Lakeland Uber & Lyft Accident Attorneys

Injured in a Rideshare Accident in Lakeland, FL

If you’ve been injured in an accident involving Uber, Lyft, or any other rideshare service in Lakeland, FL, you may be dealing with medical bills, insurance confusion, and lost wages. At The Florida Law Group, our experienced Lakeland rideshare accident lawyers are here to help you navigate the legal complexities and fight for the compensation you deserve. Whether you were a rideshare passenger, a pedestrian, or the driver of another vehicle, we can help determine liability and guide you every step of the way.

Our legal team can thoroughly investigate your accident, identify all liable parties, and aggressively pursue the maximum compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Permanent disability or disfigurement

To schedule a free consultation, contact our Lakeland Uber & Lyft lawyers at (833) 899-0310.

Common Causes of Uber & Lyft Accidents

Accidents involving Uber and Lyft drivers can result from many of the same factors as other motor vehicle accidents, but there are also some unique risks due to the nature of rideshare driving. Here are the most common causes of rideshare accidents:

• Distracted Driving: Uber and Lyft drivers often rely on apps for navigation, ride requests, and communication, which can divert their attention from the road. Even brief distractions like checking directions or responding to riders can increase the risk of a crash.
• Fatigue: Many rideshare drivers work long or irregular hours, often after finishing other jobs. This leads to drowsy driving, which impairs reaction time and judgment.
• Speeding: To maximize earnings or meet tight pickup and drop-off times, some drivers exceed the speed limit. Speeding reduces the driver’s ability to stop quickly or respond to sudden changes in traffic.
• Unfamiliar Roads: Rideshare drivers frequently travel in neighborhoods or cities they don’t know well. This unfamiliarity can cause sudden turns, missed signals, or unsafe maneuvers.
• Improper Stops or Pickups: Drivers may stop abruptly or in unsafe locations, such as crosswalks or bike lanes, to pick up or drop off passengers. These sudden or illegal stops can confuse other drivers and cause accidents.
• Failure to Obey Traffic Laws: Some drivers roll through stop signs, make illegal U-turns, or fail to yield the right-of-way. These violations are often due to rushing or inattentiveness and significantly raise crash risk.
• Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Rideshare vehicles are often used heavily, and some drivers delay essential upkeep like brake or tire checks. Mechanical issues can lead to breakdowns or accidents while on the road.
• Weather Conditions: Driving in rain, snow, or fog requires extra caution and skill. Inexperienced drivers or those in a hurry may not adjust properly to hazardous conditions.
• Inexperience: Not all rideshare drivers have extensive driving experience, especially in dense urban traffic. A lack of defensive driving skills can lead to poor decisions and slower reactions.
• Other Drivers: Uber and Lyft drivers share the road with unpredictable or reckless drivers. Even if the rideshare driver is careful, other motorists’ actions can still cause a collision.

Rideshare Laws in Florida

Florida has specific laws that regulate how rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft operate, especially when it comes to insurance coverage and liability. Under Florida Statutes Chapter 627, rideshare companies are required to maintain insurance for their drivers during different phases of operation:

• When the driver is logged in but has not yet accepted a ride, minimum coverage of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage, must be provided.
• When the driver is en route to pick up a passenger or transporting one, the coverage increases significantly to $1 million in liability coverage.
• Rideshare companies must also provide uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection (PIP) in compliance with Florida’s no-fault insurance laws.

FAQs About Uber & Lyft Accidents in Florida

What should I do immediately after a rideshare accident?

Call 911, seek medical attention, take photos of the scene and vehicle damage, and gather contact information from all parties involved. Then, contact a Lakeland rideshare accident lawyer at The Florida Law Group to protect your legal rights.

Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly?

In most cases, Uber and Lyft classify drivers as independent contractors, which limits the ability to sue the company directly. However, you may be able to access their insurance coverage. Our attorneys can evaluate your case and determine the best course of action.

What if I was a passenger during the accident?

As a passenger, you are rarely at fault and typically have a strong claim for compensation. You may be able to file a claim against the rideshare driver, another driver involved, or both. We help you navigate all available options.

How long do I have to file a claim in Florida?

Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. Failing to act within this window can bar you from recovering any compensation, so don’t delay.

What if the rideshare driver was uninsured or underinsured?

Uber and Lyft are required by law to carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage when a ride is in progress. If you're injured during this period, you’re still covered even if the driver lacks adequate personal insurance.

Ready to Fight for You Today

Ridesharing accidents can be devastating emotionally, financially, and physically. When you work with The Florida Law Group, we treat you and your case like we would treat our own families if they found themselves in a similar situation. This means that we will take the time to listen to your story, connect you with the highest quality medical and mental health care so you can heal faster, and guide you every step of the way through the claims and litigation process. Our goal is to hold the guilty party – whether that be Uber or Lyft, or the individual driver/contractor – accountable, and get maximum compensation for the injuries you’ve suffered. We want to give you closure in the form of financial restitution! You can rely on our Lakeland Uber/Lyft accident injury lawyers to communicate with you with honesty, transparency, frequency, and dignity.

We know that the reason why our clients come to us is so we can ease their financial stress, not add to it, so we proudly offer all of our legal services on a contingency fee basis. This means that you do not pay our legal fees until we are able to recover a settlement for you! Everyone deserves compensation if they were injured in a crash involving Uber/Lyft, and money should not be an obstacle to getting justice. After we win an award amount for you, our fees are deducted from a portion of the settlement you otherwise would not have gained without our legal assistance. There is no risk and much to gain when you work with our firm!

Call (833) 899-0310 today or fill out our online contact form to speak with a dedicated Lakeland rideshare accident lawyer who can guide you through your legal options.