Who’s Liable for Uber and Lyft Accidents in Miami?

Determining who’s liable for ridesharing accidents in Miami, such as crashes involving Uber and Lyft, depends on the driver’s status at the time of the collision and the circumstances that caused the harm. In most cases, liability in rideshare accidents may fall on the rideshare driver, another negligent motorist, or the rideshare company’s insurance coverage if the app was active. 

If you’re a passenger injured in these incidents, it is best to work with a Miami rideshare accident attorney to protect your rights and secure proper compensation. The Morgan Law Group assists crash victims in identifying the responsible parties and pursuing claims that reflect the financial and physical toll of these accidents.

Liability Laws in Rideshare Accidents in Florida

Florida approaches rideshare collisions differently than standard vehicle crashes because of how Uber and Lyft classify their drivers and activate their insurance coverage. 

Instead of employing their drivers, rideshare companies classify them as independent contractors. This distinction significantly influences the insurance process and the question of liability.

Transportation Network Company Regulation 

Florida’s TNC law requires rideshare companies to maintain specific insurance minimums that apply depending on whether the driver is offline, waiting for a match, or actively transporting a passenger. These laws help determine which policy applies and whether the rideshare company’s coverage may step in when victims are injured.

No-Fault Insurance System

Florida’s no-fault rules require injured crash victims to use their Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance for initial medical coverage, even in rideshare accidents. 

PIP will cover:

• 80% of the necessary medical care
• 60% of lost wages
• Up to $10,000 policy limits

When injuries surpass PIP limits or cross the “serious injury threshold,” individuals may pursue bodily injury claims against the liable party, whether that is the rideshare driver, another vehicle, or a rideshare company’s insurance policy.

Who Can Be Liable for Uber and Lyft Accidents in Miami? 

Liability in rideshare accidents in Miami depends heavily on what caused the crash and what the rideshare driver was doing at that moment. 

Several parties may be considered legally responsible:

The Rideshare Driver

In many cases, the rideshare driver may be wholly or partially responsible due to:

• Distracted driving while navigating the app
• Speeding or aggressive driving
• Failure to yield or obey traffic laws
• Fatigue from extended hours behind the wheel

If the driver was on the app, their status (on/off/passenger on board) determines which insurance policy applies. If they were off the app, victims typically must go through the driver’s personal auto carrier.

Another Negligent Driver

If another motorist caused the crash, that driver may be liable for damages. In these scenarios, Uber and Lyft’s policies may still provide coverage for the passenger, depending on the situation and the severity of the injuries.

Uber or Lyft’s Insurance Coverage

Although Uber and Lyft do not assume direct fault for the collision, their insurance policies may cover injuries caused by their drivers during active ride periods. Liability in rideshare accidents frequently involves these policies.

Vehicle or Component Manufacturers

If the collision resulted from defective vehicle parts, a product liability claim may apply. These cases require significant evidence linking the defect to the injury.

Government Entities

Poorly designed or inadequately maintained roads in Miami can contribute to rideshare collisions. When roadway defects cause or worsen a crash (such as missing signage, malfunctioning traffic signals, or potholes), local or state agencies may share liability. 

Commercial Vehicle Operators

If the at-fault vehicle is owned by a delivery company, contractor, or other commercial operation, the employer may be held responsible under Florida’s respondeat superior doctrine when their employees cause a crash during work duties.

Rideshare accidents often involve multiple potential defendants, which is why injured parties frequently turn to experienced Uber & Lyft accident attorneys in Miami to conduct a thorough investigation and evaluate all available insurance coverage.

How Multi-Party Claims Work in Uber and Lyft Accidents

A relevant dimension of rideshare injury cases, one not fully addressed in previous sections, is the impact of multi-party involvement. Rideshare collisions often include several vehicles, multiple insurers, and various fault determinations. This creates a more layered claims process compared to typical car accidents.

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means an injured person can recover compensation only if they are not more than 50% at fault for the crash. Their compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault they bear.

This applies in rideshare accidents when:

• The Uber or Lyft driver shoulders partial blame
• The passenger shares some responsibility 
• Another motorist is partially negligent
• Road conditions or mechanical defects played a role

Multi-party fault allocation impacts the final accident settlement amount and dictates which insurance policy pays what portion. 

Some rideshare injury victims must pursue compensation through:

• Their own PIP insurance
• The rideshare driver’s personal insurer
• Uber or Lyft’s commercial policy

Each insurer may attempt to shift blame to minimize payouts. Coordinating these claims and ensuring they align with Florida’s insurance laws is essential to preventing claim delays, denials, or undervaluation.

Let’s Evaluate Liability in Your Uber or Lyft Accident in Miami  

Determining liability in Uber and Lyft accidents in Miami is rarely simple, especially when different parties, coverage periods, and insurance companies factor into the equation. A clear understanding of Florida’s TNC laws and insurance structure greatly influences the outcome of these claims.

Many injured victims in Uber or Lyft accidents benefit from legal guidance that helps them identify liable parties, preserve evidence, and pursue full compensation for medical bills, lost income, and long-term impacts. Our attorneys at The Morgan Law Group support individuals harmed in these collisions and offer legal direction rooted in experience handling rideshare claims. 

For those unsure of their rights or the insurance coverage available, speaking with a dedicated Uber & Lyft accident attorney in Miami can provide much-needed clarity and help ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable.

Call us today at (305) 614-5235 or contact us using our online form for a free consultation about your injury claim after an Uber or Lyft accident at our office in Miami.