Tampa Lyft and Uber Car Accident Lawyer

Getting around Tampa with Uber or Lyft is fast and convenient until something goes wrong. Rideshare drivers are part of the city’s daily rhythm, but as their numbers grow, so do the crashes.

In 2024 alone, Hillsborough County, where Tampa is located, recorded over 26,265 traffic crashes, resulting in nearly 17,359 injuries and 175 fatalities. A growing share of these involved Uber and Lyft drivers.

Tampa has seen a sharp rise in rideshare-related accidents, especially in busy areas like Ybor City, downtown, and near USF. They’re rear-end collisions, intersection crashes, and unsafe pickups that leave people hurt, scared, and unsure of what to do next.

And when the dust settles? You’re often met with silence from Uber or Lyft, confusing claims forms, and insurance reps eager to push a lowball offer. It’s overwhelming, especially when you’re already trying to recover.

At Steinger, Greene & Feiner, we take that stress off your plate. We’ve fought for injured clients across Florida for decades and recovered over $2 billion in compensation. If you’ve been hurt in a Tampa rideshare accident, call us. We’ll listen, explain your rights, and help you get every dollar you deserve. No pressure. Just answers. We’re here 24/7.

Who’s Liable in a Tampa Rideshare Crash?

Liability isn’t always obvious in a rideshare crash. Were you a passenger when your Lyft driver ran a red light on Kennedy Boulevard? Did an Uber driver speed into your lane near the I-275 exit? Every detail matters, and every second on the app can change which insurance company is responsible. We dig into the facts:

• Was the rideshare driver active on the app?
• Had they accepted a ride?
• Were other drivers involved?

Uber and Lyft try to limit their liability by calling drivers “independent contractors.” But we know how to prove when the company’s insurance should cover your damages. Our Tampa Uber accident attorneys hold every liable party accountable.

Uber & Lyft Accidents Insurance Coverage in Florida

What insurance applies after a rideshare crash depends on what the driver was doing at the time. Here’s how Uber and Lyft insurance break down:

That $1 million sounds generous, but rideshare companies don’t offer it up easily. Their insurance adjusters work to minimize payouts. That’s why it’s critical to work with a Tampa Uber accident lawyer who knows how to stand firm against corporate pressure.

What Damages Can You Recover?

After a rideshare accident in Tampa, you may be entitled to significant compensation:

• Emergency and long-term medical treatment
• Surgeries, rehabilitation, and therapy
• Lost income and reduced earning ability
• Pain and suffering, including emotional distress
• Property damage and vehicle replacement
• Long-term care or disability accommodations

Rideshare companies carry commercial policies for a reason but they’ll fight hard to protect their profits. We fight harder to protect your future.

When a driver is en route or carrying a passenger, Uber and Lyft must provide up to $1 million in liability coverage. They may also include uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, which can help even if another driver caused the crash and lacks sufficient coverage.

But these companies aren’t eager to pay. Their adjusters often delay or deny valid claims. That’s why it’s critical to have legal representation and take the right steps right after the crash.

What to Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Tampa

Whether you were in the rideshare vehicle, hit by one, or even a pedestrian nearby, what you do next can have a big impact on your case. Here’s a step-by-step guide to protect your health and your claim:

1. Call 911 Immediately
   If you’re involved in a crash within Tampa city limits, call 911 and request assistance from the Tampa Police Department (TPD). They will document the scene, interview witnesses, and create an official crash report—key evidence in your case.
   If the accident occurs outside the city but within Hillsborough County, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) may respond instead. You can request a copy of your crash report later from:
   • Tampa Police Department: TPD Online Crash Reports
   • Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV): BuyCrash.com
2. Get Medical Attention Right Away
   Go to the ER or urgent care if needed. Follow up with your primary care doctor. Insurance companies often argue your injuries “weren’t serious” if you delay treatment.
3. Document the Scene
   Take clear photos of:
   • All vehicles involved
   • Road conditions and signage
   • Visible injuries
   • License plates
   • The rideshare vehicle’s interior (showing app use if possible)
4. Save Your Ride Details
   • Screenshot the ride summary, receipts, messages, and driver name from your Uber or Lyft app.
   • Save any trip confirmation emails or texts.
5. Exchange Contact and Insurance Info
   Collect names, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details from every driver involved. Don’t rely on Uber or Lyft to do this for you.
6. Identify Witnesses
   Get statements and contact info from anyone who saw the crash. Witness testimony can be key when liability is disputed.
7. Report the Crash in the App (Carefully)
   Notify Uber or Lyft about the crash using the in-app process—but don’t give a recorded or written statement until you’ve spoken to a lawyer.
8. Do NOT Talk to the Insurance Companies Yet
   Rideshare and third-party insurers may call you fast, asking for statements or offering a quick payout. These are often lowball offers designed to close your case cheaply.
9. Call a Tampa Rideshare Accident Attorney ASAP
   The sooner we step in, the sooner we can gather evidence, protect your rights, and prevent costly mistakes.

