Florida Rideshare Accidents: The Critical Role of the App

Uber and Lyft offer convenience to passengers and drivers alike, allowing both to be paired quickly through an app.

Before you request that ride, though, there are a few things to consider:

Before the app is turned on, the driver is just another driver, covered by the required personal car insurance. Only when drivers use their apps are they working as independent contractors for Uber and Lyft, which provide additional insurance coverage.

What if the driver offers to give you a ride without going through the app? The offer may seem enticing since you may need multiple rides while you are in town for business or on vacation. Having one driver may seem more convenient. Uber and Lyft, however, only provide additional coverage to drivers logged onto the app. If you are injured while a passenger in an Uber or Lyft, and the app is not turned on, Uber and Lyft will likely deny coverage for your injuries.

Overall, car accidents involving rideshare drivers are more complicated. Different levels of coverage exist for Uber/Lyft drivers waiting for a ride-request vs. picking up a passenger or driving with a passenger.

If you have been injured in a rideshare accident in Florida, contact the experienced Pensacola car accident attorneys at Phil Hall, P.A at 850-760-2156.