Ridesharing has changed the way we move around cities like Clearwater and Tampa Bay. But with more Uber and Lyft cars on the road, the number of rideshare accidents has also gone up. If you’ve been injured as a passenger, a pedestrian, or even as another driver hit by a rideshare vehicle, one of the first questions you might ask is: Can I sue Uber or Lyft for my injuries?
The short answer is: it depends. The long answer involves insurance coverage, driver status, and whether you work with the right rideshare accident attorney to guide you.
At Hamblen Injury Law, we’ve seen firsthand how complex these cases can get. Let’s break it down.
You should also read: What to Do After a Car Accident in an Uber
How Rideshare Insurance Works
Unlike traditional car accidents, Uber and Lyft drivers are covered by multiple layers of insurance depending on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash:
- Driver is offline (not logged into the app): Only the driver’s personal insurance applies.
- Driver is online but has no ride request: Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage (typically $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident).
- Driver has accepted a ride or has a passenger in the car: This is where the big coverage kicks in; up to $1 million in liability coverage.
This means if you’re injured in a rideshare accident, you may have access to higher coverage than in a typical car accident.
Who Can File a Claim After a Rideshare Accident?
You may be entitled to file a claim if you are:
- A passenger in the Uber or Lyft.
- A pedestrian or cyclist hit by a rideshare vehicle.
- Another driver involved in the crash.
In any of these cases, a ridesharing accident lawyer can help determine which insurance policy applies and how to pursue compensation for personal injury damages.
What Damages Can You Recover?
Just like in any other personal injury case, you may be able to seek compensation for:
- Medical bills (current and future care).
- Lost wages or loss of earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering.
- Property damage.
A skilled personal injury lawyer will make sure every possible category of damages is included in your claim.
Common Challenges in Uber and Lyft Cases
Proving Driver Status
Insurance depends on whether the driver was logged into the app, waiting for a ride, or actively transporting a passenger. Companies may dispute this to avoid paying.
Dealing with Corporate Lawyers
Uber and Lyft are billion-dollar companies with strong legal teams. Having your own car accident attorney levels the playing field.
Complex Coverage Overlap
Sometimes both the driver’s personal insurance and Uber/Lyft’s insurance come into play. Sorting this out requires experience.
Do You Sue the Driver or the Company?
In most cases, claims go through the insurance policies rather than directly suing Uber or Lyft. However, if corporate negligence is involved (like unsafe hiring practices), lawsuits against the companies themselves may be possible.
That’s why having Uber accident injury lawyers who understand both local laws and big corporate defense tactics is crucial.
Real-World Example
Imagine you’re taking an Uber home from downtown Clearwater. The driver runs a red light, and another car hits your side of the vehicle. You suffer a broken arm and miss weeks of work.
Here’s how it might play out:
- Uber’s $1 million insurance policy applies because you were a passenger.
- Your rideshare accident attorney files a claim for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- If Uber disputes liability or delays payment, your lawyer may escalate to court.
Without an attorney, you might settle for far less than what your injuries are truly worth.
Why You Need a Lawyer Who Understands Rideshare Cases
Not every car accident lawyer has experience with rideshare cases. These claims involve corporate insurance, app data, and unique liability rules. At Hamblen Injury Law, we’ve handled cases where insurance companies tried to deny claims — and we fought until our clients got the compensation they deserved.
Working with a Clearwater rideshare accident attorney means having someone local who understands both Florida law and the tactics big companies use to minimize payouts.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident
- Seek medical help immediately. Even minor injuries can become serious later.
- Report the crash to Uber or Lyft through the app.
- Gather evidence: photos, witness names, and driver info.
- Call a personal injury lawyer before dealing with insurance adjusters.
The steps you take in the first few hours can make or break your case.
You should also read: How Social Media Can Impact Your Personal Injury Case
Your Rights Matter
So, can you sue Uber or Lyft after a rideshare accident? The answer is yes, but the process depends on driver status, insurance coverage, and strong legal representation.
At Hamblen Injury Law, we believe every accident victim deserves justice, no matter how big the company on the other side may be. If you’ve been in a rideshare crash in Clearwater or anywhere in Tampa Bay, don’t face it alone.
Reach out Hamblen Injury Law today for a free consultation. Let us fight for your rights while you focus on healing.