Injured While Riding with a Rideshare Company in Florida? Here’s What Visitors Need to Know

When visiting Florida for business or pleasure, many travelers rely on rideshare services for convenient transportation to hotels, conference centers, tourist attractions, and restaurants. While Uber and Lyft dominate the market, several other rideshare companies operate in Florida, providing an alternative option for visitors. However, accidents involving these services can happen just as easily, leaving passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and even other drivers injured.

This guide will cover rideshare companies beyond Uber and Lyft, the regions where they operate, common accident scenarios, and what you should do if you’re injured while using their services.

Alternative Rideshare Companies in Florida

In addition to Uber and Lyft, Florida hosts a variety of other rideshare and transportation services that cater to both tourists and business travelers. These include:

1. iRIDE (Orlando)

• Primary Service Area: Orlando and surrounding areas, catering mainly to tourists visiting attractions like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.
• Service Type: Shuttle-like service with multiple pickup and drop-off points along International Drive.

2. Wingz

• Primary Service Area: Miami, Tampa, Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale.
• Service Type: Pre-scheduled rides, often favored by business travelers and airport passengers.

3. SuperShuttle

• Primary Service Area: Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale airports.
• Service Type: Shared and private airport transportation service.

4. Blacklane

• Primary Service Area: Major cities such as Miami, Orlando, and Tampa.
• Service Type: Luxury, chauffeur-driven rides ideal for business travelers and special occasions.

5. Via

• Primary Service Area: Miami-Dade County and West Palm Beach.
• Service Type: Shared rides designed to be an alternative to public transit.

6. Carmel Car & Limousine

• Primary Service Area: Orlando, Miami, and Tampa.
• Service Type: Pre-arranged car services and luxury rides for airport and event transport.

7. Arro

• Primary Service Area: Available in select regions, including Miami and Orlando, offering access to traditional taxis via an app.
• Service Type: App-based taxi booking.

8. RideYellow

• Primary Service Area: Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
• Service Type: On-demand or pre-booked rides through a network of taxis.

Common Types of Accidents and Injuries Involving Alternative Rideshare Services

Just like with Uber and Lyft, these rideshare services carry inherent risks due to high traffic, distracted driving, and the demands of rideshare work. Common accident scenarios include:

1. Passenger Injuries in Rideshare Vehicles

• Passengers may be injured if their driver is involved in a crash with another vehicle or collides with an object. Common causes of these accidents include driver distraction, speeding, and failure to yield.

2. Pedestrian Accidents

• Pedestrians in Florida’s bustling cities, such as Miami or Orlando, face the risk of being hit by rideshare drivers, especially in crowded tourist or entertainment districts.

3. Bicycle Accidents

• Rideshare drivers often navigate bike-friendly areas, such as Miami Beach or Tampa’s Riverwalk, where cyclists are common. A driver’s failure to check blind spots can result in severe injuries to cyclists.

4. Vehicle Collisions Involving Rideshare Cars

• Rideshare drivers may cause or be involved in multi-vehicle accidents, affecting other drivers on Florida’s highways or city streets.

5. Assaults or Harassment by Rideshare Drivers

• In rare cases, passengers may experience physical or sexual assaults due to inadequate background checks or negligent hiring practices by rideshare companies.

6. Delivery Driver-Related Injuries

• Some services, like Via, operate with hybrid models where drivers may switch between transporting people and delivering goods. Accidents involving delivery drivers—similar to Uber Eats—can affect pedestrians or cyclists.

Common Injuries in Rideshare-Related Accidents

Rideshare accidents often lead to a range of injuries, from minor to severe, depending on the nature of the collision. Common injuries include:

• Soft tissue injuries (whiplash, sprains, or strains)
• Fractured or broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal injuries
• Cuts, bruises, and abrasions
• Emotional trauma, especially in cases involving assault or harassment

Insurance Coverage and Liability for Non-Uber and Non-Lyft Rideshare Accidents

Most rideshare companies offer insurance coverage similar to Uber and Lyft, but the specifics can vary. Determining who is liable and what compensation is available depends on whether the driver was logged into the app and actively accepting or transporting a passenger.

General Insurance Coverage Breakdown:

• When the driver is logged into the app but has no passengers:
  Contingent coverage typically applies, with limits such as:
  • $50,000 per person for bodily injury
  • $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
  • $25,000 for property damage
• When the driver is en route to pick up a passenger or is actively transporting one:
  Many rideshare services provide up to $1 million in liability coverage.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage:
  If another driver is at fault and has insufficient coverage, the rideshare company’s uninsured/underinsured motorist policy may cover medical expenses and other damages.

Steps to Take If You’re Injured in a Rideshare Accident in Florida

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
   • Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, may not be immediately apparent.
2. Call the Police
   • Request a police report, as it can be a critical piece of evidence when filing a claim.
3. Document the Accident Scene
   • Take photos of the vehicles, your injuries, and the surroundings. Gather contact information from witnesses, the rideshare driver, and others involved.
4. Report the Accident to the Rideshare Company
   • Most companies have an app or website reporting system. Provide only basic facts and avoid making statements about fault until you consult an attorney.
5. Consult an Attorney
   • Rideshare accident claims can be complex, particularly when dealing with multiple insurance companies. An attorney can help you negotiate for fair compensation.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

• Medical expenses: Current and future treatment costs
• Lost income: If your injuries prevent you from working
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional trauma
• Property damage: Repair or replacement of damaged personal property

What International Visitors Should Know About Filing a Claim

If you’re an international visitor injured in a rideshare accident in Florida, you have the same right to seek compensation as U.S. residents. However, you may face unique challenges, such as dealing with legal proceedings after returning to your home country. Working with a Florida personal injury attorney is essential to ensure your rights are protected.

Why Choose Wolfson & Leon for Your Rideshare Accident Case?

At Wolfson & Leon, we understand the unique challenges visitors face when injured in Florida, especially when dealing with alternative rideshare companies. Our experienced team can handle the complexities of rideshare insurance claims, helping you obtain maximum compensation.

Contact us today at 305-285-1115 for a free consultation. Let us handle the legal details while you focus on recovery.

Whether you’re in Florida for business or pleasure, an injury shouldn’t disrupt your plans or burden you with unexpected expenses. Trust Wolfson & Leon to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.