Rideshare Accidents in Miami: Who Is Liable for Your Injuries?

Uber and Lyft have revolutionized Miami’s transportation system, providing convenience to thousands of residents and tourists daily. However, rideshare accidents have increased in recent years, leading to complex legal challenges for injured passengers, drivers, and pedestrians.

If you've been injured in a Miami rideshare accident, determining who is responsible for your damages can be complicated. Is it the rideshare driver, the company, another motorist, or multiple parties?

In this guide, we’ll break down:

How Uber and Lyft’s insurance policies work
Who is liable for your injuries
The steps to take after a rideshare accident
What compensation you can recover
How a Miami rideshare accident lawyer can help you

The Rise of Rideshare Accidents in Miami

As Miami continues to grow, so does its reliance on rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. According to FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation), rideshare-related crashes have risen due to high congestion areas like Brickell, Downtown Miami, and Miami Beach.

🔹 More than 50% of Miami’s downtown traffic now consists of rideshare vehicles.
🔹 Intersection crashes involving Uber and Lyft drivers have surged by 35% in recent years.
🔹 Many rideshare accidents occur at night when drunk driving incidents also peak.

Miami's ongoing Signature Bridge construction project has further impacted traffic flow, detours, and confusion, increasing the likelihood of rideshare-related collisions.

Who Is Liable in a Miami Rideshare Accident?

Unlike traditional car accidents, rideshare accidents involve multiple insurance policies and potentially multiple liable parties:

1. The Rideshare Driver (Uber/Lyft Driver)
  • If the driver was distracted, reckless, or ran a red light, they may be personally liable.
  • However, their personal insurance may not cover accidents while driving for Uber or Lyft.
2. The Rideshare Company (Uber or Lyft)
  • Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage, but only during certain periods:
When the Driver is OFF-Duty (App Off)
  • The driver’s personal auto insurance applies.
  • Uber/Lyft does NOT provide coverage.
When the App is On, but No Ride Accepted
  • Uber/Lyft provides limited liability coverage:
    $50,000 per person for bodily injury
    $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
    $25,000 for property damage
When a Ride is Accepted or Passenger Onboard
  • Uber/Lyft’s $1 million policy applies, covering:
    Third-party liability (other drivers, pedestrians, cyclists)
    Passenger injuries
    Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

Important: Even though Uber and Lyft offer a $1 million policy, their insurers often try to deny or minimize claims. Working with a Miami car accident lawyer can help you protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

3. Another Negligent Driver
  • If another driver caused the accident (e.g., speeding, drunk driving, running a red light), they may be liable.
  • In these cases, their personal auto insurance should cover damages.
4. Government Entities or Road Contractors
  • If poor road design, missing signs, or work zone negligence contributed to the crash, the city or state government may be partially responsible.
  • With Miami’s ongoing Signature Bridge project, poorly marked detours have led to increased accidents.
Steps to Take After a Miami Rideshare Accident1. Get Medical Help Immediately
  • Even if you feel fine, see a doctor. Injuries like whiplash may appear days later.
  • Medical records are crucial for your legal claim.
2. Gather Evidence at the Scene
  • Take photos and videos of:
    ✔ Accident scene (vehicles, road conditions, construction areas)
    ✔ License plates and rideshare driver’s app screen
    ✔ Visible injuries
3. Call the Police
  • A Miami police report is critical for establishing fault.
  • Ask for a copy of the report for your lawyer and insurance claim.
4. Report the Accident to Uber/Lyft
  • Use the rideshare app’s support center to report the crash.
  • Uber and Lyft may try to downplay the incident—don’t agree to a quick settlement.
5. Contact a Miami Rideshare Accident Lawyer
  • A Miami car accident lawyer can deal with insurance companies, prove liability, and maximize your settlement.
  • Do NOT accept an insurance offer without legal advice—insurance companies often lowball victims.
What Compensation Can You Recover?

As a rideshare accident victim, you may be entitled to:

Medical Bills (hospital visits, surgeries, rehab, medications)
Lost Wages (missed work due to injuries)
Property Damage (car repairs or replacement)
Pain & Suffering (emotional distress, PTSD, permanent injuries)
Wrongful Death Damages (for families of deceased victims)

Uber and Lyft insurance adjusters will try to pay you less than you deserve. A Miami car accident attorney can help you secure full compensation.

Challenges in Miami Rideshare Accident Cases

Even though Uber and Lyft provide $1 million in coverage, injured passengers often face:

  • Insurance Claim Denials – Insurers argue over liability, delaying payments.
  • Lowball Settlement Offers – Uber/Lyft may offer far less than your medical costs.
  • Confusion Over Multiple Policies – Determining which insurance applies can be complex.

Solution: Working with a Miami rideshare accident attorney ensures you aren’t taken advantage of.

Why Hire a Miami Rideshare Accident Lawyer?

Filing a rideshare accident claim can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with Uber, Lyft, and insurance adjusters. A skilled attorney will:

✔ Investigate Uber/Lyft driver history, app data, and insurance coverage
✔ Negotiate directly with insurers so you don’t get lowballed
✔ Determine if multiple parties (driver, company, another motorist) are at fault
File lawsuits if necessary to secure maximum compensation

Take Action Now: Get a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one were injured in a Miami rideshare accident, you deserve fair compensation. The insurance companies will try to underpay you—don’t let them. Call (305) 285-1115 today, and our team will handle your case with the personal care and attention your case requires. Let us help you get back on the road to recovery.

Since 1963, Jerome Wolfson, Esq. and the team at Wolfson & Leon have proudly served accident victims across Florida:
  • Miami
  • Orlando
  • Tampa
  • Jacksonville
  • Fort Lauderdale
  • West Palm Beach
  • Fort Myers
  • Cape Coral
  • Sarasota
  • Clearwater
  • Tallahassee
Key Takeaways on Miami Rideshare Accidents

✅ Uber & Lyft provide $1 million insurance coverage—but getting paid is tricky.
✅ Liability depends on the driver’s status (app on/off, ride accepted).
Multiple parties may be responsible—rideshare drivers, Uber/Lyft, or other motorists.
A Miami rideshare accident lawyer can fight insurance companies to maximize your settlement.

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