An accident involving an Uber or Lyft creates a distinct type of turmoil. It isn’t like a typical car wreck; instead, it involves layers of corporate insurance and various parties, leaving many injured passengers unsure where to turn. If a rideshare accident in Tampa injured you, Florida law grants you specific rights, but the process for getting compensation is different and far more messy.
The core issue is that insurance coverage and legal responsibility change depending on the driver's status at the exact moment of the crash. Was the driver logged into the app? Were they driving to pick you up? Were you already in the car? The answer shifts the entire landscape of your claim.
This is precisely why people feel adrift after a rideshare accident, suddenly fielding calls from multiple insurance adjusters while trying to heal. It’s a confusing system built to benefit corporations.
Our firm handles rideshare accident claims throughout the Tampa area. We know how to pinpoint who is responsible and which insurance policies apply. You shouldn’t have to worry about legal deadlines and perplexing insurance rules. If you have questions about what happened, call us for a no-obligation conversation at (813) 868-8187.
Key Takeaways for Tampa Rideshare Accidents
- Insurance coverage depends entirely on the driver's app status. The available compensation changes based on whether the driver was waiting for a ride, on their way to a pickup, or had you in the car, with coverage ranging from a lower-tier policy to a $1 million commercial policy.
- Florida's "no-fault" law and your own PIP coverage are the starting point. Your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance is the first layer of coverage for medical bills, but it may run out quickly, making it necessary to identify all other available policies.
- You have a limited time to act. Florida law generally requires you to file a personal injury lawsuit within two years of the accident date, a deadline that can arrive faster than you think while you're focused on recovery.
Why Work With Holliday Karatinos Law Firm After a Rideshare Accident?
When you’re injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, everything becomes harder to manage. Multiple insurance companies call, each claiming the other is responsible. You’re left trying to make sense of a system that feels designed to confuse you.
That’s where we come in.
At Holliday Karatinos Law Firm, we’ve spent decades helping injured Floridians rebuild after serious accidents. Our attorneys bring more than 50 years of combined experience and have recovered over $125 million for clients across Florida. We handle rideshare claims throughout Tampa and Hillsborough County, focusing on one goal: finding every source of compensation available under the law.
Deep Experience With Complex Insurance Systems
Uber and Lyft accidents involve multiple overlapping policies that depend on what the driver was doing at the exact moment of the crash. We investigate that immediately. Our team reviews app data, insurance filings, and accident reports to pinpoint responsibility and confirm which policies apply. That clarity often determines whether your claim is fully paid or quietly minimized.
You’ll Always Know Where Your Case Stands
We explain the process in plain language and keep you updated as your case progresses. You’ll never be left wondering what’s happening or what comes next.
A Law Firm That Balances Personal Care and Proven Results
We’ve built a practice that combines personal attention with the resources needed to handle serious injury cases. Our attorneys have been recognized by the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and named among America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators, distinctions earned through years of steady results and client trust.
Our Focus Is Practical: Getting You Back on Track
You shouldn’t have to become an expert in rideshare insurance to recover from your injuries. We handle the insurance companies, deadlines, and paperwork while you focus on medical care and daily recovery. Our role is to ensure every part of your loss—medical expenses, income disruption, and long-term effects—is documented and pursued.
Who is Responsible for a Rideshare Accident?
The main challenge in a rideshare claim is identifying the correct insurance policy. The available coverage changes based on what the driver was doing when the crash occurred.
Period 1: The App is On, But No Passenger is Matched
When a driver is logged into the rideshare app and waiting for a ride request, their personal auto insurance will almost certainly deny coverage because they are engaged in a commercial activity. During this specific time, Florida law requires rideshare companies to provide a backup liability policy. This coverage includes at least $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 in total bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
Periods 2 & 3: A Ride is Accepted or a Passenger is in the Car
The insurance protection becomes much stronger once the driver accepts a ride request. From the moment a driver is on their way to pick you up until you exit the vehicle, the rideshare company’s much larger commercial insurance policy takes over. This policy must provide at least $1 million in liability coverage for death, bodily injury, and property damage.
