Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft have transformed how Floridians get around — offering convenience, flexibility, and affordability. But what happens when a rideshare ride ends in an accident? Can you sue a rideshare company like Uber or Lyft for negligence in Florida?
The short answer: sometimes. Determining liability in a rideshare accident can be complicated. It depends on who was at fault, the driver’s status at the time of the crash, and the insurance coverage in place.
At Sahil Vijay Law, PLLC, we help accident victims understand their rights and pursue full compensation when negligence causes injury. Below, we’ll explain how Florida law treats rideshare negligence claims, when you can sue a rideshare company, and what steps to take after an accident.
Florida operates under a no-fault insurance system, meaning drivers generally turn to their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage for initial medical and wage-loss benefits, regardless of who caused the crash.
However, if your injuries are serious or permanent, Florida law allows you to step outside the no-fault system and pursue a claim against the at-fault party — including, potentially, a rideshare company.
The key question becomes: Who is legally responsible?
Under Florida law, rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors, not employees. This distinction matters because it limits when and how a rideshare company like Uber or Lyft can be held directly liable for a driver’s negligence.
While rideshare companies often try to shield themselves from liability, there are situations where you can sue Uber or Lyft directly.
If the rideshare company failed to properly screen, train, or monitor its drivers, it may be held liable for negligence. Examples include:
Hiring a driver with a known history of reckless driving or DUI.
Failing to remove a driver after repeated passenger complaints.
Not ensuring that drivers comply with Florida’s rideshare insurance and background check requirements.
Florida law requires rideshare companies to perform background checks and disqualify drivers with serious offenses. If Uber or Lyft overlooks red flags, that can amount to corporate negligence.
If the rideshare app itself contributes to an accident — for example, by distracting drivers or encouraging unsafe behavior (like rushing to accept fares) — the company could face liability for product design negligence.
Similarly, if a rideshare company enforces unrealistic quotas or fails to implement adequate safety policies, it may share responsibility for resulting injuries.
Florida law requires rideshare companies to maintain specific insurance coverage based on the driver’s status. If a company fails to provide adequate coverage or misrepresents its policies, it could face a negligence or bad faith claim.
In many Florida rideshare accidents, the driver bears the primary liability. However, the insurance coverage available depends on whether the driver was logged into the app and/or had accepted a ride at the time of the crash.
If the driver wasn’t logged into the rideshare app, the accident is treated like any other car crash. The driver’s personal auto insurance applies, and Uber or Lyft bear no responsibility.
When a driver is logged in and waiting for a passenger request:
Uber and Lyft must provide $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident in bodily injury coverage, plus $25,000 in property damage coverage.
The driver’s personal insurance may still apply as secondary coverage.
Once a ride is accepted, and until the passenger exits the vehicle, rideshare companies must carry at least $1 million in liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage.
If you’re injured as a passenger or by an active rideshare vehicle, this policy often applies — even if the driver’s own negligence caused the accident.
If you file a negligence claim against a rideshare driver or company, you may be entitled to recover a wide range of damages under Florida law, including:
Medical expenses: Hospital bills, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and future care.
Lost wages and earning capacity: Compensation for time off work and long-term disability.
Property damage: Vehicle repairs or replacement.
Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Wrongful death damages: If the accident resulted in a fatality, surviving family members may pursue compensation for funeral costs and loss of support.
An experienced Florida rideshare accident attorney can calculate the full value of your claim and ensure no damages are overlooked.
To sue a rideshare company or driver for negligence, you must prove the four legal elements of negligence:
Duty of Care: The driver or company owed you a duty to act safely.
Breach of Duty: That duty was violated — for example, through reckless driving or failure to maintain the app properly.
Causation: The breach directly caused your injuries.
Damages: You suffered measurable harm, such as medical bills or lost income.
In some cases, the rideshare company’s internal data — such as GPS tracking, trip records, or communications — can provide critical evidence. A lawyer can subpoena these records to support your case.
As of 2023, Florida law (under the amended statute §95.11) generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
However, exceptions can apply — such as for minors, government claims, or delayed discovery of injuries. It’s crucial to consult an attorney early to preserve evidence and meet filing deadlines.
If you’re involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, here’s what you should do to protect your legal rights:
Call 911 — Report the accident to law enforcement and request medical help.
Gather Evidence — Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries.
Collect Driver and App Information — Note whether the driver was logged into the rideshare app, and screenshot your ride details if you were a passenger.
Get Witness Information — Independent witnesses can be vital to your claim.
Seek Medical Care — Even minor injuries can worsen later; a medical record supports your case.
Report the Accident to the Rideshare Company — Uber and Lyft require prompt notice of accidents.
Consult a Personal Injury Attorney — A skilled lawyer can determine liability, handle negotiations, and file a lawsuit if necessary.
At Sahil Vijay Law, PLLC, we understand how confusing and stressful a rideshare accident can be. Our experienced Florida personal injury attorneys represent victims of Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare collisions throughout the state.
We handle every aspect of your claim — from investigating driver status and insurance coverage to negotiating with corporate adjusters and pursuing lawsuits when needed. Our goal is simple: to hold negligent parties accountable and help you recover full and fair compensation.
We offer:
Free consultations
No fees unless we win
Personalized attention from start to finish
Don’t let a rideshare company or insurer minimize your injuries. You deserve justice.
If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Florida, contact Sahil Vijay Law, PLLC today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Yes — you can sue a rideshare company for negligence in Florida, but the success of your claim depends on the driver’s status, the company’s actions, and the evidence supporting your case. Having an experienced Florida rideshare accident lawyer on your side can make all the difference.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be construed as legal advice. You should consult with an attorney for guidance on their specific circumstances.
If you would like to speak to an attorney at Sahil Vijay Law, PLLC, please click here.
Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft have transformed how Floridians get around — offering convenience, flexibility, and affordability. But what happens when a rideshare ride ends in an accident? Can you sue a rideshare company like Uber or Lyft for negligence in Florida?
The short answer: sometimes. Determining liability in a rideshare accident can be complicated. It depends on who was at fault, the driver’s status at the time of the crash, and the insurance coverage in place.
At Sahil Vijay Law, PLLC, we help accident victims understand their rights and pursue full compensation when negligence causes injury. Below, we’ll explain how Florida law treats rideshare negligence claims, when you can sue a rideshare company, and what steps to take after an accident.
Florida operates under a no-fault insurance system, meaning drivers generally turn to their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage for initial medical and wage-loss benefits, regardless of who caused the crash.
However, if your injuries are serious or permanent, Florida law allows you to step outside the no-fault system and pursue a claim against the at-fault party — including, potentially, a rideshare company.
The key question becomes: Who is legally responsible?
Under Florida law, rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors, not employees. This distinction matters because it limits when and how a rideshare company like Uber or Lyft can be held directly liable for a driver’s negligence.
While rideshare companies often try to shield themselves from liability, there are situations where you can sue Uber or Lyft directly.
If the rideshare company failed to properly screen, train, or monitor its drivers, it may be held liable for negligence. Examples include:
Hiring a driver with a known history of reckless driving or DUI.
Failing to remove a driver after repeated passenger complaints.
Not ensuring that drivers comply with Florida’s rideshare insurance and background check requirements.
Florida law requires rideshare companies to perform background checks and disqualify drivers with serious offenses. If Uber or Lyft overlooks red flags, that can amount to corporate negligence.
If the rideshare app itself contributes to an accident — for example, by distracting drivers or encouraging unsafe behavior (like rushing to accept fares) — the company could face liability for product design negligence.
Similarly, if a rideshare company enforces unrealistic quotas or fails to implement adequate safety policies, it may share responsibility for resulting injuries.
