A Lyft accident can leave you shaken, injured, and unsure of what to do next. Whether you were a passenger, another driver, a pedestrian, or a cyclist, the moments after a crash are critical. What you do immediately after a Lyft accident in Pensacola can directly impact your health, your insurance claim, and your ability to recover full compensation.
At Michael E. Fenimore, P.A., we help accident victims across Pensacola navigate the complicated legal and insurance issues that follow rideshare crashes. If you are unsure about your rights, our Lyft accident lawyers in Pensacola are here to guide you through every step.
1. Prioritize Safety and Call 911
Your safety comes first. If you are able, move to a safe location away from traffic. Call 911 immediately to report the crash. Florida law requires reporting accidents involving injuries or significant property damage.
Even if injuries seem minor, having a police report creates an official record. This document can become essential evidence later when insurance companies start asking questions.
2. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Adrenaline can mask pain. Many Lyft accident victims believe they are fine, only to discover hours or days later that they have serious injuries such as whiplash, concussions, or internal trauma.
Prompt medical treatment protects both your health and your claim. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, crash documentation plays an important role in insurance investigations. Medical records help connect your injuries directly to the accident.
Florida also follows a 14-day rule under Personal Injury Protection coverage. Failing to seek medical care within that timeframe can jeopardize your ability to access certain benefits.
3. Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you are physically able, collect as much information as possible:
- Driver’s name, contact information, and insurance details
- Lyft driver’s rideshare status at the time of the crash
- Photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries
- Contact information for witnesses
- Screenshots of your Lyft ride receipt if you were a passenger
Determining whether the Lyft driver was actively transporting a passenger, waiting for a ride request, or off duty can significantly affect which insurance policy applies. If you want to better understand these coverage phases, review our guide on how insurance works for Lyft accidents in Florida.
4. Avoid Admitting Fault
After a crash, it is natural to apologize or make statements in the heat of the moment. Avoid speculating about fault or saying anything that could be interpreted as accepting blame.
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means your compensation can be reduced if you are found partially responsible. Insurance adjusters are trained to look for statements that shift liability.
Liability in rideshare cases can be complex, often involving multiple parties. Learn more about how fault is determined by reviewing our page on liability in a Lyft accident in Pensacola.
5. Report the Accident to Lyft
If you were a passenger, you can report the accident through the Lyft app. If you were another driver involved in the crash, you may still file a report with Lyft through their website.
Keep communication brief and factual. Do not provide recorded statements without speaking to an attorney first.
6. Understand the Insurance Coverage That May Apply
One of the most confusing aspects of a Lyft accident is determining which insurance policy applies. Coverage depends on what the Lyft driver was doing at the time of the crash.
According to Lyft’s publicly available insurance overview at Lyft’s Safety and Insurance page, coverage may include up to $1 million in liability insurance when a passenger is actively in the vehicle. However, lower limits may apply if the driver was waiting for a ride request.
This layered insurance structure often leads to disputes between insurers. Having experienced legal guidance can prevent you from being caught in the middle of coverage arguments.
7. Be Careful With Insurance Adjusters
Shortly after the accident, you may receive calls from insurance companies. Their goal is to minimize payouts. They may ask for recorded statements or push for quick settlements.
Early settlement offers often fail to account for long-term medical care, lost earning capacity, or ongoing pain and suffering. Once you accept a settlement, you generally cannot seek additional compensation later.
8. Contact a Pensacola Lyft Accident Attorney
Rideshare accidents involve corporate policies, commercial insurance layers, and evolving Florida laws. Attempting to navigate this alone can be overwhelming.
At Michael E. Fenimore, P.A., we investigate the crash, determine applicable insurance coverage, calculate the full value of your damages, and negotiate aggressively with insurers. If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to court.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Depending on your injuries and the circumstances of the crash, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical care
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
Each case is unique. The sooner you seek legal advice, the better positioned you are to protect your claim.
Take Action Today
If you were involved in a Lyft accident in Pensacola, do not wait to protect your rights. Evidence can disappear quickly, and insurance companies move fast.
Contact Michael E. Fenimore, P.A. today for a free consultation. We are committed to helping injury victims throughout Pensacola pursue the compensation they deserve.