Who’s Responsible If You’re Hurt While Waiting in a Rideshare?

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have become a convenient part of daily life across Florida. But what happens if you’re injured while sitting in a rideshare vehicle, before the car even starts moving?

Whether you’re waiting for your driver to begin the trip, stopped at a red light, or parked at a pickup zone, injuries can still occur. A Port St. Lucie Personal Injury Lawyer can inform you on who can be held responsible in these situations. Determining this involves navigating Florida’s complex insurance structure and analyzing the overlapping coverage between Uber, Lyft, the driver, and other potentially at-fault parties.

Insurance Layers and Different Periods

In Florida, determining who pays after a rideshare-related injury depends on the driver’s app status and whether they were actively engaged in a trip. Uber and Lyft divide their insurance coverage three different periods:

• Period 1: The driver is logged into the app but has not yet accepted a ride request.
• Period 2: The driver has accepted a ride and is on the way to pick up the passenger.
• Period 3: The passenger is in the vehicle, and the trip is in progress.

If you are injured while waiting inside the vehicle as a passenger, meaning the trip is active, you are covered under Uber’s or Lyft’s $1 million liability policy. This insurance typically covers injuries to passengers, other drivers, pedestrians, or anyone else hurt due to the rideshare driver’s negligence.

So, it doesn’t matter if the rideshare vehicle is stationary or not. The moment your trip begins in the app, Uber or Lyft’s full coverage applies. Should another car rear-end your rideshare while you’re sitting at a red light, you are still protected under the company’s $1 million policy.

But if the rideshare driver hasn’t yet started the trip, perhaps you’re sitting in the car as they finalize pickup details, the coverage situation can change. During this waiting stage, Uber or Lyft may still provide limited liability coverage, but the driver’s personal auto insurance could also come into play, depending on who is determined to be at fault and whether the app indicates that the trip has officially begun.

Legal Professionals Can Identify Liable Parties

Injury claims are rarely straightforward. Insurance companies often debate which policy applies, and coverage can hinge on small details such as whether the driver had tapped on the icon that starts a trip in the app. A skilled Port St. Lucie Personal Injury Lawyer can investigate the incident, obtain digital trip data, identify all potential sources of recovery, and handle negotiations with multiple insurers.

Even if the vehicle wasn’t moving, your injuries can still lead to significant medical bills and lost income. By working with an experienced attorney, you can ensure that every available coverage layer is explored and that you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to under Florida law.

Wondering how a rideshare status may influence your recovery? You deserve compensation for rideshare injuries sustained due to another’s negligence in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Stuart, or Vero Beach. To learn more, connect with the attorneys at Leifer & Ramirez. Call 561-660-9421.