Rideshare Accidents Are More Complicated Than They Look

When a crash happens in an Uber or Lyft, insurance quickly gets complicated. Uber and Lyft both carry commercial insurance policies, but the amount of coverage that applies depends on what the driver was doing at the exact moment of the crash. Was the app on? Was the driver en route to a pickup? Was a passenger in the car? Each scenario triggers a different level of coverage. Garcia Sheppard handles rideshare accident cases throughout Florida, Georgia, and Maryland and knows how to cut through the complexity to build a strong claim.

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How Uber and Lyft Insurance Coverage Works

App Off

If the driver’s app was off, they were operating as a private individual. Only their personal auto insurance applies. Uber and Lyft provide no coverage in this scenario.

App On, No Ride Accepted

The driver is logged in and waiting for a request. Both Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage in this phase, typically $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident, but only if the driver’s personal insurance does not apply first.

En Route to Pickup or Passenger on Board

This is when the highest coverage kicks in. Both Uber and Lyft maintain up to $1 million in liability coverage while the driver is en route to a rider or has a passenger in the vehicle. This is also when most serious accidents occur.

Rideshare Accident Cases We Represent

Injuries We Commonly Handle

Rideshare accidents cause the same range of injuries as any serious vehicle crash.

Not sure if your injuries are serious enough to pursue a claim? Contact us today. We’ll evaluate your situation at no cost.

Cases we handle involve:

What Happens After You Call Us

Immediate Triage

We address the practical needs first: transportation, property damage, and access to medical care.

Coverage Investigation

We determine which insurance policies apply based on the driver’s trip phase at the time of the crash and identify every available source of recovery.

Evidence Gathering

We preserve the ride receipt, GPS data, driver history, police reports, witness accounts, and any available camera footage.

Medical Documentation

We work with your providers to fully document your injuries and their long-term impact.

Negotiation and Resolution

 We deal directly with Uber, Lyft, and their insurers on your behalf. We give honest assessments of offers and pursue the best possible outcome.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly?

Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, which generally shields the platforms from direct liability for driver negligence.

However, their commercial insurance policies still apply when a driver is active on the app. In certain cases involving negligent hiring or supervision, direct claims against the platform may be possible. We evaluate this on a case-by-case basis.

If another driver caused the crash, you can pursue a claim against that driver. If they’re uninsured or underinsured, Uber and Lyft’s uninsured motorist coverage may also apply. We identify every available source of compensation.

If the app was off at the time of the accident, the rideshare platform’s insurance does not apply. The driver’s personal auto insurance is the relevant policy. We investigate the trip status thoroughly and pursue appropriate claims.

Florida’s personal injury statute of limitations is generally two years, Georgia allows four years, and Maryland allows three years for most personal injury claims. Do not wait. Evidence and witness recollections fade quickly and are important to gather early.

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