Understanding Ride-Share Laws + Accidents in Florida

Ride-sharing laws and accidents in Florida have become a crucial topic of discussion, particularly in areas like Spring Hill. In the event of an accident, understanding the nuances of these laws is essential, and seeking the assistance of experienced car accident attorneys is highly recommended. The legal landscape surrounding ride-sharing accidents in Florida is still evolving, making it crucial to have proper legal representation to navigate the complexities of these cases.

Ride-share Laws + Regulations in Florida

The duty of care owed by drivers to passengers is heightened when it comes to companies providing transportation for compensation.

While traditional transportation companies have long been required to have specific insurance coverage to protect passengers, ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft were not held to the same standard until the passing of HB 221 in 2017. This law established clear insurance requirements for Uber and Lyft drivers in Florida, categorizing them based on their activity within the ride-sharing application.

Recent Changes in Ride-sharing Laws

The most recent ride-sharing laws in Florida from 2022 to 2024 have continued to focus on the importance of ensuring the safety and protection of passengers using services like Uber and Lyft.

These laws have aimed to establish clear insurance requirements for drivers, categorizing them based on their activity within the ride-sharing application. With the passing of HB 221 in 2017, Uber and Lyft drivers are now held to specific standards when it comes to insurance coverage, providing passengers with enhanced protection in the event of an accident.

As the legal landscape surrounding ride-sharing accidents in Florida evolves, it is crucial for individuals involved in such incidents to seek the assistance of experienced car accident attorneys who can navigate the complexities of these cases and ensure that their rights are protected.

Uber and Lyft Accidents in Spring Hill, FL

As drivers, we owe the general public a duty of care to drive our vehicles in a safe manner, but in some instances, the duty of care a person or entity owes another individual is enhanced by law. This is the case for companies that transport people for compensation. 

Legally, these companies or individuals are often referred to as “motor carriers” or “for-hire passenger transportation,” and they owe their passengers a higher duty of care than a normal driver due to the level of trust passengers place in a taxi cab driver or bus driver. As a result, taxi cab companies, limousine companies, and bus companies have often been required to carry specific types of insurance that provides enhanced protection for the passengers they transport.

Insurance Requirements for Uber or Lyft Drivers in Florida

Ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lift, however, have not had to carry commercial insurance for quite some time, but this came to an end in 2017 when HB 221 or the Uber/Lyft Bill was signed into law by then Governor Rick Scott. Under this law, which is codified under F.S.§627.748, Uber or Lyft drivers are separated into three categories for insurance purposes that are as follows:

• Not logged into the ride-sharing application
• Logged into the ride-sharing application but not engaged in the transportation or pickup of a fair 
• Logged into the application and actively picking up or transporting a fair

When a driver is not logged into the ride-sharing application, they are covered by their personal insurance, but when they are either logged into the application while waiting on a fair or logged into the application and actively transporting a passenger or traveling to pick up a customer, Uber and Lyft drivers are covered by the ridesharing company’s corporate insurance policy which must comply with the following policy limits under Florida law:

Logged into the ridesharing application while waiting on a fair

• • $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $100,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and $25,000 in property damage coverage per accident. 

Logged into the application and actively picking up or transporting a fair

• • $1,000,000 in liability insurance coverage for death, bodily injury, and property damage. 

Florida’s laws regarding Uber and Lyft accidents are still in their infant stages, and while all of the normal laws regarding car accident claims apply to Uber and Lyft accidents, there are specific rules regarding who is covered by the ride-sharing company’s insurance. Due to this, these types of car accident claims should be handled by a car accident attorney with experience in handling Uber and Lyft accident cases.

Accident Attorneys in Hernando County, FL

If you find yourself in an accident situation, don't hesitate to reach out to the skilled car accident attorneys at Peck Law. Our legal team will expertly navigate the claims process, engage with the responsible driver's insurance company, and, if necessary, meticulously prepare your case for potential trial.

With a wealth of experience in handling various car accident claims, our dedicated attorneys are prepared to jumpstart your case promptly. Contact Peck Law today for a complimentary consultation to discover how our car accident attorneys can assist you.