St. Petersburg Rideshare Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, you may already be facing denied insurance claims, disputes over liability, and mounting medical bills. Without an experienced St. Petersburg rideshare accident lawyer, you risk losing the compensation you’re entitled to.

Unlike regular car crashes, rideshare accidents involve multiple insurance policies, corporate liability shields, and legal loopholes that can leave injured passengers and drivers struggling to recover fair compensation.

At Bernstein Law, we fight back against rideshare companies and their billion-dollar insurance carriers to protect the rights of injured victims.
Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Call Bernstein Law today at 727-209-7957 for a free consultation.

Should You Talk To A PI Attorney About Your Case?

Who Is Liable in a Rideshare Accident in Florida?

Headshot of a St Petersburg divorce lawyerDerek Bernstein stands out with his unique ability to blend deep legal expertise with genuine compassion. His approach to personal injury law isn’t just about securing compensation—it’s about helping clients rebuild their lives after devastating accidents.

Derek’s dedication goes beyond legal strategy; he takes the time to listen, ensuring every client feels supported and empowered throughout the process. Whether facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, or insurance company tactics, Derek provides aggressive representation with a personal touch, fighting to get clients the justice they deserve.

Who Is Liable in a Rideshare Accident in Florida?

Unlike standard car accidents, rideshare crashes involve multiple parties, each of whom may try to shift blame and avoid financial responsibility. Who is liable? It depends on the circumstances of the crash:

  • The Rideshare Driver – If the driver caused the accident due to negligence (e.g., speeding, distracted driving, reckless behavior), their personal insurance or Uber/Lyft’s policy may apply.
  • Uber or Lyft’s Corporate Insurance – If the driver was actively transporting a passenger or matched with a rider, the rideshare company’s $1 million insurance policy may provide coverage.
  • Another At-Fault Driver – If another driver caused the accident, their insurance would be responsible for damages.
  • Vehicle Manufacturers – If a mechanical defect or faulty rideshare vehicle played a role, the manufacturer could be held accountable.

Liability in a rideshare accident isn’t always clear-cut. That’s why it’s critical to work with a rideshare accident attorney in St. Petersburg who understands how to navigate these complex claims.

Uber & Lyft Insurance Coverage in Florida

How Rideshare Insurance Works in a Crash

Uber and Lyft drivers are covered under a tiered insurance system that varies based on their status at the time of an accident. However, rideshare companies often try to deny responsibility, leaving injured passengers and drivers unsure of who is liable for their damages.

Below is a breakdown of Uber and Lyft’s insurance coverage depending on whether the driver is offline, waiting for a ride request, en route to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting one.

 

Driver Status Uber/Lyft Coverage Key Considerations
Offline (Not logged into the app) No coverage from Uber or Lyft The driver’s personal auto insurance must cover the accident.
App On – Waiting for a Ride Request Liability coverage: $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, $25,000 for property damage This limited coverage only applies if the driver’s personal insurance denies the claim. Rideshare companies often try to argue that their policy doesn’t apply.
En Route to Pick Up a Passenger Up to $1 million in liability coverage Rideshare companies provide corporate coverage, but may attempt to shift blame onto other parties.
Passenger in the Vehicle Up to $1 million in liability + uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage If another driver causes the accident but lacks adequate insurance, Uber and Lyft’s UM/UIM policy applies.
After the Ride Ends (Offline) No coverage from Uber or Lyft The driver’s personal insurance is the only policy that applies.

Additional Coverage Details for Rideshare Drivers

In addition to liability coverage, Uber and Lyft offer collision and comprehensive coverage—but only if the driver maintains personal auto insurance that includes collision coverage.

Contingent Collision & Comprehensive Coverage

  • Covers vehicle damage, regardless of fault
  • Limited to the vehicle’s actual cash value
  • $1,000 deductible before coverage applies

Warning: Uber and Lyft frequently dispute coverage claims, arguing that the driver was not “actively engaged” at the time of the accident. Even when coverage applies, injured victims often face lowball settlement offers or delayed payouts.

Why Rideshare Insurance Can Be Difficult to Navigate Alone

Even though Uber and Lyft advertise $1 million insurance policies, their insurance companies and legal teams are trained to reduce payouts by:

  • Claiming the driver was not in the correct status at the time of the crash.
  • Denying uninsured/underinsured motorist claims even when the at-fault driver has no coverage.
  • Pressuring victims to accept fast, low-value settlements before they understand the full extent of their injuries.

Solution: If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, do NOT negotiate with the insurance companies alone. Bernstein Law knows how to fight back against corporate rideshare insurers and secure the compensation you deserve.

Call Bernstein Law at 727-209-7957 today for a free consultation.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Rideshare Accident?

Damages Available in Florida Rideshare Cases

Victims of Uber and Lyft accidents may be entitled to significant financial compensation. A rideshare injury claim can cover:

  • Medical Expenses – Hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, prescription medications.
  • Lost Wages – Compensation for income lost due to injuries preventing work.
  • Pain & Suffering – Physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
  • Property Damage – Costs of vehicle repairs or replacement if your car was involved.
  • Wrongful Death Compensation – Funeral costs, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering for surviving family members.

Why Insurance Companies Try to Undervalue Claims

Even though Uber and Lyft have million-dollar insurance policies, insurance providers often fight aggressively to pay out as little as possible. Common tactics include:

  • Blaming the injured passenger for pre-existing medical conditions.
  • Arguing that the rideshare driver wasn’t “actively engaged” at the time of the crash.
  • Offering lowball settlements in hopes that victims accept before realizing the full extent of their losses.

At Bernstein Law, we fight back against these unfair tactics, ensuring injured rideshare passengers and drivers get the full compensation they deserve.

