You were riding home when the Uber or Lyft vehicle was involved in a collision. Now medical providers need billing information, and you are unsure whether to contact the driver, the rideshare platform, the other motorist, or your own insurer.
Several coverages may need review. The driver's app status at the time of the collision is one of the first facts to establish.
The stage of the trip matters
Florida Statutes section 627.748 sets insurance requirements for transportation network companies and their drivers. The requirements distinguish a driver logged onto the app awaiting a ride from a driver engaged in a prearranged ride.
While logged on but not engaged in a prearranged ride, the statute requires primary liability coverage of at least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per incident for death and bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage. During a prearranged ride, it requires at least $1 million in primary liability coverage for death, bodily injury, and property damage.
The statute also addresses other benefits and how coverage may be provided. A trip can begin legally before the passenger gets into the vehicle, so the analysis should use the statutory definitions and actual app records.
A liability limit does not guarantee payment of your bills
The existence of a policy is one part of the analysis. Responsibility for the collision, covered persons, exclusions, other available benefits, and the nature of the losses also matter.
If another driver caused the crash, that driver's liability insurance may need investigation. The rideshare driver's or platform's applicable coverage may also be relevant. An uninsured-driver situation creates additional questions about available protection.
Do not assume that every passenger automatically receives the full policy limit, or that the platform is legally responsible for every action of a driver.
Medical billing and the injury claim may move at different speeds
A provider's bill may arrive before liability is resolved. Tell the provider that the treatment relates to a motor vehicle collision and ask which available insurance should be billed. Your own applicable policy or household coverage may also need review.
Eligibility and payment priority depend on the circumstances. Ask each insurer to explain the coverage it is evaluating rather than relying on a broad statement that "the rideshare company pays everything."
Do not delay necessary medical care while claims departments determine billing responsibility. Keep records of treatment, bills, out-of-pocket expenses, and any denial or explanation of benefits.
Preserve the app records immediately
As a passenger, keep:
- The receipt, ride identifier, pickup and destination information.
- The driver's name and vehicle details shown in the app.
- Screenshots showing the trip and relevant messages.
- Support communications and any incident report confirmation.
- Photographs, the crash report number, and witness contact information.
If the app display changes or the trip is no longer easy to access, those saved records may help identify the correct claim. Preserve accurate copies without changing or adding details to the screenshots.
For a driver, records of when the app was on, when a request was accepted, and when the ride ended can be especially important.
Report to the relevant parties and track each claim
Use the platform's appropriate incident-reporting process and provide truthful information. Also follow notice requirements under any policy that may apply to you.
Different insurers may assign separate claim numbers. Keep a list identifying the company, adjuster, claim number, coverage under review, and documents requested. That can prevent a repair payment, medical benefit, and injury settlement from becoming confused.
Before agreeing to a release, consider whether it affects claims against another driver or rights under another policy.
Does a passenger need to prove the rideshare driver was at fault?
The answer depends on the coverage or claim being pursued. A liability claim and medical benefits may have different requirements, and another driver may have caused the crash.
What if the driver was using multiple rideshare apps?
The timing and status of each app may need investigation. Keep the available records and do not assume the presence of one app resolves every coverage question.
Discuss a Florida rideshare injury with Gonzalez Munoz Law
If you were injured as a passenger, driver, pedestrian, or occupant of another vehicle in an Uber or Lyft-related collision, contact Gonzalez Munoz Law for a free consultation at 305-770-6666. Learn more about our North Miami Beach car accident practice.
This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Coverage and legal rights depend on the facts, the policy, and applicable law. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship.