims.
For Uber drivers, insurance gaps are a major issue. Depending on your status on the app—offline, available for a ride, or actively completing a trip—different levels of coverage apply. This creates significant confusion and often leaves drivers struggling to get their claims approved. Without proper rideshare endorsements on their personal insurance policy, drivers may face unexpected denials, leaving them responsible for paying out of pocket.
For accident victims—whether pedestrians, passengers, or other drivers—navigating these claims is no easier. Determining who’s liable can be tricky, especially if multiple parties are involved, such as the Uber driver, another motorist, or even Uber itself. The company's insurance policy may provide coverage, but only under specific conditions. This often leads to disputes between insurers, delays in compensation, and frustration for injured victims.
To make matters more challenging, the legal and insurance systems surrounding rideshare companies are still evolving. Each case is unique, and even minor differences can affect how liability and coverage are determined.
Get the Legal Help You Need After an Uber Accident in Tampa
You don't have to navigate the complexities of the claims process alone if you’ve been injured in an Uber accident—whether as a rideshare driver, passenger, or another motorist. At Armando Personal Injury Law, we understand the challenges that come with rideshare accidents and fight to ensure our clients get the maximum compensation they deserve.
Our case results speak for themselves. For example, we secured a $900,000 settlement for a rideshare driver who was not at fault in an accident and required surgery. The insurance company initially offered just $20,000, but we fought tirelessly to recover the full amount our client needed to move forward.
Don’t let the legal system or an insurance company’s lowball offer leave you with unpaid bills and unnecessary stress. Contact Armando Personal Injury Law today for a free consultation. We’re here to protect your rights and help you get the justice you deserve.
“Armando and his staff are caring professionals who work hard for you.” – Beth S., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