Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident in Port Charlotte? Here’s What to Do Next
Jenna Kakley
Accident Lawyers
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have transformed the way people get around Port Charlotte—whether commuting to work, heading to medical appointments, or enjoying a night out downtown. But with this convenience comes risk: as rideshare use has increased across Charlotte County, so has the number of accidents involving Uber and Lyft vehicles.If you’ve been injured in a rideshare-related crash—whether as a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver—you’re likely facing confusing insurance policies, finger-pointing between companies, and uncertainty about your rights. Unlike traditional accidents, Uber and Lyft collisions involve unique legal issues, including Florida’s layered insurance laws and the complex status of rideshare drivers as independent contractors.
At All Injuries Law Firm, P.A., we’ve been fighting for injury victims in Southwest Florida for over 35 years, and we understand how to navigate the rapidly evolving legal landscape of rideshare liability. Our team provides personalized legal guidance to people in Port Charlotte and beyond who’ve been hurt due to negligence involving rideshare vehicles.
This guide will walk you through what to do after an Uber or Lyft accident, explain how fault and insurance coverage are determined, and show you how we help clients recover compensation after a rideshare crash.
Is Rideshare Getting Riskier in Port Charlotte? Understanding the Rise in Accidents
Port Charlotte has seen a noticeable increase in rideshare-related traffic as the popularity of services like Uber and Lyft continues to grow. Unfortunately, with that growth comes a higher number of accidents. Statewide data reveals that rideshare vehicles are involved in over 2,000 accidents annually across Florida, and Port Charlotte experiences a significant share of these accidents. These accidents frequently occur in high-traffic areas such as Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41), Murdock Circle, and the busy intersections near shopping districts and medical centers.
Rideshare drivers are often behind the wheel for extended hours, which can lead to fatigue. They also face pressure to accept multiple ride requests, may be unfamiliar with local roads, and frequently stop in unpredictable locations—all contributing factors to accidents. Distracted driving is another major issue, as drivers constantly check their apps for navigation, ride updates, and passenger communication. These behaviors increase the likelihood of collisions, particularly during peak hours between 5 PM and 3 AM, or during the region’s busy tourist seasons.
Hurt in a Rideshare Accident? These Are the Most Common Causes
Several recurring issues contribute to rideshare accidents in the Port Charlotte area. Distracted driving remains the most common, with drivers interacting with navigation systems, ride notifications, and passengers. Environmental conditions like heavy rain, poor visibility, and congested roadways can also escalate risk—especially on highways and near construction zones. In some cases, aggressive or unsafe behavior such as speeding, sudden stops to pick up or drop off riders, or unsafe lane changes plays a significant role.
Fatigue from long shifts and unfamiliarity with Charlotte County roads are additional concerns. These factors often intersect, particularly in areas with heavy tourist foot traffic or during peak hours when rideshare demand spikes.
Who’s Liable in a Florida Rideshare Accident? Know Your Legal Rights
Florida operates under a no-fault insurance system, which requires each driver’s insurance to initially cover their own medical expenses up to $10,000 through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage—regardless of who caused the accident. However, the rideshare driver’s status at the time of the collision greatly affects the layers of coverage that apply.
If the driver was not logged into the app, only their personal insurance applies. When the driver is logged in but hasn’t accepted a ride, Uber and Lyft provide liability coverage up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage. If the driver is actively transporting a passenger, coverage increases to $1 million, including uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and additional collision protections.
This tiered system of insurance means that liability is often difficult to determine without a detailed investigation. That’s where having an experienced Port Charlotte rideshare accident attorney becomes vital.
Liability and Insurance Claim Determination
Determining liability in a rideshare accident involves a thorough review of the rideshare driver’s behavior, road conditions, other drivers' actions, and vehicle maintenance records. Accident victims—whether passengers or other motorists—may be eligible to file claims against multiple insurance providers depending on the specific circumstances. If you're a passenger injured in an Uber or Lyft vehicle, you’re often covered by the company's $1 million policy. However, if you're another driver or a pedestrian struck by a rideshare vehicle, proving fault and negotiating the different insurance layers becomes more complex.
