Tampa Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Who Is Liable in a Rideshare Accident?

To recover compensation in a rideshare crash — or any injury case — you must prove that someone else’s negligence caused your injuries. That means identifying the party (or parties) who acted carelessly or recklessly and connecting their actions to the harm you suffered.

In rideshare cases, this process is often more complex than in a typical car accident. There may be multiple drivers involved, unclear insurance coverage, and disputes about whether the rideshare driver was “on the clock.” Our job is to sort through those issues and build a case that clearly shows:

• Who caused the crash
• What role Uber, Lyft, or other entities may have played
• Which insurance policies are responsible for covering your damages

Depending on how and when the crash occurred, responsibility may fall on:

• The rideshare driver, if their actions caused the crash
• A third-party driver, if they were the negligent party
• Uber or Lyft’s commercial insurer, if the driver was logged into the app or completing a ride
• In rare cases, the rideshare company, if corporate negligence played a role (e.g., failure to screen or suspend unsafe drivers)

Determining who is financially responsible can be especially difficult when Uber and Lyft deny liability or claim that a driver was “off the clock” at the time of the crash. At Stallworth Law, we dig deep into the facts, examine insurance layers, and fight to recover the maximum compensation possible.

Uber & Lyft Insurance: When Does It Apply?

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft carry commercial insurance policies, but coverage varies depending on the driver’s “status” at the time of the crash:

• Driver was offline / not using the app: Only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies.
• Driver was logged into the app, but hadn’t accepted a ride: Limited third-party liability coverage may apply: $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident, $25,000 for property damage.
• Driver was en route to pick up a passenger or actively transporting one: Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage, plus uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in some cases.

If you were hurt in a rideshare crash, whether as a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian, we can help determine which insurance policies apply and pursue the maximum compensation available.

Common Rideshare Accident Scenarios We Handle

Stallworth Law represents clients in a wide range of rideshare-related claims, including:

• Passengers injured in Uber or Lyft crashes
• Pedestrians or cyclists struck by rideshare drivers
• Drivers hit by an Uber or Lyft vehicle
• Rideshare drivers injured by other motorists
• Hit-and-run accidents involving app-based drivers
• Wrongful death claims after fatal rideshare collisions

No matter how the crash occurred, we work to hold the right party accountable — and make sure our clients aren’t buried in red tape, delay tactics, or vague answers from insurance adjusters.

What Compensation Can I Recover After a Rideshare Accident?

If you were seriously injured in a rideshare crash, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (current and future)
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and trauma
• Rehabilitation and long-term care
• Property damage
• Wrongful death damages (in fatal cases)

We work with medical and financial experts to accurately document the full impact of your injuries, so you’re not shortchanged by lowball settlement offers or narrow interpretations of coverage.

What Makes Rideshare Cases So Complicated?

Rideshare cases are rarely straightforward. Challenges can include:

• Disputes over app status: Uber/Lyft may claim the driver was not “active” when the crash occurred, limiting or eliminating their insurance coverage.
• Multiple insurers involved: Claims may need to be filed against several policies (the driver’s, Uber/Lyft’s, third-party drivers, etc.).
• Limited insurance minimums: If the driver wasn’t actively engaged in a ride, only limited coverage may be available — sometimes less than what’s needed for serious injuries.
• Company liability questions: Rideshare companies classify drivers as independent contractors, not employees, which can limit their legal exposure.
• Delay tactics: Rideshare insurers are known for slow, frustrating claims processes and complex documentation requirements.

At Stallworth Law, we understand these tactics, and we push back. We know how these companies operate and what it takes to get your case taken seriously.

What to Expect in a Rideshare Injury Claim

If you’re already dealing with the fallout of a serious crash, you’re likely facing real concerns: mounting medical bills, time off work, and a confusing web of insurance companies pointing fingers. You may have already tried to get answers and found nothing but delays or denials.

At Stallworth Law, we help injured clients cut through that noise and move their claims forward. Here’s what you can expect when you work with us:

• We investigate liability. We determine whether the rideshare driver, another motorist, or a combination of parties caused the crash and which insurance policies are in play.
• We deal with the insurance companies. Whether you’re getting calls from Uber’s insurer, a third-party company, or your own PIP provider, we handle the communication and negotiation.
• We document your full damages. This includes immediate medical costs, projected future care, wage loss, and pain and suffering. We work with experts to prove the value of your case.
• We keep your case moving. Rideshare claims are known for stalling out due to finger-pointing between insurers. We take an aggressive, proactive approach to keep your claim on track.
• We’re trial-ready. If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we prepare to litigate. Our background in courtroom advocacy is a key reason clients trust us with high-stakes cases.

Legal claims involving rideshare crashes aren’t just about submitting paperwork. They’re about standing up to billion-dollar platforms and complex insurance structures that are designed to protect profits. 

Call for a Free Consultation: (813) 851-2286

If you or someone you love was hurt in a rideshare accident in Tampa, don’t wait to get the legal guidance you need. Stallworth Law is ready to help.

Call (813) 851-2286 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. There’s no cost to get answers and no attorney fees unless we win your case.