If you were struck by a negligent Lyft driver in Florida, you likely have a case. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Determining whether you have a valid case depends on several factors, including how the accident occurred and your insurance policy.
Florida’s complex traffic and personal injury laws, combined with Lyft’s insurance policies, make financial recovery difficult. However, an experienced Lyft accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale will guide you through your rideshare accident case.
Florida Is a No-Fault Auto Insurance State
Florida operates under a no-fault auto insurance system, which affects how claims are handled after a car accident, including those involving rideshare drivers like Lyft. The no-fault system is designed to streamline compensation for accident-related injuries and reduce the need for litigation in minor accidents.
Under Florida law, all drivers are required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. PIP provides coverage for medical expenses, hospital bills, and a portion of lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. However, PIP does not cover pain and suffering or most property damage, which means additional claims may be necessary for full compensation.
When Can You File a Lawsuit After a Lyft Accident in Florida?
Because Florida is a no-fault state, an injured party generally cannot sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering or other non-economic damages unless their injuries meet a statutory threshold. After reviewing your case, your attorney can clarify if you are eligible to file a lawsuit after a Lyft accident.
How No-Fault Affects Rideshare Accidents
In accidents involving Lyft drivers, PIP benefits are applied first to cover medical expenses, regardless of whether the driver was on a ride request at the time of the collision.
If the injuries exceed the PIP coverage limits, or if the driver was transporting a passenger when the crash happened, Lyft’s insurance may offer additional coverage to help cover remaining medical costs and other losses. In cases involving serious injuries that meet Florida’s statutory threshold, the injured party may also file a lawsuit.
Understanding Lyft’s Insurance Coverage in Florida
Lyft maintains a layered insurance structure that changes depending on whether the driver is offline, waiting for a ride request, or actively transporting a passenger. An experienced Fort Lauderdale rideshare accident lawyer can explain what type of insurance applies to your situation after reviewing your case.
While the Driver Is Offline
When a Lyft driver is not logged into the app or is offline, Lyft’s insurance generally does not apply. In this situation, any accident would be covered by the driver’s personal auto insurance.
Florida drivers are required to carry minimum auto insurance, which may include personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage liability. However, these minimums are often insufficient to cover serious injuries, which may affect the total compensation available in a claim.
Driver Is Online, Waiting for a Ride Request
Once a driver logs into the Lyft app and is available to accept ride requests (but has not yet accepted a passenger), Lyft provides contingent liability coverage. In Florida, this coverage typically includes:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 per accident for property damage
This coverage is considered secondary, meaning it kicks in only if the driver’s personal insurance does not fully cover the damages. While helpful, these limits may not fully compensate for severe injuries or substantial property damage.
Driver Has Accepted a Ride Request or Is Transporting a Passenger
When a Lyft driver has accepted a ride request or is actively transporting a passenger, Lyft provides full commercial coverage. This coverage is significantly higher than the contingent coverage and includes:
- $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury and property damage
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which may apply if the at-fault party lacks sufficient insurance
This tier is designed to protect passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians in the event of a serious accident. An experienced car accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale can determine if your case qualifies as a serious accident.
An Experienced Attorney Can Determine if You Have a Case if You Were Hit by a Lyft Driver in Florida
At Blakeley Law Firm, we have recovered over $250 million for our clients. We fight to get you paid fast! With over 40 years of combined legal experience, we know how to effectively navigate the legal process and handle insurance companies.
Whether you were a passenger, a pedestrian, or driving another vehicle when you were hit by a Lyft driver, we’ll pursue maximum compensation for your injuries. We’re South Florida’s most well-known Personal Injury Lawyer, so let us fight for you.
Call our personal injury law firm today to schedule a free initial consultation. After reviewing the unique details of your case, we can determine if you have a valid case if you were hit by a Lyft driver in Florida.
