Rideshare apps like Uber make getting around Pensacola convenient, but when accidents happen, the aftermath can be confusing. You may be unsure who’s responsible, how insurance coverage applies, and what types of compensation you can actually recover. Understanding your rights after an Uber accident is essential to protecting your physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing.
At Fenimore Injury Law, our Pensacola Uber accident attorneys help victims secure the full compensation they deserve after being hurt in rideshare crashes. Below, we’ll explain what damages you may be entitled to recover and how Florida’s laws apply to Uber collisions.
Understanding Uber’s Insurance Coverage in Florida
Uber operates under a tiered insurance system that depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. Each phase determines how much coverage is available and from whom:
- Driver not logged into the app: If the Uber driver was off duty, only their personal auto insurance applies.
- Driver logged in but no ride accepted: Uber provides limited coverage—up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage.
- Driver accepted a ride or passenger onboard: Uber’s $1 million liability policy kicks in. This can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering for accident victims.
This structure can make it tricky to determine liability and compensation. That’s why speaking with an experienced Uber accident lawyer early on can make a major difference in your recovery process.
Types of Compensation You Can Recover After an Uber Accident
Compensation (or “damages”) after a rideshare crash generally falls into two categories: economic and non-economic damages. Depending on the facts of your case, you may also qualify for punitive damages if gross negligence or recklessness was involved.
1. Medical Expenses
Medical costs are often the most significant financial burden after an accident. Compensation may include:
- Emergency medical transport and hospital care
- Surgery, physical therapy, and rehabilitation
- Prescription medications and medical equipment
- Future medical costs related to your injuries
Even if you initially feel fine, it’s important to get a full medical evaluation as some injuries take time to appear. These records are key to establishing your claim’s value.
2. Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity
If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be compensated for the income you lost during recovery. For more serious injuries that affect your long-term ability to work, you may also recover damages for loss of earning capacity. This covers the difference between what you could have earned before the accident and what you’re now capable of earning.
3. Property Damage
If you were driving your own car when hit by an Uber driver, you can claim compensation for repair or replacement costs. Passengers may also recover for personal property damaged in the crash, such as phones, laptops, or other valuable items.
4. Pain and Suffering
Not all losses can be measured in dollars. Pain and suffering damages account for physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, and the overall impact of the accident on your quality of life. Florida does not cap non-economic damages in most personal injury cases, meaning your compensation can reflect the true scope of your suffering.
5. Loss of Consortium
In serious cases, your spouse or partner may be entitled to compensation for the loss of companionship, support, and intimacy caused by your injuries.
6. Wrongful Death Damages
If an Uber accident tragically results in death, surviving family members can seek wrongful death damages. These may include funeral expenses, loss of future income, and loss of companionship. Our compassionate legal team at Fenimore Injury Law helps families pursue justice and closure after devastating losses.
Who Is Liable for an Uber Accident in Pensacola?
Determining liability after an Uber crash can be complex because multiple parties may share responsibility. Depending on the circumstances, one or more of the following may be liable:
- The Uber driver, for negligent driving or distracted behavior
- Uber’s insurance company, if the driver was logged into the app or transporting passengers
- Another driver involved in the collision
- A vehicle manufacturer or maintenance company, if a mechanical defect contributed to the crash
For a more detailed look at liability in Florida rideshare cases, visit our resource on who is liable for damages in an Uber accident in Florida.
Steps to Take After an Uber Accident
Knowing what to do immediately after an accident can help protect both your health and your claim. Follow these steps:
- Call 911 and get medical attention.
- Report the accident to local law enforcement and Uber through the app.
- Take photos of the vehicles, injuries, and scene.
- Gather witness contact information.
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters before speaking with an attorney.
For a full breakdown of post-accident steps, read our guide on what to do after an Uber accident in Florida.
How Florida’s No-Fault Law Affects Uber Accident Claims
Florida follows a no-fault insurance system, meaning drivers typically turn to their own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage first, regardless of who caused the accident. However, if your injuries meet Florida’s serious injury threshold—such as significant disfigurement, permanent disability, or death—you can step outside the no-fault system and file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver or Uber’s insurer.
This process is complicated and often requires deep knowledge of Florida’s insurance statutes. Working with an experienced Pensacola Uber accident lawyer ensures your claim is handled correctly and that you don’t leave money on the table.
How an Experienced Attorney Can Maximize Your Compensation
Insurance companies often try to settle quickly and for less than victims deserve. A skilled attorney will:
- Investigate the accident and gather key evidence, such as driver logs, witness statements, and vehicle data.
- Determine which insurance policies apply and pursue compensation from all available sources.
- Handle all communication and negotiation with insurers.
- Take your case to court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
At Fenimore Injury Law, we have a proven track record of holding negligent drivers and corporations accountable. Our team understands how to build strong cases that reflect the full extent of your damages.
Real-World Data: Uber Accidents Are Rising Nationwide
According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report, rideshare vehicles are involved in a growing number of traffic accidents across the United States. While Uber provides extensive insurance coverage, that doesn’t mean obtaining fair compensation is simple. Victims must still navigate complex claims processes and corporate legal teams focused on minimizing payouts.
Additionally, research from the Injury Prevention Journal found that the rise of ridesharing services correlates with an increase in traffic fatalities, especially in urban areas. These statistics highlight the importance of knowing your rights and having experienced legal representation after a rideshare crash.
Why Local Experience Matters in Pensacola Uber Accident Cases
Pensacola’s mix of residential neighborhoods, tourist routes, and busy highways creates unique risks for rideshare passengers and drivers alike. Local knowledge of accident trends, traffic patterns, and insurance claim handling in Escambia County can give your case an edge. A local attorney also understands how Florida courts and insurers interpret Uber’s policies and what evidence is most persuasive to local judges and juries.
Contact Fenimore Injury Law After an Uber Accident in Pensacola
If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft crash in Pensacola, you don’t have to handle the legal process alone. Our dedicated legal team can help you pursue every dollar you’re owed for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Fenimore Injury Law proudly serves injury victims across the Gulf Coast with compassion, experience, and results. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you move forward with confidence.
Free Consultation: Call 850-434-6064 or fill out our online contact form below to get started.