Florida law requires rideshare companies to maintain specific insurance coverage based on the driver’s status. If a company fails to provide adequate coverage or misrepresents its policies, it could face a negligence or bad faith claim.
In many Florida rideshare accidents, the driver bears the primary liability. However, the insurance coverage available depends on whether the driver was logged into the app and/or had accepted a ride at the time of the crash.
If the driver wasn’t logged into the rideshare app, the accident is treated like any other car crash. The driver’s personal auto insurance applies, and Uber or Lyft bear no responsibility.
When a driver is logged in and waiting for a passenger request:
Uber and Lyft must provide $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident in bodily injury coverage, plus $25,000 in property damage coverage.
The driver’s personal insurance may still apply as secondary coverage.
Once a ride is accepted, and until the passenger exits the vehicle, rideshare companies must carry at least $1 million in liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage.
If you’re injured as a passenger or by an active rideshare vehicle, this policy often applies — even if the driver’s own negligence caused the accident.
If you file a negligence claim against a rideshare driver or company, you may be entitled to recover a wide range of damages under Florida law, including:
Medical expenses: Hospital bills, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and future care.
Lost wages and earning capacity: Compensation for time off work and long-term disability.
Property damage: Vehicle repairs or replacement.
Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Wrongful death damages: If the accident resulted in a fatality, surviving family members may pursue compensation for funeral costs and loss of support.
An experienced Florida rideshare accident attorney can calculate the full value of your claim and ensure no damages are overlooked.
To sue a rideshare company or driver for negligence, you must prove the four legal elements of negligence:
Duty of Care: The driver or company owed you a duty to act safely.
Breach of Duty: That duty was violated — for example, through reckless driving or failure to maintain the app properly.
Causation: The breach directly caused your injuries.
Damages: You suffered measurable harm, such as medical bills or lost income.
In some cases, the rideshare company’s internal data — such as GPS tracking, trip records, or communications — can provide critical evidence. A lawyer can subpoena these records to support your case.
As of 2023, Florida law (under the amended statute §95.11) generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
However, exceptions can apply — such as for minors, government claims, or delayed discovery of injuries. It’s crucial to consult an attorney early to preserve evidence and meet filing deadlines.
If you’re involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, here’s what you should do to protect your legal rights:
Call 911 — Report the accident to law enforcement and request medical help.
Gather Evidence — Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries.
Collect Driver and App Information — Note whether the driver was logged into the rideshare app, and screenshot your ride details if you were a passenger.
Get Witness Information — Independent witnesses can be vital to your claim.
Seek Medical Care — Even minor injuries can worsen later; a medical record supports your case.
Report the Accident to the Rideshare Company — Uber and Lyft require prompt notice of accidents.
Consult a Personal Injury Attorney — A skilled lawyer can determine liability, handle negotiations, and file a lawsuit if necessary.
At Sahil Vijay Law, PLLC, we understand how confusing and stressful a rideshare accident can be. Our experienced Florida personal injury attorneys represent victims of Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare collisions throughout the state.
We handle every aspect of your claim — from investigating driver status and insurance coverage to negotiating with corporate adjusters and pursuing lawsuits when needed. Our goal is simple: to hold negligent parties accountable and help you recover full and fair compensation.
We offer:
Free consultations
No fees unless we win
Personalized attention from start to finish
Don’t let a rideshare company or insurer minimize your injuries. You deserve justice.
If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Florida, contact Sahil Vijay Law, PLLC today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Yes — you can sue a rideshare company for negligence in Florida, but the success of your claim depends on the driver’s status, the company’s actions, and the evidence supporting your case. Having an experienced Florida rideshare accident lawyer on your side can make all the difference.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be construed as legal advice. You should consult with an attorney for guidance on their specific circumstances.
If you would like to speak to an attorney at Sahil Vijay Law, PLLC, please click here.
424 E Central Blvd
Unit 651
Orlando, FL 32801
A transactional law firm headquartered in Orlando, Florida.
