Who Pays After a Rideshare Crash in Tampa, FL?

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft may have transformed how people get around, but what happens when these ride-hailing vehicles end in a crash? Who pays for damages after a rideshare crash in Tampa?

Understanding how fault and insurance coverage work after a rideshare accident in Tampa is critical. Liability can shift depending on who caused the crash, whether the rideshare driver was on duty, and what stage of the ride they were in. 

If you or someone you love was hurt in a rideshare collision, working with our experienced Tampa rideshare accident attorney at The Morgan Law Group can help you pursue compensation from the responsible party. 

Who Can Be at Fault in a Rideshare Crash in Tampa?

Determining fault in any crash is the first step before figuring out who pays. 

In Tampa, fault in a rideshare accident can lie with:

• The rideshare driver
• Another driver involved in the crash
• A third party (e.g., a pedestrian, bicyclist, or even a vehicle manufacturer in cases involving defects)

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. That means each party involved can be assigned a percentage of fault. If you are more than 50% at fault for an accident, you are barred from recovering damages.

For instance, if a Lyft driver runs a red light and hits another car, the Lyft driver would likely be found at fault. Establishing fault is also crucial in cases where multiple vehicles are involved, or if a pedestrian or cyclist is struck. In such cases, proving negligence might involve identifying whether any party violated traffic laws, was distracted, or under the influence.

Who Pays for Damages in a Rideshare Crash in Tampa?

With a no-fault insurance system, if you’re a driver of another vehicle, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance typically pays up to medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. However, if your injuries are serious and meet Florida’s “injury threshold,” you can step outside the no-fault system and file a claim against the at-fault party.

Florida law requires rideshare companies to provide insurance coverage that varies based on the driver’s activity at the time of the crash:

• App Off 
• App On, No Passenger
• Ride Accepted or Passenger in Vehicle

This structure ensures that people injured in a rideshare accident, whether as passengers, pedestrians, or occupants of another vehicle, can access coverage to pay for damages. However, it also creates confusion, especially if multiple insurers become involved.

Answering who pays after a rideshare crash in Tampa also depends on who was injured.

• Passenger in a Rideshare Vehicle: If you’re the passenger, you can typically file a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance, either the rideshare driver or another driver involved. 
• Rideshare Driver: If another driver caused the crash, you can file a liability claim against that driver. If they’re uninsured or underinsured, you may be covered under Uber or Lyft’s UM policy. However, if you were at fault, your recovery options may be limited to PIP and health insurance.
• Occupants of Other Vehicles or Pedestrians: If a rideshare driver caused the accident while on duty, Uber or Lyft’s insurance covers your injury claim. If the driver was off duty, their personal policy applies.

In all cases, fault and the driver’s status on the app play a huge role in determining which insurance policies apply and what compensation may be available.

Can You File a Lawsuit in Tampa After a Rideshare Crash?

In Florida, you can only sue the at-fault party for pain and suffering and full damages if your injuries meet the state’s serious injury threshold. 

Qualifying injuries include:

• Permanent loss of a bodily function
• Permanent injury
• Significant or permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Death 

Additionally, Florida law imposes a statute of limitations for injury claims in Tampa. This means you must file suit within the set deadline following the crash.

In cases involving severe injuries or fatalities, a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit can also hold negligent parties accountable beyond insurance payouts, helping families secure compensation for long-term care, therapy, or burial expenses.

What Insurance Complications Can Arise After a Rideshare Crash?

Rideshare insurance policies can be confusing and difficult to access. 

Here are common issues that may arise:

• Multiple insurance policies
• Victims may need to navigate:
• Their own PIP insurance
• The rideshare driver’s personal auto policy
• Uber or Lyft’s commercial policy
• The at-fault party’s liability coverage

Each insurer may try to deny responsibility, delay the claim, or offer a lowball settlement. If a rideshare driver doesn’t have the right type of personal policy, their insurer may deny the claim. 

Additionally, disputes may arise over whether the driver was “on the clock” at the time of the crash. If the driver had just closed the app seconds before the accident, insurers might argue about whether the commercial policy applies.

If it’s unclear who caused the crash, each party’s insurer may dispute fault and delay compensation. Working with experienced rideshare accident attorneys helps ensure all applicable insurance policies are identified, negotiated, and pursued effectively. An attorney can also protect you from unfair insurance practices.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Rideshare Accident?

Injured victims may be eligible for several forms of compensation beyond initial PIP benefits, including:

• Medical expenses (i.e., hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, medication, therapy, etc.)
• Lost wages 
• Future medical costs and reduced earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish and emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Other possible damages include:

• Property damage (repairs or replacement)
• Loss of consortium

If the accident was fatal, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and future financial support. 

Calculating these damages requires detailed documentation, medical reports, wage records, and sometimes expert testimony. Having a legal advocate on your side ensures nothing is left out of your claim.

How an Attorney in Tampa Can Help After a Rideshare Crash 

Whether you were an Uber passenger, a rideshare driver, or someone struck by a rideshare vehicle, recovering compensation isn’t always easy. Insurance companies may downplay your injuries, dispute fault, or delay payment.

An experienced rideshare accident attorney in Tampa can:

• Investigate the accident and gather key evidence
• Identify all liable parties and available insurance coverage
• File all insurance claims on your behalf
• Negotiate for a full and fair settlement
• Represent you in court if the case doesn’t settle

Rideshare accident cases often involve unique legal and procedural issues, making it even more critical to work with someone who understands Florida law and rideshare insurance policies. A car accident law firm familiar with Tampa’s courts and insurers can offer personalized guidance and advocacy.

Get Paid with the Right Amount After a Rideshare Crash in Tampa

Being injured in a rideshare accident can upend your life in seconds. Between Florida’s no-fault rules, complex insurance coverage, and tight filing deadlines, recovering compensation isn’t always straightforward.

If you’re asking who pays after a rideshare crash in Tampa, the answer depends on fault, insurance coverage, and the specific circumstances of the crash. Whether you were a rideshare passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian, The Morgan Law Group is here to help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Our rideshare accident attorney in Tampa can help you gather evidence, file claims, negotiate with insurers, and take legal action if needed. Call us today at (813) 519-3108 or contact us using our online form for a free consultation about your rideshare crash at our office in Tampa.