Experienced Legal Help for Uber and Lyft Accident Victims in Pinellas County
If you’ve been hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident in St. Petersburg, you might think the rideshare company’s insurance automatically covers your medical bills and losses. Unfortunately, that’s not how it works in Florida.
Florida is a no-fault state, which means your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance pays first for your medical bills and lost wages—no matter who caused the crash. But PIP has limits, and it won’t cover everything.
If your injuries are serious, you may qualify to step outside the no-fault system and file a claim against Uber, Lyft, or the at-fault driver. That’s where Brooks Law Group can help. Our experienced rideshare accident attorneys understand Florida’s complicated insurance laws and will guide you through every step of your case with clarity and compassion.
How Does Florida’s No-Fault Law Affect Your Rideshare Accident Claim?
Under Florida law, all drivers—including Uber and Lyft drivers—must carry PIP coverage, which covers:
- Up to 80% of medical expenses (limited to $10,000 for emergencies)
- Up to 60% of lost wages
- Death benefits in fatal accidents
However, PIP doesn’t cover pain, suffering, emotional distress, or full lost wages. If you suffer severe or permanent injuries, you can step outside of Florida’s no-fault system and seek additional compensation directly from Uber, Lyft, or another liable party.
Uber and Lyft Insurance Coverage Explained
The amount of insurance available from Uber or Lyft depends entirely on what the driver was doing at the time of the accident. Here’s exactly how it works:
Driver Logged Off
No Rideshare Coverage
When the Uber or Lyft driver isn’t logged into the app, there is no rideshare insurance available. In this situation:
- The driver’s personal auto insurance applies.
- Your own PIP policy covers your initial medical bills and lost wages.
- If your injuries exceed your PIP coverage, you may file a claim against the driver’s personal insurance or your own UM/UIM coverage (if available).
Driver Logged In (Waiting for a Ride Request)
Limited Rideshare Coverage
Once a driver logs into the app but hasn’t accepted a ride, Uber and Lyft provide some liability coverage—but it doesn’t automatically apply to you. Coverage limits include:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 for property damage
Important: Your own PIP insurance still applies first for your medical bills and lost wages. Only if your injuries exceed your PIP coverage can you pursue additional compensation through Uber or Lyft’s insurance.
Driver En Route or Transporting a Passenger
$1 Million Insurance Coverage
Once the rideshare driver has accepted a ride request or has a passenger in the vehicle, Uber and Lyft offer their highest level of coverage:
- Up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage
- Up to $1 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage
- Collision coverage (depending on the driver’s personal insurance)
Again, under Florida law, your PIP coverage pays first. But if your injuries are severe or permanent, you can pursue additional compensation from Uber or Lyft’s substantial insurance policies.
