Rideshare Injuries, Ghost Rides, and Coverage Gray Zones

What happens if you’re injured during a rideshare trip that never officially started? Or one that was suddenly canceled in the app? Sometimes referred to as ghost rides, these situations create confusing gray areas when it comes to accountability. A Port St. Lucie Personal Injury Lawyer can assist victims who are unsure who will pay for their medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Ghost Rides and Florida’s Rideshare Insurance Rules

A ghost ride refers to the brief window of time when a rideshare driver or passenger is involved in an accident just before a ride is logged in the app or right after it’s canceled. For example, a driver accepts a ride request, starts driving to pick up the passenger, and gets into a collision before the passenger enters the vehicle. Or, a passenger opens the door to exit after arrival, but the driver ends the ride early in the app, and an injury occurs seconds later.

These coverage gray zones raise complex questions about which insurance policy applies, whether it’s the driver’s personal auto insurance, the rideshare company’s commercial policy, or both.

Under Florida law, rideshare insurance coverage depends on the driver’s status in the app at the time of the accident. There are generally three phases:

• App off. When the rideshare app is off, the driver’s personal insurance applies. The rideshare company’s coverage does not.
• App on, no ride accepted. Once the driver is logged in and waiting for a request, limited contingent liability coverage applies, typically up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury and $100,000 per accident.
• Ride accepted. Should a driver accept a ride or have a passenger, the full commercial coverage kicks in. Usually at least $1 million in liability insurance.

Ghost rides often happen in the split seconds between phases. Insurance companies may argue over the exact moment the ride began or ended. The rideshare company might deny coverage, claiming the trip wasn’t active, while the driver’s personal insurer may refuse payment because the vehicle was being used for commercial purposes. Victims can end up caught in the middle.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Proving exactly when an accident occurred relative to the app’s data is critical in ghost ride cases. A Port St. Lucie Personal Injury Lawyer experienced in rideshare accident claims can subpoena electronic records, GPS logs, and trip data from Uber or Lyft to establish coverage. They can also handle communications with multiple insurers and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve, even when each party is trying to shift responsibility.

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident that occurred during one of these confusing in-between moments, don’t try to navigate the process alone. With legal help, you can uncover the truth behind the timing and fight for full recovery, even when the app (and the insurers) seem to disappear.

Who is assisting you with your rideshare injury claim? Following an injury in a Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Stuart, or Vero Beach accident, connect with the attorneys at Leifer & Ramirez. Call 561-660-9421 today.