Miami Personal Injury Attorney Blog
Florida is a magnet for tourists, business professionals, and short-term visitors, many of whom rely on rideshare services like Lyft to get around. Whether you’re visiting Orlando for a family vacation, attending a conference in Miami, or working on a temporary job in Tampa, Lyft provides convenient transportation—but with that convenience comes risk. Accidents involving Lyft drivers are increasingly common, and knowing how to protect yourself is essential if you’re injured.
This guide covers everything from pedestrian and bicycle accidents to passenger injuries, driver-on-driver collisions, and assault or harassment cases. Whether you’re a domestic or international visitor, understanding Lyft’s insurance policies and your legal rights from your Florida personal injury lawyers can make a significant difference.
Scenarios Leading to Lyft-Related Injuries
Accidents involving Lyft vehicles happen under various circumstances. Here are common scenarios where visitors to Florida may suffer injuries:
- As a Passenger in a Lyft Vehicle
- If you’re injured while riding in a Lyft, you may be entitled to compensation through Lyft’s insurance, regardless of who was at fault. Passengers can experience injuries from rear-end collisions, side-impact crashes, or rollovers.
- Pedestrian v. Lyft Vehicle
- Pedestrians in Florida’s busy streets—especially in high-traffic tourist areas like Miami Beach or Downtown Orlando—are at risk of being struck by rideshare drivers. Injuries can include fractures, head trauma, or life-threatening conditions.
- Bicycle v. Lyft Vehicle
- Cyclists are at significant risk, particularly when Lyft drivers are distracted, making sudden turns, or speeding to pick up passengers. Bicycle collisions often result in severe injuries, including broken bones and spinal damage.
- Car Accident with a Lyft Driver
- If you’re driving your own vehicle or riding in another car and are hit by a Lyft driver, determining fault and compensation may involve Lyft’s insurance policy.
- Pedestrian v. Lyft Delivery Driver (Lyft-owned delivery services)
- Food and package delivery drivers, often under pressure to meet deadlines, are prone to dangerous driving behaviors, such as running red lights or failing to yield to pedestrians.
- Assaults and Physical Altercations with Lyft Drivers
- Physical assaults, though rare, can occur when drivers are poorly vetted or insufficient background checks are performed by Lyft.
- Sexual Harassment or Assault in a Lyft Ride
- Unfortunately, incidents of sexual misconduct have been reported, with passengers experiencing harassment, groping, or assault during rides. Lyft’s liability may depend on how thoroughly they vetted the driver and whether they took adequate measures to prevent the incident.
Common Injuries from Lyft Accidents
The injuries sustained in Lyft-related incidents vary depending on the type of accident but can include:
- Soft tissue injuries (whiplash, sprains, or strains)
- Fractured or broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries (concussions or more severe brain trauma)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Cuts, bruises, and abrasions
- Emotional trauma (especially in cases involving assault or harassment)
Lyft Insurance Coverage: What You Need to Know
Lyft’s insurance coverage depends on the stage of the ride and the circumstances of the accident:
- When the Driver Is Logged Into the App but Not Picking Up or Transporting a Passenger:
Lyft provides contingent coverage with up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. - When the Driver Is En Route to Pick Up a Passenger or Actively Transporting a Passenger:
Lyft’s policy includes $1 million in liability coverage, as well as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. - Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage:
If you’re injured by a driver with inadequate insurance, Lyft’s coverage may step in to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. - Coverage for Assault or Harassment:
In cases involving assaults or sexual misconduct, Lyft may be held liable for failing to properly vet or monitor the driver.
Steps to Take After a Lyft-Related Accident
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s essential to get evaluated. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, may not present symptoms right away.
- Report the Incident to the Police
- A police report can serve as critical evidence when filing an insurance claim or pursuing a personal injury lawsuit.
- Notify Lyft
- Report the accident through Lyft’s in-app reporting feature or their website. Lyft’s representatives may initiate an investigation, but having legal guidance is recommended to protect your rights.
- Gather Evidence
- Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses, the Lyft driver, and other parties involved.
- Save Medical Records and Expenses
- Keep a detailed record of all medical treatments, prescriptions, therapy sessions, and related expenses. This documentation will help quantify your damages.
- Consult an Attorney
- Navigating Lyft’s insurance claims and determining whether a personal injury lawsuit is appropriate can be challenging. An experienced attorney can help you secure fair compensation.
Florida Laws and Comparative Negligence
Florida operates under a modified comparative negligence system, meaning that if you are partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, as long as you are less than 51% at fault, you can still recover damages.
For instance, if you were struck by a Lyft driver while jaywalking but the driver was speeding or distracted, you may share some responsibility but can still pursue compensation.
What Compensation Can You Pursue?
- Medical expenses: Coverage for hospital visits, surgeries, medication, and long-term rehabilitation.
- Lost income: Compensation for wages lost due to recovery time or permanent disability.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for emotional trauma, stress, and diminished quality of life.
- Property damage: Repairs or replacement of damaged property, such as a bicycle or personal vehicle.
Lyft-Related Assaults and Harassment: What Are Your Rights?
If you’ve experienced assault, sexual harassment, or misconduct during a Lyft ride, you may be entitled to additional compensation under negligent hiring or retention claims. Lyft has a duty to thoroughly vet drivers through background checks and maintain a safe rideshare environment. Failure to do so can result in the company being held liable.
Steps to Take in Assault or Harassment Cases:
- Report the incident to the police immediately.
- Document any physical evidence or injuries.
- Report the incident to Lyft and consult an attorney to explore your legal options.
International Visitors: How to Seek Compensation
If you’re an international visitor injured in a Lyft accident in Florida, you have the right to file claims under Florida law. However, legal proceedings can be complex, especially if you’ve returned home before the case is resolved. Hiring a Florida-based attorney is critical for handling the process on your behalf.
Key Tips for International Visitors:
- Seek medical attention promptly, and request documentation of all treatments.
- Maintain records of your travel itinerary, insurance policies, and any expenses related to the accident.
- Consult with a local attorney who can represent you in Florida courts and negotiate with insurance companies.
Why Choose Wolfson & Leon for Your Lyft Accident Case?
At Wolfson & Leon, we have extensive experience representing victims of rideshare accidents, including Lyft-related injuries. We understand the challenges that both domestic and international visitors face when pursuing claims, and we’re committed to securing the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today at 305-285-1115 for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and guide you through the legal process with dedication and expertise.
Don’t let an injury disrupt your visit to Florida. With Wolfson & Leon by your side, you can focus on recovery while we fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.