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As ridesharing continues to grow in popularity, rideshare accidents are becoming increasingly common. Recognizing this concern, the Florida legislature has enacted laws that specifically protect victims of rideshare accidents. This includes both rideshare passengers and occupants of other vehicles involved in collisions with rideshare drivers. If you have been injured in a rideshare accident in Florida, hiring a Fort Myers accident lawyer to help you assert your rights under these laws will be crucial for maximizing your financial recovery.

What Accident Victims Need to Know About Florida’s Rideshare Laws

The main way that Florida’s rideshare laws protect accident victims is by providing access to insurance coverage. Liability insurance covers victims when the insured driver is at fault in a collision. For rideshare drivers, liability insurance is required.

Florida law requires different coverage amounts when drivers are logged into rideshare apps waiting for a ride request and when they are providing prearranged rides. A driver is considered to be providing a “prearranged ride” from the moment the driver accepts a ride request through the moment that the driver drops off his or her passengers.

When rideshare drivers are not providing prearranged rides, Florida law requires the following insurance coverage:

• $50,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person
• $100,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident
• $25,000 in property damage liability coverage

When rideshare drivers are providing prearranged rides, the following insurance requirement applies:

• $1 million in total liability coverage for bodily injury (including death) and property damage

Florida’s rideshare law provides additional protection for accident victims by stating that if a rideshare driver does not have the required coverage, then the rideshare company’s insurance policy applies. The law also states that rideshare companies’ insurance “must not be dependent on a personal automobile insurer first denying a claim, and a personal automobile insurance policy is not required to first deny a claim.” This means that accident victims can file claims under Uber’s and Lyft’s insurance policies without first attempting to obtain coverage from their own insurers.

Amendments to Florida’s rideshare laws in 2022 also require all Uber and Lyft vehicles to be up-to-date on safety recalls. The legislature enacted these changes to the law in response to growing concerns about drivers’ inadequate maintenance of their rideshare vehicles. As a result, in addition to negligence behind the wheel, if an accident involving a rideshare vehicle results from the driver’s failure to address a safety recall, this can also justify a claim for just compensation.

Request a Free Consultation with Fort Myers Accident Lawyer Randall L. Spivey

In 2023, Randall L. Spivey was named to the Florida Super Lawyer List for showing excellence in his practice of personal injury. Attorney Spivey has been named to the Florida Super Lawyer List every year since 2015. Only 5 percent of attorneys receive this distinction.

In addition to being named to the Florida Super Lawyer List, Attorney Randall L. Spivey is among only 1 percent of Florida lawyers who have the honor of Board Certification in civil trial law, the highest level of recognition by the Florida Bar for experience and competency.

Mr. Spivey has also been recognized by Martindale Hubbell as a Preeminent Attorney. This accomplishment is the highest rating standard, signifying the greatest level of professional excellence for legal knowledge, communication skills, and ethical standards. 

Were you injured in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle in Florida? If so, we can help you assert your legal rights. To discuss your claim with Fort Myers accident lawyer Randall L. Spivey in confidence, please call 888-477-4839 or request a free consultation online at Spiveylaw.com today. There are no costs or attorney fees until we receive a monetary recovery for you.