Weston Rideshare Accident Lawyer

In a city as fast-paced as Miami, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are part of everyday life. But when these convenient rides turn into life-altering accidents, victims are often left confused and vulnerable. Rideshare accidents are legally complex and require attorneys who understand both personal injury law and the evolving insurance policies of rideshare companies.

At Rafaeli Law PLLC, our Miami rideshare accident lawyers help victims involved in Uber and Lyft crashes recover compensation for their injuries, lost wages, and other damages. Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, cyclist, or driver, we offer personalized legal guidance to help you navigate Florida’s rideshare liability system and fight for what you’re owed. Learn more about our firm’s values and what sets us apart.

Why Rideshare Accidents Are So Complicated

Unlike traditional car accidents, rideshare crashes involve multiple layers of insurance and legal responsibility. Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors, not employees, and coverage changes depending on whether the app was on, the driver was waiting for a ride, or actively transporting a passenger.

Florida requires Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) to provide:

  • $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident for bodily injury while the app is on and waiting for a ride: This limited coverage applies only when a rideshare driver is available but not yet assigned to a trip. It may not fully cover serious injuries.
  • $1 million in liability coverage while transporting a passenger: This is the highest coverage tier and offers compensation for passengers and third parties hurt during active rides.

If the driver isn’t logged in to the app, their personal auto insurance applies, not the rideshare company’s. This is often minimum coverage and may not be sufficient for serious accidents.

This shifting liability makes determining coverage and filing claims extremely difficult without legal help.

Visit Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) for official state traffic laws and safety resources.

Who Is Liable in a Miami Rideshare Crash?

Depending on the circumstances, liability could fall on:

  • The rideshare driver: Often liable if driving recklessly, distracted, or violating traffic laws.
  • Another negligent motorist: In many rideshare crashes, third-party drivers are the ones at fault.
  • A commercial vehicle operator: If a delivery truck, taxi, or bus caused the crash.
  • The rideshare company (in rare cases of gross negligence): May be held accountable if the company failed to properly vet or suspend a dangerous driver.

We conduct full investigations, collect digital ride logs, phone data, dashcam footage, and witness statements to determine who’s responsible and which insurance carrier must pay.

Explore other types of accidents we handle, such as truck accidents and motorcycle collisions.

Types of Rideshare Accident Cases We Handle

We represent clients in a wide range of rideshare-related accidents, including:

  • Uber passenger injuries: Caused by speeding, sudden braking, or rear-end collisions due to the driver’s negligence.
  • Lyft driver not at fault: When a responsible rideshare driver is injured by another reckless driver on the road.
  • Pedestrian struck by rideshare vehicle: Common in busy crosswalks or during pickups and drop-offs.
  • Cyclist injured by rideshare driver: Often occur due to drivers opening doors in bike lanes or making unsafe right turns.
  • Third-party crashes involving rideshare vehicles: Including other motorists or motorcyclists impacted by a rideshare-related accident.

Every case is unique. Our personal injury lawyers evaluate all the facts to build a solid, personalized strategy for recovery.

What to Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Miami

After a rideshare accident, your actions can make or break your claim. Follow these important steps:

  1. Call 911 and get medical attention: Even minor injuries can escalate. Getting a medical report also strengthens your claim.
  2. Get names, license plates, and app status of all drivers: These details help determine insurance responsibility.
  3. Screenshot your ride history and receipt if you were a passenger: Proof you were in a rideshare trip.
  4. Take photos/videos of the scene: Capture vehicle damage, traffic signals, injuries, and anything that helps establish fault.
  5. Do not speak to any insurer until you consult a lawyer: Insurance adjusters may pressure you to accept a low settlement.

Our team helps victims act quickly and protect their rights every step of the way.

Need immediate legal help? Schedule your free consultation or call 954-365-5639.

Key Facts About Rideshare Accidents in Miami

Category

Details

Most Common Locations

Downtown Miami, Brickell, Wynwood

Peak Accident Hours

5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday nights

Average Claim Time

3 to 6 months with legal representation

Primary Causes

Distracted driving, unsafe stops, speeding, third-party negligence

Florida Statute of Limitations

2 years from date of accident

Passenger Insurance Coverage

Up to $1 million if driver was active on app

App-Based Vehicle Involvement

1 in 11 injury crashes in Downtown (2022)

Data Source

Miami-Dade TPO

Miami Rideshare Crash Statistics

According to the Miami-Dade TPO Safety Report, Uber and Lyft vehicles account for a growing share of urban traffic incidents. Between 2019 and 2023, the Miami metro area saw a 13% increase in crashes involving app-based transportation.