Don’t let Uber or Lyft’s insurance providers undervalue your claim. Call Bernstein Law at 727-209-7957 today for a free consultation.

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Knowledgeable, Passionate, & Informative

Derek is very knowledgeable and passionate with his work. He is very good at communicating with his clients and keeping everyone informed. If you want someone in your corner he is your man, he will be there every step of the way.

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Mr. Bernstein quickly answered questions even when not retained or could be retained in my specific area. It’s a comfort knowing there are good individuals out there that actually care about families and most of all children’s well being, all through sharing the knowledge gained through many extensive years of education, practice and on hand experience.

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I have consulted Derek multiple times regarding legal advice and he is always on point regarding personal injury cases. Also, an honest individual looking our for his clients best interest

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Mr. Bernstein has advised me on the number of business matters, and has proven to be knowledgeable, professional and thorough.

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Mr. Bernstein has been do PIP Suits for my office over the past few years. He is one of the best I’ve seen at getting these settled quickly. Thanks for your hard work.

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We utilize Mr. Bernstein for our PIP suit work against insurance companies and we are always treated professionally and their firm always finds us lost money.

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Excellent Attorney!

Derek is a very dedicated and hardworking Attorney. Easy to get in touch with as he is technologically very savvy and makes himself available through many different avenues. It helps tremendously that he is also very understanding of clients needs. All around a great guy and a great Attorney.

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In the short time Mr. Bernstein has been representing my clinic, he has shown himself to be a proven winner. He is professional and courteous in all interactions with my staff and others. His knowledge and acumen has made our business relationship a successful one.

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Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident in St. Petersburg

Immediate Steps to Take at the Scene

If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident—as a passenger, rideshare driver, or another motorist—taking the right steps immediately can protect your claim and prevent insurance companies from disputing liability.

1. Call 911 & Report the Accident

  • Always ensure that law enforcement responds to the scene and files an official accident report.
  • A police report is critical evidence that documents what happened and helps prove fault.
  • If the rideshare driver or another driver tries to convince you not to call the police, DO NOT agree—this could harm your claim.

2. Document the Accident Scene

  • Take Photos & Videos: Capture images of all vehicles involved, license plates, traffic signs, and visible injuries.
  • Get Rideshare Trip Details: Screenshot your Uber or Lyft ride receipt to show that the driver was logged into the app at the time of the crash.
  • Save Driver & Vehicle Info: Collect the rideshare driver’s full name, insurance information, and vehicle details.

3. Gather Witness Statements

  • If bystanders saw the crash, ask for their contact information and a brief statement.
  • Witness testimony can help prove liability if insurance companies try to dispute fault.

4. Seek Medical Attention ASAP

  • Some injuries do not appear immediately—especially concussions, soft tissue damage, and internal injuries.
  • Visit a doctor as soon as possible to document your injuries and link them to the accident.
  • Insurance companies often argue that delayed medical treatment means your injuries aren’t serious—don’t give them that chance.

5. Speak With a Rideshare Accident Lawyer Before Talking to Insurance Adjusters

  • Do NOT give a recorded statement to Uber, Lyft, or any insurance company before consulting an attorney.
  • Insurance adjusters will pressure you into accepting a low settlement before you fully understand your injuries and legal rights.
  • Bernstein Law fights back against insurance tactics to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.

How Rideshare Insurance Works in a Crash

  • Uber & Lyft’s insurance companies are not on your side—they exist to protect corporate profits by minimizing payouts.
  • Victims who handle claims alone often settle for far less than they’re entitled to.
  • An experienced rideshare accident lawyer can prevent delayed claims, denied liability, and lowball offers.

Injured in a rideshare accident? Call Bernstein Law at 727-209-7957 for a free case review.

Why You Need a St. Petersburg Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Challenges in Uber & Lyft Accident Claims

Unlike a typical car accident case, rideshare injury claims are highly complex due to multiple insurance policies, corporate legal teams, and tactics designed to minimize payouts.

  • Corporate Legal Teams – Uber & Lyft employ aggressive defense attorneys who work to deny or minimize claims.
  • Multiple Insurance Policies – Determining which insurance policy applies (the driver’s personal insurance, Uber/Lyft’s policy, or a third-party driver’s coverage) is legally complicated.
  • Lowball Settlement Offers – Rideshare companies and their insurers pressure victims into accepting far less than they deserve.

How Bernstein Law Levels the Playing Field

With deep experience in Florida rideshare accident cases, Bernstein Law is committed to fighting back against corporate insurers and maximizing compensation for victims.

  • Thorough Investigations – We gather all available evidence, including rideshare app records, accident reports, and witness statements.
  • Aggressive Negotiations – We fight insurance companies head-on to ensure clients receive full and fair compensation.
  • Trial-Ready Representation – If Uber, Lyft, or their insurers refuse to offer a fair settlement, we take them to court.

Uber & Lyft don’t scare us—Bernstein Law holds them accountable for their negligence.

Bad Uber or Lyft Accident? Call Derek Bernstein

Fighting a rideshare accident claim on your own is exactly what Uber, Lyft, and their billion-dollar insurance companies hope you’ll do. They count on victims feeling overwhelmed, accepting lowball settlements, or even giving up altogether. You don’t have to face this battle alone.

At Bernstein Law, we’ve seen firsthand how rideshare companies try to dodge responsibility. We fight aggressively to hold them accountable, ensuring injured victims in St. Petersburg recover full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Now is the time to act. The longer you wait, the more opportunities insurance companies have to twist the facts against you. Call Bernstein Law today at 727-209-7957 for a free consultation and put an experienced rideshare accident lawyer in your corner.

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Call us at 727.209.7957

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