Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Tampa

Being involved in a rideshare accident in Tampa can turn your life upside down. You may be dealing with serious physical injuries, rising medical bills, emotional trauma, and a sudden inability to return to work. Fortunately, a Tampa rideshare accident lawyer can help you deal with the challenges these cases present so you can recover fair compensation.

At The Schiller Kessler Group, we have more than three decades of experience helping injury victims across Florida recover the compensation they need. Our firm is deeply familiar with the unique challenges that come with rideshare injury cases, and we’re ready to put our knowledge to work for you. Set up a free consultation with one of our Tampa car accident lawyers today.

Why Hiring a Rideshare Accident Lawyer Serving Tampa is Essential

Rideshare accidents are not handled in the same manner as traditional car accidents. The key complication is determining legal responsibility. Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies classify their drivers as independent contractors, not employees. This classification often allows these companies to avoid direct liability in the event of a crash.

Still, that doesn’t mean you’re out of legal options. Depending on how the accident occurred, you may be able to pursue compensation from one or more of the following parties:

• The rideshare driver
• The rideshare company
• Another negligent driver
• A third-party driver not directly involved in the collision, but whose actions caused the crash
• A vehicle manufacturer
• A mechanic who worked on one of the involved vehicles
• A local or state government agency responsible for road maintenance where the accident occurred

To identify who is legally responsible, you’ll need to hire an experienced Tampa personal injury lawyer, who will conduct a comprehensive investigation. This inquiry may include:

• Pulling data from the rideshare app
• Analyzing accident reports and police records
• Reviewing dashcam or surveillance footage
• Interviewing witnesses
• Inspecting vehicle damage

The more evidence your legal team can gather, the better your chances of recovering maximum compensation.

How Rideshare Insurance Works in Tampa

One of the most confusing and often frustrating aspects of rideshare accident cases is figuring out which insurance policy applies. Both Uber and Lyft maintain tiered insurance policies, with coverage levels that depend entirely on the driver’s working status at the time of the accident.

The Driver has the Rideshare App Turned Off

If the rideshare driver is not logged into the app when the crash occurs, they are considered to be using their vehicle for personal reasons. In this case, only the driver’s personal auto insurance is applicable, and the rideshare company can not be held liable for any resulting damages.

This can pose a major problem if the driver carries minimal coverage that does not fully compensate you for the losses you incurred. If their insurance isn’t enough to cover your damages, you may have to file a personal injury lawsuit directly against the driver.

The Driver is Logged in But Hasn’t Accepted a Ride

When a driver is signed into the rideshare app and is waiting for a ride request, contingent liability coverage from the rideshare company may apply. In Florida, this coverage typically includes:

• $50,000 for bodily injury per person
• $100,000 for bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 for property damage

However, this insurance can only be accessed after you first file a claim with the driver’s personal insurance provider. Only if those limits are exceeded will the rideshare company’s insurance coverage be activated. If both policies are insufficient, you may need to escalate your case to court by filing a personal injury lawsuit.

Driver has Accepted a Ride Request or has a Passenger in the Vehicle

As soon as the driver accepts a ride request, whether they are on the way to pick someone up or already transporting a passenger, full commercial coverage from the rideshare company applies. This typically includes up to $1 million in liability coverage.

While this coverage is considered primary during active rideshare periods, insurance companies may still delay your claim, challenge liability, or offer a low settlement.

An experienced Tampa rideshare attorney can negotiate directly with the rideshare company’s insurer and pursue the full compensation you are owed.

Damages You May Be Eligible to Recover After a Rideshare Accident in Tampa

If you’ve been injured in a Tampa rideshare accident, you could be entitled to significant compensation, depending on the circumstances. An experienced rideshare accident attorney serving Tampa will help you identify all the compensatory damages you may be able to recover, which can include:

• Medical expenses
• Future medical costs
• Lost income
• Reduced earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Loss of companionship or consortium
• Damage to your vehicle or other property damage
• Mental anguish
• Loss of quality of life

The value of your claim will depend on the severity of your injuries, the extent of your financial losses, and the strength of the evidence supporting your case. Your attorney will evaluate every potential source of compensation and evidence to strengthen your claim.

Work With a Rideshare Accident Attorney in Tampa Who Puts You First

At The Schiller Kessler Group, we know the challenges you face after suffering serious injuries in a rideshare accident. We’ve helped more than 30,000 injury victims across Florida, and we’re proud to bring that same passion and dedication to you. We are here to help whether you were injured as an occupant of another involved vehicle, a pedestrian, or a rideshare passenger.

Contact us by phone or through our online contact form to arrange your free case review with a member of our legal team today. We’ll thoroughly review your case and answer any questions you may have, including what steps to take next.