What to Do If Your Uber Driver Gets Into an Accident in South Florida

Being involved in a car accident is stressful enough, but when your Uber driver gets into a crash, the situation can feel even more confusing. As a passenger, you are not in control of the vehicle, yet you may be injured, shaken, and unsure of who is responsible or what steps to take next. Uber accidents in Fort Lauderdale happen more often than many people realize, especially in busy areas with heavy traffic, nightlife, and tourism. Knowing what to do immediately after the accident and how your rights as a passenger are protected under Florida law can make a significant difference in both your recovery and your ability to seek compensation.

The first priority after an Uber accident is your safety and health. If you are injured or feel unwell, call 911 immediately and request medical assistance. Even if injuries seem minor, it is important to be evaluated by medical professionals because many accident-related injuries, such as concussions, whiplash, and internal injuries, may not show symptoms right away. Make sure law enforcement responds to the scene and creates an official accident report, as this documentation is often critical in rideshare injury claims. If you are physically able, remain at the scene until authorities arrive and avoid leaving before your condition is assessed.

Once immediate medical concerns are addressed, it is important to gather information. Take note of the Uber driver’s name, the vehicle details, and confirm that the trip was active in the Uber app at the time of the crash. If possible, take photos or videos of the vehicles involved, the accident location, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Obtain contact information from other drivers involved and from witnesses who saw what happened. This information can become essential later, especially when insurance companies begin determining fault and coverage.

Reporting the accident through the Uber app is an important step many passengers overlook. Uber has an internal reporting system that documents the incident and preserves trip data, including time, location, and driver status. This information can play a major role in determining which insurance policy applies. Uber provides different levels of insurance coverage depending on whether the driver was offline, waiting for a ride request, en route to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting a passenger. As a paying passenger, you are typically covered by Uber’s higher liability insurance during an active trip, but confirming and preserving this information early is key.

Florida’s insurance laws add another layer of complexity to Uber accident claims. While Florida is a no-fault state, personal injury protection insurance may not fully apply to rideshare passengers in the same way it does to drivers. Depending on the circumstances, compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages may come from Uber’s insurance policy, the at-fault driver’s insurance, or a combination of multiple policies. Insurance companies often dispute responsibility in Uber accidents, which can lead to delays or denied claims if the case is not handled carefully.

Passengers injured in Uber accidents frequently face challenges from insurance companies attempting to minimize injuries or shift blame. Adjusters may argue that another driver caused the crash or question whether injuries were serious enough to justify compensation. Some passengers also feel hesitant about pursuing a claim because they do not want to create problems for the Uber driver. It is important to understand that injury claims are typically handled through insurance, not directly against the driver, and pursuing compensation is about covering medical care and recovery, not assigning personal blame.

Marissa Stockwell and the team at Stockwell Law handle Fort Lauderdale Uber accident cases with an understanding of how rideshare claims differ from standard car accidents. These cases often involve multiple insurers, complex coverage questions, and aggressive defense tactics. Proper investigation, documentation, and communication are essential to ensure injured passengers are not left paying for injuries they did not cause.

Timing matters after an Uber accident. Evidence can disappear quickly, and insurance companies may push for early statements or quick settlements that do not reflect the full extent of injuries. Delayed symptoms, ongoing treatment, and long-term limitations should all be considered before any claim is resolved. Acting early helps protect your rights and ensures that all available sources of compensation are identified.

If your Uber driver gets into an accident in Fort Lauderdale, you do have options. You are not powerless, and you are not responsible for navigating the legal and insurance process alone. Taking the right steps after the crash, seeking medical care, documenting the incident, and understanding how rideshare insurance works can help protect both your health and your financial future. Uber accidents are complex, but with the right approach, injured passengers can pursue the compensation they need to move forward with confidence.

Call Stockwell Law today for a free consultation and get the dedicated representation you need to move forward.