Unique Laws for Pedestrians Hit by Rideshare Vehicles

Walking or jogging are things people do without thinking of possible harm. But unfortunately, there are instances of individuals traveling on foot being struck by vehicles. When the vehicle involved is a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, the legal landscape can be complex.

Florida has specific laws and insurance requirements for rideshare companies, and these laws affect how injured pedestrians can seek compensation. If you’ve been hit by a rideshare vehicle in Palm Beach County, connecting with a Port St. Lucie Personal Injury Lawyer is key.

Florida’s Rideshare Insurance Rules

Under state law, rideshare companies must carry different levels of insurance depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. This status plays a major role in determining the coverage available to injured pedestrians:

• App off. If the driver was not logged into the Uber or Lyft app, the accident is treated like any regular car accident. The driver’s personal insurance applies.
• App on, no passenger. Should the driver be logged in and waiting for a ride request, rideshare companies must provide $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, up to $100,000 per accident, plus $25,000 for property damage.
• Passenger en route or in vehicle. Once a ride is accepted or a passenger is in the car, Uber and Lyft must provide $1 million in third-party liability coverage.

Pedestrians hit by rideshare vehicles face a different set of challenges than passengers inside the rideshare car. Passengers are automatically covered under the $1 million policy if injured during a ride. Pedestrians, however, must prove the driver’s fault and the driver’s status at the time of the incident to access the appropriate insurance coverage.

Unlike a passenger who is easily linked to a ride through the app, a pedestrian may need to rely on traffic camera footage, witness testimony, or phone records to prove that the driver was actively working for Uber or Lyft at the time of the crash.

What Injured Pedestrians Need to Know

Rideshare accident claims are far more complicated than standard vehicle collisions. Multiple insurance policies may be involved, and companies like Uber and Lyft are known to fight hard to minimize payouts, but there are steps you can take to shield yourself from undue loss.

For one, your PIP coverage may apply first. Florida is a no-fault state, so if you have personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, your own policy may pay for initial medical costs, even as a pedestrian.

Next, to pursue a larger settlement for serious injuries, you must show that the rideshare driver was at fault. This could involve proving speeding, distraction, failure to yield, or other negligent behavior. There are time limits. Discuss these details with a Port St. Lucie Personal Injury Lawyer.

Who is responsible for paying your accident-related expenses? After being struck by a rideshare vehicle in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Stuart, or Vero Beach, don’t assume the process will be straightforward. Speak with the attorneys at Leifer & Ramirez, seasoned professionals who will advocate for you. Call 561-660-9421 to schedule a confidential consultation.