What If the Rideshare Driver Was Not At Fault?
If another driver caused the collision, the primary claim would be against that person's insurance. The problem is that many drivers in Florida carry very little or no bodily injury coverage. This is where Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage becomes so important. While rideshare companies must carry UM/UIM coverage for passengers during Periods 2 and 3, Florida law does not require them to provide it when a driver is simply waiting for a ride request in Period 1.
Our role is to untangle this for you. The Holliday Karatinos Law Firm team will investigate the accident to determine the driver's exact status, identify all available insurance policies from every party involved, and file the appropriate claims on your behalf.
How Does My Own Car Insurance Fit In? The Role of PIP
Florida is a "no-fault" state, which means your own auto insurance policy is the first to cover your injuries through a type of coverage called Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Under Florida Statutes § 627.736, your PIP is designed to pay for your initial medical bills and a portion of lost wages, no matter who caused the accident.
Here’s how it typically works:
- Initial Coverage: PIP covers 80% of your initial medical expenses and 60% of lost wages, up to a total of $10,000.
- The 14-Day Rule: You must seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident, or you risk losing your right to use your PIP benefits.
For injuries that are more than minor, that $10,000 limit can be exhausted very quickly. An ambulance ride and a visit to the emergency room alone will probably burn through this limit, leaving you with significant unpaid medical bills. This is why our work to identify the rideshare company's larger insurance policies is so important for your financial recovery.
Accounting for Every Loss Caused by the Accident
The purpose of a personal injury claim is to restore what you've lost financially. This means pursuing compensation for every single loss—past, present, and future—that resulted from the crash.
What Are Economic Damages?
These are the straightforward, calculable financial losses that can be documented with bills, receipts, and pay stubs.
- Medical Bills: This covers everything from the initial ambulance ride and emergency room visit to surgeries, ongoing physical therapy, medications, and any future medical treatments you may need.
- Lost Wages: This is the income you’ve already missed out on from being unable to work during your recovery.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your former job or earning the same income in the future, you can seek compensation for this projected financial loss.
- Property Damage: This includes the cost to repair or replace personal items, like your phone or laptop, that were broken in the crash.
What Are Non-Economic Damages?
These losses are intangible and lack a specific price tag, but they represent the real human cost of an injury.
- Pain and Suffering: This compensates for the physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress your injuries have caused.
- Mental Anguish: This can include payment for anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that develops from the traumatic experience of the accident.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries keep you from participating in hobbies, activities, or family routines that were once a source of joy, you may be compensated for this loss.
How Florida's Comparative Fault Rule Can Affect Your Claim
Florida follows a modified comparative fault rule. Simply put, your final compensation is reduced by the percentage you are found to be at fault for the accident. Under a recent change in the law, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover any damages at all. Our role is to build a case that clearly shows the other party was fully responsible and protect you from any unjust blame.
High-Risk Roads and Intersections in Hillsborough County
While a crash can occur anywhere, rideshare vehicles spend much of their time in Tampa's busiest and most congested areas. Hillsborough County consistently sees a high rate of traffic collisions, with nearly 27,500 reported in one recent year alone.
Common Hotspots for Accidents
Many accidents happen at intersections where drivers are turning, merging, or trying to speed through a yellow light. Some of the most frequently cited dangerous intersections in Tampa include:
- Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and East Fowler Avenue, near the University of South Florida.
- Dale Mabry Highway and Waters Avenue.
- Hillsborough Avenue and Sheldon Road.
- Kennedy Boulevard and Himes Avenue.
High-speed interchanges are also common locations for serious accidents. The interchange of I-4 and I-275, known locally as "Malfunction Junction," is notoriously difficult for both local and out-of-town drivers. In fact, Interstate 4 has been repeatedly named one of the most dangerous highways in the entire country.
Finally, areas with dense nightlife and tourist activity see a sharp increase in accidents, particularly on evenings and weekends. This includes neighborhoods like Ybor City and SoHo, as well as the areas around Tampa International Airport and the city's sports venues.