How to File an Uber or Lyft Car Accident Claim

After an accident with an Uber or Lyft in Tampa, filing a claim can feel like trying to read fine print through broken glasses—confusing, stressful, and full of hidden traps. But knowing what to do (and what not to do) from the start can protect your rights and improve your chances of full compensation in your injury case:

1. Report the Accident Through the App
   As a passenger:
   • Open your Uber or Lyft app.
   • Go to “Help” → “Trip Issues and Refunds” or “Safety” → “Report a Crash.”
   • Follow the prompts to describe what happened.
     If you were in another vehicle or a pedestrian hit by a rideshare driver, you can report the incident directly through the company’s website:
   • Uber Accident Support
   • Lyft Safety Center
     Tip: Keep your statement brief and factual. Do not admit fault, speculate, or talk about injuries yet. Their goal is to minimize what they owe—you need to protect yourself.
2. Get the Insurance Details
   Uber and Lyft both carry insurance, but what coverage applies depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash:
   • App Off: The Driver’s personal insurance is the only policy.
   • App On, No Ride Yet: Uber/Lyft provides limited liability insurance.
   • En Route or with Passenger: Up to $1 million in liability, plus uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
     You’ll typically receive an email from a third-party claims administrator—such as James River (Uber) or Steadfast (Lyft)—handling the claim. Save every email, claim number, and name you’re given.
3. Submit Your Claim Documents
   To pursue a claim, you’ll need to submit documentation like:
   • Police report (available through Tampa Police or FLHSMV)
   • Medical records and bills
   • Pay stubs or work verification for lost income
   • Photos of injuries and vehicle damage
   • Proof of rideshare trip (screenshots, receipts, etc.)
     The insurance adjuster will then “investigate” and likely come back with an initial settlement offer, often lower than what your case is truly worth.
4. Don’t Sign Anything Without a Lawyer
   Uber and Lyft’s insurers are not neutral. Their goal is to resolve your case quickly and cheaply. If you accept a lowball offer or sign a release, you may give up your right to future compensation, even if your injuries worsen.
   Let a Tampa Uber accident attorney review every offer, letter, or call before you respond. We handle these claims every day and know what a fair settlement really looks like.
   Tip: If you’ve already reported the crash and started the claims process, don’t worry—you can still get legal help. We can take over communication with Uber, Lyft, or the insurer and advocate for a better outcome.

How Our Lyft and Uber Accident Lawyers Help

We handle it all, so you can focus on healing. Here’s how we fight for you:

• Investigate the crash – We gather police reports, app logs, and witness statements.
• Secure evidence – From surveillance footage to digital ride data.
• Handle all insurance calls – You don’t talk to adjusters. We do.
• Negotiate aggressively – We don’t settle for low offers. We fight for what you deserve.
• Go to court if needed – If rideshare companies refuse a fair deal, we’re trial-ready.

And with our No-Win, No-Fee Guarantee, you won’t owe us a dime unless we recover compensation for you.

Speak With an Uber or Lyft Accident Lawyer in Tampa Today

Whether your accident happened near Davis Islands, downtown Tampa, or over the Gandy Bridge, don’t go through this alone. Our Tampa car accident lawyers are already near you. Our Tampa office is ready to assist you in person or online. You can book an online appointment, from the comfort of your home, or visit us at: 2202 N Westshore Blvd, Suite 200
Tampa.

We’re here 24/7 to fight for your rights and guide you every step of the way. Call now or start a live chat with our Tampa Lyft and Uber accident attorney who puts you first. Your case review is free, and you won’t owe us a thing unless we win.