  • In Downtown Miami, rideshare vehicles were involved in 1 out of every 11 reported injury crashes in 2022.
  • Brickell and Wynwood corridors experienced a 16% rise in intersection-related rideshare collisions over the same period.

These figures show how prevalent rideshare accidents have become, reinforcing the need for specialized personal injury help.

Understanding Your Rights as a Passenger

If you were riding in a rideshare vehicle at the time of the crash:

  • You are almost never at fault: As a passenger, you’re not responsible for driving errors or road conditions.
  • You are covered under Uber/Lyft’s $1 million policy if the app was active: This includes medical care, lost wages, and general damages.
  • You may be eligible for medical treatment, pain & suffering, and lost wages: Especially if your injuries are long-term or disabling.

Our legal team ensures passengers get the full coverage they are entitled to without unnecessary delays. See what past clients have said in our testimonials.

When Can You File a Lawsuit?

You may file a personal injury lawsuit when:

  • The insurance company offers less than your claim is worth: Many insurers offer lowball settlements hoping you will settle quickly.
  • Liability is disputed: If drivers or companies deny fault, you may need to file suit.
  • You suffer permanent disability or high-value damages: These claims often exceed policy limits and require legal action.

Florida law gives you 2 years to file a rideshare-related injury lawsuit. Delaying legal action risks losing access to important evidence and witnesses.

Explore wrongful death claims and how our team supports families facing tragic losses.

Why Choose Rafaeli Law PLLC as Your Personal Injury Lawyer

  • Rideshare Liability Experience: We stay up-to-date on Uber and Lyft policy changes and relevant court decisions.
  • Aggressive Case Development: From accident reconstruction to subpoenaing trip data and black box evidence.
  • No Fees Unless We Win: You don’t pay unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
  • Trusted Miami Legal Advocates: Backed by 5-star reviews, real case results, and a client-first approach.
  • Meet Our Attorneys: Learn more about our team of experienced lawyers dedicated to your recovery.
Testimonials

What Our Clients Are Saying

Hear from the clients who trusted us to fight for their justice—and found peace, resolution, and results.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who pays for my injuries after a rideshare accident in Miami?

Responsibility depends on the app status of the driver. If the driver was actively transporting a passenger, Uber or Lyft’s $1 million policy typically applies. If the driver was offline, only their personal insurance applies.

2. Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly in Florida?

Generally, Uber and Lyft are shielded from direct liability because their drivers are independent contractors. However, lawsuits may be possible in rare cases of corporate negligence (e.g., failing to vet a driver with a violent history).

3. How long do I have to file a rideshare accident claim in Florida?

Under Florida law, you typically have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. It’s best to act quickly to preserve evidence.

4. What happens if I was a pedestrian hit by an Uber or Lyft?

You may be covered by the rideshare company’s commercial insurance if the driver was logged into the app. Otherwise, their personal auto insurance applies.

5. Does it matter whether I was a passenger or a third party in the crash?

Yes. Uber and Lyft provide more robust insurance coverage for passengers and for accidents during active trips than for bystanders or other drivers.

6. What should I do if the rideshare driver fled the scene?

Call the police immediately, seek medical help, and contact a lawyer. You may still be eligible for compensation through uninsured motorist coverage or the rideshare company’s policy if the trip can be verified.

7. Will my own car insurance cover me if I was hit by a rideshare driver?

Possibly. Your personal PIP or UM/UIM coverage may apply depending on fault and policy limits. We help clients understand how their own policies interact with rideshare coverage.

8. How do I prove that the driver was using Uber or Lyft at the time of the accident?

Digital records from the rideshare company, app screenshots, and driver trip logs can all help confirm whether the app was on and the driver was on duty. Our legal team can subpoena these records if needed.

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If you are facing a personal injury or insurance dispute, Rafaeli Law PLLC is here to help. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and helping you secure the compensation you deserve.