Why You Need Someone on Your Side
After a rideshare accident, you will likely get a call from an insurance adjuster representing one or more of the parties involved. It's important to understand their function in this process.
A Conflict of Interest is Always Present
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses. They have a responsibility to their shareholders to stay profitable, which means they must balance paying valid claims with protecting their financial interests. This creates a situation where their goals are not aligned with yours.
What to Watch Out For
- Quick Settlement Offers: An insurer might present a fast settlement offer before the true extent of your injuries is even clear. Accepting this offer permanently closes your claim, even if your medical condition gets worse and requires more treatment later.
- Requests for a Recorded Statement: You are not obligated to give a recorded statement to the other party’s insurance company. Adjusters are trained to ask questions that can be taken out of context to argue you were partly at fault.
- A Tedious and Lengthy Process: The claim process is filled with paperwork and deadlines. It’s easy to get frustrated as medical bills start to pile up, which sometimes leads people to accept a lower offer just to put the matter behind them. Our firm handles all communications and paperwork, letting you focus on your health.
Practical Steps to Protect Your Rights
While your attorney at Holliday Karatinos Law Firm manages the legal work, there are several things you can do to support your case from home.
- Follow Your Doctor's Treatment Plan: It is very important to attend all medical appointments and follow through with any prescribed treatments, like physical therapy. This creates a clear medical record of your injuries and demonstrates your commitment to getting better.
- Keep a Simple Journal: Take a few moments each day to write down how you are feeling. Note your pain levels, any physical limitations you're experiencing, and how the injuries are affecting your daily life. This journal can become strong evidence of your pain and suffering.
- Track All Expenses: Keep a file with every receipt and bill related to the accident. This includes medical co-pays, prescription costs, and even mileage to and from your doctors' appointments.
- Stay Off Social Media: Do not post anything online about the accident, your injuries, or your daily activities. Insurance companies will review your social media profiles for any photos or comments they can use to argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim.
- Direct All Communications to Your Lawyer: If an insurance adjuster calls, you can simply and politely refer them to our office. This ensures you do not say anything that could be used against you.
Answers to Common Rideshare Accident Questions
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Florida?
Florida recently changed its statute of limitations for most personal injury claims. For accidents that happened on or after March 24, 2023, you now have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. It is best to contact an attorney long before this deadline expires to ensure there is enough time to properly investigate and prepare your case.
What if I was a pedestrian or bicyclist hit by a rideshare driver?
The same insurance rules generally apply. If the driver was en route to pick up a passenger or already had one in the car (Periods 2 or 3), the rideshare company’s $1 million liability policy should cover your injuries. If they were simply logged in and waiting for a ride request (Period 1), the smaller policy would apply.
The driver's insurance is denying my claim for my damaged laptop. What can I do?
This is a common issue. While a driver's commercial policy covers property damage, it is meant for damage to other vehicles. Your personal items, like a phone or laptop, fall into a gray area. We can help by including the value of your damaged personal property as part of your total claim for damages against the at-fault party's liability coverage.
My rideshare driver claims I distracted them, causing the accident. Can I still file a claim?
Yes. It is a frequent defense tactic to shift blame to a passenger. However, a driver is ultimately responsible for maintaining safe control of their vehicle. We will investigate the true cause of the wreck and defend you against any unfair attempts to place fault on you.
Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly?
Suing a rideshare company directly is difficult because their drivers are classified as independent contractors, not employees. This classification generally protects the company from direct responsibility for a driver's actions. However, there are instances where the company could be held liable, such as if they were negligent in their driver screening process.
Let Us Handle the Details, So You Can Focus on Healing
Don't assume that doing nothing is the safest option. Doing nothing is a choice that lets the insurance companies decide what your claim is worth.
Our team at Holliday Karatinos Law Firm is here to provide the clear answers and dedicated representation you need. We will manage the insurance companies, handle the paperwork, and build a case aimed at securing the maximum compensation available under the law.
Call us today at (813) 868-1887 for a free, confidential discussion about your accident.