Florida law requires rideshare drivers to carry supplemental insurance, and companies like Uber and Lyft must verify compliance through digital platforms. In multi-vehicle accidents, hit-and-runs, or crashes involving uninsured drivers, the legal landscape becomes even more tangled. At All Injuries Law Firm, our attorneys are the best at negotiating this situation and ensuring every possible source of compensation is pursued.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in Port Charlotte
If you're involved in a rideshare accident in Port Charlotte, your first priority is safety. Move to a secure location, call 911, and seek medical attention. Once you're safe, start gathering evidence: take photos of the scene, damage, weather conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect all parties' contact information, driver's license numbers, insurance details, and rideshare trip information. If possible, screenshot your app showing the ride confirmation and driver details.
Preserve medical records, receipts, and proof of lost wages. Request a copy of the police report and document your recovery progress. These records serve as the foundation for your legal claim and strengthen your chances of securing compensation.
What Compensation Can You Recover In You Are Hurt In A Rideshare Crash?
Victims of rideshare accidents in Port Charlotte are entitled to pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. This may include:
Medical expenses – emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, future medical needs
Lost income – missed workdays, diminished earning capacity, or long-term disability
Pain and suffering – physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, and reduced quality of life
Property damage – vehicle repairs or replacement, personal items lost in the crash
The legal team at All Injuries Law Firm carefully calculates these damages using medical documentation, employment records, and expert testimony to ensure our clients receive full and fair compensation.
How a Port Charlotte Rideshare Accident Attorney Can Help
Handling a rideshare accident claim without legal representation can be overwhelming. Insurance companies may attempt to shift blame or offer low settlements. At All Injuries Law Firm, our attorneys take over every aspect of your claim—from gathering evidence and dealing with the insurance adjusters to negotiating for the highest possible settlement or representing you in court if necessary.
Our contingency-based approach ensures you pay nothing out of pocket. We only get paid if we win your case. Our goal is to take the legal burden off your shoulders so you can focus on recovery and rebuilding your life.
Choosing the Right Attorney for Your Case
When selecting a rideshare accident attorney, look for experience, proven success with rideshare claims, familiarity with Florida’s transportation laws, and a commitment to communication. At All Injuries Law Firm, we offer:
• Extensive experience in rideshare and motor vehicle accidents
• In-depth knowledge of Uber and Lyft insurance policies
• A strong reputation in the Port Charlotte community
• A client-focused, responsive legal team
• A results-driven strategy with no upfront fees
Protect Your Rights After an Uber or Lyft Accident—Call for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident involving Uber or Lyft in Port Charlotte, don’t wait to protect your rights. The sooner you act, the better your chances of preserving key evidence and building a strong case.
Call All Injuries Law Firm, P.A. today for a free consultation. Our dedicated attorneys will listen to your story, explain your legal options, and start building a strategy to fight for the compensation you deserve. With decades of experience and a commitment to personalized service, we are proud to stand by our clients and deliver justice when they need it most.
Contact us now to get started, recovery begins with a single call.
References for Rideshare Accident Article – All Injuries Law Firm, Port Charlotte, FL
Florida Statutes – Transportation Network Company (TNC) Regulations
Covers legal responsibilities and insurance requirements for Uber/Lyft drivers in Florida.
https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2023/627.748
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) – Traffic Crash Facts Annual Report
Official statistics on traffic accidents statewide, including crashes involving rideshare vehicles.
https://www.flhsmv.gov/resources/crash-citation-reports/
Uber Insurance Coverage – United States
Explains insurance coverage based on the driver’s status (app off, waiting for ride, or transporting a passenger).
https://www.uber.com/us/en/drive/insurance/
Lyft Insurance Coverage – United States
Details Lyft’s liability coverage structure for drivers and passengers.
https://www.lyft.com/rider/insurance
Insurance Information Institute – Ridesharing and Insurance
Overview of how rideshare insurance works and why multiple policies may be involved.
https://www.iii.org/article/ridesharing-and-insurance
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – Distracted Driving Statistics
Supports information about distracted driving as a leading cause of rideshare crashes.
https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving
Florida No-Fault Insurance and PIP Overview – FLHSMV
Describes Florida’s no-fault insurance system and how it affects accident claims.
https://www.flhsmv.gov/insurance/
U.S. Department of Transportation – Transportation Network Companies Research
Insight into national trends, accident risk factors, and regulatory concerns around rideshare services.
https://www.transportation.gov/policy/transportation-policy/transportation-network-companies
National Safety Council – Fatigue and Driving
Reinforces risks associated with long shifts and driver fatigue, a key concern in rideshare accidents.
https://www.nsc.org/road/safety-topics/fatigue