Coral Gables Rideshare Accident Attorneys
A crash involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle can raise questions that an ordinary car accident does not. At Maderal Byrne & Furst, we represent passengers, other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists who have been seriously injured in rideshare crashes, and families who have lost a loved one. Our firm limits its caseload so every client receives direct attention from our attorneys.
Who May Be Responsible After a Rideshare Crash
Responsibility can rest with the rideshare driver, another driver, the owner of a vehicle, or a vehicle or parts manufacturer if a defect played a role. Rideshare companies generally classify their drivers as independent contractors, and whether a company can be held responsible depends on the facts.
Florida Rideshare Insurance Requirements
Florida Statute § 627.748 sets minimum insurance requirements for rideshare drivers and companies. Which minimum applies depends on the driver’s status in the app at the time of the crash:
| Driver status | Required coverage |
|---|---|
| Not logged on to the app | The driver’s personal auto policy |
| Logged on, no ride accepted | At least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per incident for death and bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage, plus PIP and UM/UIM as required by Florida law. May be provided by the driver’s policy or the rideshare company’s policy. |
| Ride accepted through the last rider’s exit | At least $1,000,000 for death, bodily injury, and property damage |
These are required minimums as of November 2026, not the limits of any particular policy. The coverage that applies to a claim depends on the policies involved and the facts of the crash. App records and other digital evidence can be important in showing the driver’s status, and they can be overwritten or discarded over time.
Florida Deadlines & Comparative Fault
Under Florida Statute § 95.11(5)(a), a negligence lawsuit for an injury that happened after March 24, 2023, generally must be filed within two years. A wrongful death lawsuit also generally has a two-year limit, which runs from the date of death. Some claims follow different deadlines or notice requirements.
Florida applies a modified comparative fault standard under Florida Statute § 768.81:
- 50% or Less at Fault: You can recover damages, though your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.
- More Than 50% at Fault: In most negligence cases, you are generally barred from recovering damages.
Serious Injuries in Rideshare Crashes
Serious rideshare crash claims can involve traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractures requiring surgery, internal organ damage, and wrongful death. The compensation available depends on the facts of each case and the law that applies. It can include medical expenses, lost income, and non-economic harm such as pain and suffering. We cannot predict or promise the outcome of any case.
What to Do After a Rideshare Crash
- Get medical care promptly. Florida’s no-fault rules have a 14-day treatment requirement for PIP benefits (see our Car Accidents page).
- Call the police and ask for a copy of the crash report.
- If you can, save screenshots of the ride details, driver profile, and receipt, along with photos and witness names.
- Keep records of your expenses and missed work.
- Be careful what you say to insurance companies. Consider speaking with an attorney before giving a recorded statement.
- Avoid posting about the crash on social media.
Our Attorneys
Founders Frank Maderal and John Byrne are former federal prosecutors. Meet our attorneys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will you take my rideshare accident case?
We handle serious injury and wrongful death claims. Whether we can take a particular case depends on the facts. Contact us for a free case evaluation.
Who is responsible if the driver was an independent contractor?
It depends on the facts, including the driver’s status in the app, who owned the vehicle, and what the driver was doing. Rideshare companies generally classify drivers as independent contractors, and whether a company can be held responsible depends on the circumstances.
Can a passenger bring a claim?
A passenger injured in a rideshare crash may have claims against more than one party, depending on the facts. Florida’s no-fault rules may also apply.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
For most negligence claims where the injury happened after March 24, 2023, the deadline is generally two years. Some claims follow different deadlines or notice rules, so speak with an attorney as soon as you can.
What if I was partly at fault?
In most Florida negligence cases, you can still recover if you were 50% or less at fault, though your award is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found more than 50% at fault, you are generally barred from recovering.
How much does it cost to hire a rideshare accident lawyer?
We generally handle rideshare accident cases on a contingency fee basis. When we do, you pay no attorney fees, and owe nothing for case costs, unless we recover compensation for you.
If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury in a rideshare crash, contact Maderal Byrne & Furst today for a free, confidential case evaluation.
Call our office directly at 305-520-5690 or fill out our secure online contact form to speak with a member of our team about your claim.
The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements.
Submitting an online contact form or requesting a case evaluation does not establish an attorney-client relationship.
Past outcomes and verdicts do not guarantee a similar result in future legal matters.
The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. The law is subject to change, and how it applies depends on the facts of each case. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed attorney.
Maderal Byrne & Furst is not affiliated with Uber or Lyft.