After a rideshare crash, figuring out who’s responsible can get complicated fast. The driver, Uber or Lyft, and other parties may all share fault. A rideshare accident lawyer in Weston cuts through these complications and helps you build a claim that reflects what you actually lost.
At Viles & Beckman, the team has been fighting for injured Floridians since 1995, with more than 40 years of combined experience and over $100 million recovered for clients.
Our Weston car accident lawyers treat every case, no matter the size, with the same full attention and care they’d give a family member. You pay nothing unless we win.
How Rideshare Insurance Works in Florida and Why It Matters for Your Claim
Rideshare accidents are different from typical car crashes because multiple insurance policies may apply, and which one covers you depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash.
Uber and Lyft divide their drivers’ activity into three phases:
- Period 0: App off: The driver is off duty. Only their personal auto insurance applies.
- Period 1: App on, waiting for a ride request: Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage, but it is significantly lower than their full policy limits.
- Period 2: Ride accepted, en route to pick up: Full rideshare company coverage kicks in, typically up to $1 million in liability coverage.
- Period 3: Passenger in the vehicle: The same $1 million policy applies until the ride ends.
If you were a passenger, a pedestrian, or another driver hit by a rideshare vehicle, the coverage available to you depends entirely on which period applies.
This is one of the main reasons rideshare claims are more complicated than standard car accident cases, and why having an experienced Weston rideshare accident lawyer in your corner matters.
Expect More, Receive More: Legal Support That Feels Like Family
Who Is Actually Responsible After a Rideshare Crash?
One of the most important questions after a rideshare accident is: who is legally responsible? The answer isn’t always straightforward, and in some cases, more than one party may share fault.
A Weston personal injury lawyer can help protect your claim from unfair fault assignments that could reduce or eliminate your recovery.
Potentially liable parties in a rideshare accident include:
- The rideshare driver: If the driver was negligent, speeding, distracted, or driving recklessly, they may be personally liable for your injuries.
- Uber or Lyft: The rideshare company’s liability depends on which period the driver was in at the time of the crash. During active rides, their $1 million policy typically applies.
- Another driver: If a third-party driver caused or contributed to the crash, their insurance may also be part of your claim.
- A vehicle manufacturer: If a defective vehicle part, such as faulty brakes or a tire blowout, contributed to the accident, the manufacturer could be held liable.
- A government entity: Poorly maintained roads, missing signage, or dangerous road conditions can sometimes point to municipal liability.
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are found to be more than 50% at fault for the accident, you cannot recover compensation. If you are 50% or less at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Rideshare Accident?
If you were injured in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the ways the crash has affected your life.
Economic Damages
These are the measurable financial losses tied directly to your injury:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
These damages reflect the personal toll the accident has taken on your life:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the strength of the evidence, and the insurance coverage available. A Weston rideshare accident lawyer can evaluate your situation and help you understand what your claim may be worth.
Why a Weston Rideshare Accident Attorney Makes a Real Difference
Rideshare accident claims involve layers of complexity that standard car accident cases don’t. You’re dealing with multiple insurance policies, a corporate legal team, and a company whose first priority is limiting what they pay out. Taking on that fight while recovering from an injury is an enormous burden.
An experienced rideshare accident attorney in Weston can:
- Investigate the crash thoroughly: Gathering police reports, app data, driver history, and witness statements to build a complete picture of what happened.
- Identify all available insurance coverage: Making sure no policy is overlooked and that you’re pursuing the maximum compensation available.
- Handle all communication with insurers: Protecting you from tactics designed to minimize your claim or shift blame onto you.
- Negotiate aggressively on your behalf: Fighting for a settlement that reflects the true cost of your injuries, not just what the insurance company is willing to offer.
- Take your case to trial if necessary: If a fair settlement isn’t on the table, your attorney should be prepared to fight for you in court.
Talk to a Weston Rideshare Accident Lawyer at Viles & Beckman Today
If you or someone you love was hurt in a rideshare accident, you have rights, and you deserve an attorney who will fight to protect them.
Viles & Beckman’s 5-Star Promise means you’ll hear back within 24 business hours, receive honest answers to every question, and have a team fully invested in your outcome.
Reach out today for a free consultation and take the first step toward getting the support and the results you deserve.