Central Florida is one of the busiest tourist and business hubs in the world. Between Orlando International Airport, the theme parks, and the busy nightlife of downtown Orlando, Uber and Lyft are a vital part of our local transportation.
But what happens when your rideshare driver gets into a crash?
If you are injured as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft, you might assume that the rideshare company will automatically pay your medical bills. Unfortunately, rideshare accident claims are incredibly complex. Determining whose insurance is responsible depends heavily on exactly what the driver was doing at the moment of impact.
The Three Tiers of Rideshare Insurance
Rideshare companies classify their drivers as independent contractors, not employees. Because of this, companies like Uber and Lyft use a “tiered” insurance system to determine coverage:
- Tier 1: The App is Off. If the driver is off-duty and the app is closed, the rideshare company provides zero coverage. If they hit you, you must deal directly with the driver’s personal auto insurance.
- Tier 2: The App is On, but No Ride is Accepted. If the driver is logged into the app and waiting for a ride request when an accident occurs, the rideshare company provides limited liability coverage (typically $50,000 per person for bodily injury). However, getting the company to pay out can be difficult, as they will often try to push liability back onto the driver’s personal policy.
- Tier 3: A Ride is Accepted or a Passenger is in the Car. This is where the highest level of coverage applies. From the moment the driver accepts a trip to the moment the passenger exits the vehicle, the rideshare company’s $1 Million third-party liability policy is in effect.
What Should You Do If You Are a Passenger in a Crash?
As a passenger, you are rarely, if ever, at fault for the crash. However, you can easily ruin your chances of receiving fair compensation if you don’t take the right steps:
- Take a Screenshot: Immediately screenshot your Uber or Lyft app showing the ride is in progress, the driver’s name, and the route.
- Call 911: Ensure a formal police report is filed. Do not let the driver talk you into “working it out without the cops.”
- Gather Evidence: Take photos of the vehicle damage, the license plates of all cars involved, and the surrounding scene.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine due to adrenaline, see a doctor immediately. In Florida, your personal PIP (Personal Injury Protection) coverage may come into play, and you only have 14 days to seek treatment.
- Do Not Give a Recorded Statement: The rideshare company’s insurance adjusters will call you quickly. Their goal is to get you to minimize your injuries on a recorded line.
Don’t Fight Corporate Legal Teams Alone
Uber and Lyft have massive legal teams dedicated to protecting their bottom lines. If you were injured in a rideshare vehicle in Lake Mary, Sanford, Orlando, or anywhere in Central Florida, don’t try to negotiate with their adjusters by yourself.
Call Pena Law Group, P.A. at (800) 761-2017 today for a free, no-obligation case review. We know how to navigate the complex web of rideshare insurance to get you the compensation you deserve.
(Disclaimer: The information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation.)