Hollywood Rideshare Accident Lawyers

Over the past decade, ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have transformed the way people get around Florida. Whether you’re heading to the airport, getting a safe ride home after a night out, or simply avoiding the hassle of parking in a busy city, rideshare apps have become part of everyday life. But as convenient as these services are, accidents involving rideshare vehicles present unique legal challenges. The insurance rules, the roles of the drivers, and the liability questions differ significantly from standard car accident cases.

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare crash in Florida, whether as a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver, it’s important to understand how these accidents are handled under state law. After a serious crash, the Hollywood rideshare accident lawyers at Ansel & Miller are here with years of experience in South Florida personal injury cases and a deep dedication to helping accident victims and their families get the compensation they need and the justice they deserve.

Why Rideshare Accidents Are Different

At first glance, a collision involving a rideshare vehicle may not seem much different than any other motor vehicle crash. After all, a car is a car, and negligence is negligence. But legally, these accidents are more complicated.

The reason is that rideshare drivers are not considered employees of the companies they drive for. Instead, they are classified as independent contractors. This distinction allows Uber and Lyft to limit their liability in accidents, shifting much of the responsibility to the driver. However, because these transportation network companies (TNCs) are making money from the rides, Florida law requires certain types of insurance coverage for the protection of passengers and others on the road, whether provided by the TNC, the driver, or a combination of the two. This creates a layered insurance system where liability depends heavily on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash.

Florida’s Insurance Structure for Rideshare Companies

Florida law requires rideshare companies to carry insurance that kicks in depending on whether the driver was using the app and whether they had a passenger.

When the driver is offline: If the rideshare app is turned off and the driver is not available for rides, then only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies, which includes Personal Injury Protection in all cases and Bodily Injury Liability coverage in some instances. Uber or Lyft has no responsibility in these cases.
When the driver is online but waiting for a ride: Once the app is on and the driver is available to accept trips, Florida requires a minimum level of insurance coverage. This includes $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage for people injured in an accident caused by the driver.
When the driver has accepted a ride or has a passenger in the car: This is when the highest level of coverage applies. Rideshare companies must provide significant liability coverage up to $1 million to cover injuries to passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists if the driver causes a crash during this time.

This tiered structure is designed to protect accident victims, but it can create confusion and disputes over which policy should pay and in what amount.

Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Hollywood

Rideshare drivers face many of the same risks as any other driver, but the nature of the job adds unique distractions and pressures.

Many rideshare accidents in Hollywood stem from:

Distracted driving: Rideshare drivers rely on their phones for navigation, ride requests, and communication with passengers. Constant glances at the screen or interacting with the app can take attention off the road.
Fatigue: Many drivers work long hours or drive late at night as a second job to maximize earnings, leading to drowsy driving accidents.
Speeding and reckless driving: Because rideshare drivers are paid per trip, they may feel pressure to complete rides quickly to maximize income, sometimes cutting corners on safety.
Inexperienced drivers: Unlike taxi drivers, rideshare drivers are not required to undergo training or supervision and are not personally screened for driving ability. Some may be unfamiliar with local traffic patterns, high-traffic areas, or safe driving practices.
Passenger interactions: Chatting with or responding to passenger requests can be a distraction in itself, particularly for less experienced drivers.

These factors can increase the risk of collisions compared to ordinary drivers who aren’t under the same pressures.

Who Can Be Injured in a Rideshare Accident?

One important point about rideshare crashes is that multiple types of people may be affected. The legal issues are not limited to passengers in the back seat. Victims may include the rideshare passenger but also occupants of another vehicle, pedestrians or bicyclists hit by a rideshare car, and even the rideshare driver, if another motorist was at fault. Determining fault and seeking compensation depends on the circumstances of the crash, the driver’s status at the time, and the available insurance coverage.

Florida Law and Liability Issues

Florida is a no-fault insurance state, which means that after a crash, injured people first turn to their personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, regardless of who caused the accident. However, in serious injury cases, victims can step outside the no-fault system and bring a claim against the at-fault driver or company.

In rideshare accidents, this often involves filing a claim under the rideshare company’s insurance. For example, if you were a passenger in an Uber and the driver ran a red light and caused a crash, Uber’s $1 million liability coverage would typically apply.

Things can get more complicated if another driver caused the crash or if multiple parties share fault. Insurance companies may argue over who should pay, and victims can find themselves caught in the middle of lengthy disputes.

What to Do After a Hollywood Rideshare Accident

If you are injured in a rideshare accident in Florida, the steps you take right away can make a difference in your case. Important steps include calling 911 and reporting the accident to law enforcement. Get medical attention immediately, and follow up with a doctor for a complete exam if you were not treated at the scene or taken to the hospital. Make sure to gather information at the scene if you can, including the driver’s details, the rideshare app confirmation of your ride, and any witness contact information.

You should also report the accident through the rideshare app. Uber and Lyft have systems for documenting incidents, but remember that their goal is to limit their liability. Don’t rely solely on the company’s reporting process; protect your own rights by consulting with an attorney.

Why These Accidents Can Be Severe

The injuries in rideshare accidents are often just as serious as in any other type of crash. Victims may suffer whiplash, broken bones, head injuries, spinal cord injuries, or worse. Pedestrians and bicyclists struck by a rideshare vehicle are especially vulnerable to life-threatening harm.

Because these cases often involve multiple insurance policies and large coverage limits, insurance companies may work aggressively to dispute claims. Victims should expect a fight to recover the full amount of compensation they need for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

The Role of a Lawyer in Rideshare Accident Claims

Rideshare accident claims are more complex than standard car accident cases. A lawyer can help by:

Determining which insurance coverage applies at the time of the crash
Gathering evidence of the driver’s negligence, including phone use, app records, and driving history
Negotiating with multiple insurance companies
Ensuring you receive fair compensation for both economic and non-economic damages

An experienced Florida rideshare accident attorney understands the unique laws and insurance structures at play. By working with legal counsel, you can focus on your recovery while your lawyer deals with the complexities of your claim.

Contact Ansel & Miller in Hollywood After a Rideshare Accident in South Florida

Ridesharing has become an everyday convenience for Floridians, but when accidents happen, the legal issues are anything but simple. Liability depends on when and how the driver was using the app, and victims may need to navigate multiple insurance policies to get compensated.

If you’ve been hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident, don’t assume the process will be straightforward. These cases require careful investigation, skilled negotiation, and a strong advocate on your side. Contact Ansel & Miller for a free consultation and immediate assistance.