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Uber passenger reviewing rideshare trip information after a car accident in Tampa, Florida, for illustrative purposes only.
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I Was a Passenger in an Uber Accident: Who Pays for My Injuries?

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What You Need to Know If you were hurt as an Uber passenger, the insurance that pays usually depends on which driver caused the crash and which policies apply. Florida requires at least $1 million in primary automobile liability coverage while a rideshare driver is engaged in a prearranged ride. Your Uber trip record can help prove you were a passenger and show that rideshare coverage was active. Medical bills, lost income, future care, and other losses may be part of an Uber passenger accident claim. Florida has important medical and lawsuit deadlines, so getting help early can protect both your health and your evidence. Had a bad day? Call The Reyes Firm at 833-4 BAD DAY. If you are thinking, “I was a passenger in an Uber accident. Who is supposed to pay for this?”, you are probably already dealing with more than the crash itself. You may have medical bills, missed work, insurance calls, and no clear answer about which company should handle your claim. An Uber passenger accident in Tampa can involve the rideshare driver’s coverage, another driver’s insurance, personal injury protection, and other available policies. The good news is that you weren’t controlling either vehicle. Your job now is to protect the evidence showing what happened and how the crash injured you. The Reyes Firm helps injured rideshare passengers in Tampa, FL understand the insurance issues and their legal options. You do not have to sort through several insurance companies while you are trying to recover. Who Pays If You Are a Passenger in an Uber Accident? If you are injured while riding in an Uber, payment may come from the insurance covering the Uber trip, the insurance of another driver who caused the crash, or other available coverage. Florida law treats the time you are being transported as a prearranged rideshare trip, which carries specific insurance requirements. Florida defines a prearranged ride as beginning when the rideshare driver accepts the request and continuing until the last rider exits the vehicle. During that period, state law requires at least $1 million in primary automobile liability coverage for death, bodily injury, and property damage. That does not mean every injured passenger receives $1 million. The policy limit is not a guaranteed payout. The amount available to you depends on fault, your injuries, your losses, other claims arising from the crash, and the insurance policies involved. A passenger claim may look like this: What Happened Insurance That May Need Review The Uber driver caused the crash Primary rideshare liability coverage Another driver caused the crash The other driver’s liability insurance and other available coverage Both drivers contributed Policies covering each responsible driver The at-fault driver had little or no insurance Available uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may become important For a broader explanation of the different rideshare insurance periods, read our guide to who pays after an Uber crash. If you still need to handle the immediate steps after the collision, our guide on what to do after an Uber crash in Tampa explains what evidence to save and what to do next. 🛡️ Your Rights: Florida Law Gives You Access to Important Rideshare Information Under Florida Statute § 627.748, a rideshare driver involved in a crash must provide required insurance information to a directly involved party and disclose, upon request, if the driver was logged into the rideshare network or engaged in a prearranged ride. During a coverage investigation, the transportation network company must also provide precise driver log-on and log-off times for the 12 hours before and after the crash when properly requested. What Insurance Covers an Injured Uber Passenger in Florida? An injured Uber passenger may have access to several insurance benefits, but the active rideshare trip is especially important. Florida requires primary liability coverage of at least $1 million while the driver is engaged in a prearranged ride, along with required personal injury protection and uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage under applicable Florida law. For a passenger, the timing is usually easier to establish than it is for someone hit by an Uber driver who was waiting for a ride request. If you were sitting in the Uber during the crash, there should be a digital record showing: The driver’s name The vehicle and license plate Your pickup location Your destination The trip time The route Your electronic receipt Florida law requires rideshare companies to provide riders with an electronic receipt after the trip that includes the origin, destination, total time and distance, and fare. Save that information. Screenshot it if you still have access to the trip. Does Florida PIP apply to an Uber passenger? Personal injury protection, or PIP, may help pay certain early medical and disability benefits after a Florida motor vehicle crash. Florida’s rideshare law requires PIP coverage during a prearranged ride, but determining priority among available PIP policies may require reviewing your insurance and the policies tied to the Uber vehicle. PIP is also separate from a liability claim against the person who caused the collision. A Florida rideshare accident lawyer can review the trip status, crash report, insurance policies, and medical records to identify applicable coverage. What If Your Uber Driver Caused the Crash? If your Uber driver caused the collision while transporting you, Florida’s active-trip insurance requirements become a major part of the claim. Evidence still matters because an insurer may dispute how the crash happened, the seriousness of your injuries, or the amount of your losses even when the rideshare trip itself is easy to prove. Watch: Can an Uber Passenger Make a Claim After an Accident? In this short video, Edward Reyes, Esq. explains how fault can affect an Uber passenger accident claim. If the rideshare driver caused the crash, you may have a negligence claim. If another driver caused the collision, the claim may instead focus on that driver’s responsibility and available insurance. This video provides general educational information about Uber and rideshare accident claims. The insurance and liability issues in each Florida

Injured passenger beside a damaged rideshare vehicle after an Uber accident in Tampa, for illustrative purposes only.
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Injured in an Uber Accident in Tampa? Here Is What Happens Next

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What You Need to Know Get medical care, report the crash, and save your Uber trip information. The available insurance may depend on the driver’s exact app status. Passengers may have claims involving the Uber driver, another motorist, or several insurance policies. Florida’s PIP rules and filing deadlines can affect your right to compensation. Do not accept a settlement before you understand your injuries and available coverage. Had a bad day? Call The Reyes Firm at 833-4 BAD DAY. The Reyes Firm Injured in an Uber Accident in Tampa? Get clear answers about insurance, medical bills, and what to do next after a rideshare crash. Schedule a Free Consultation An Uber accident in Tampa can leave you hurt, confused, and caught between several insurance companies. You may not know who should pay your medical bills. You may also have trouble proving that the Uber driver was working at the time of the crash. A ride-sharing accident is not always handled like a regular car crash. The driver’s Uber app status, the cause of the collision, your insurance coverage, and the seriousness of your injuries can all affect your claim. Here is what may happen next and how you can protect yourself. Watch: What Happens After an Uber Accident in Tampa? This video explains who may be responsible after an Uber crash, how the driver’s app status can affect insurance coverage, and what you should do to protect your claim. Learn how Uber insurance may apply after a crash and why the driver’s activity in the app matters. What Should You Do Right After an Uber Accident in Tampa? After an Uber accident, call 911 if anyone is hurt or the scene is unsafe. Get medical care, take photos, collect information, and save your trip receipt. Report the collision through Uber, but avoid detailed recorded statements or settlement agreements until you understand your injuries and the insurance coverage. People searching for what to do if your Uber gets in an accident should take these steps: Call 911. Ask for police and emergency medical help. Get medical attention. Some head, neck, back, and shoulder injuries become more noticeable after the shock fades. Take photos and videos. Capture the vehicles, damage, road, traffic signals, debris, and visible injuries. Save your Uber trip information. Screenshot the driver’s name, vehicle, license plate, pickup time, route, and receipt. Collect witness details. Get names, phone numbers, and email addresses. Report the collision through Uber. Save copies of every report and response. Avoid guessing about fault. Do not speculate about speed, distance, or what another person saw. Keep every document. Save medical bills, prescriptions, work notes, repair estimates, and insurance letters. Our guide on what to do after an Uber crash in Tampa outlines additional steps to protect evidence and deal with insurance companies. Reporting the crash through the Uber app does not replace a police report, medical records, photos, or witness statements. These records may become important if an insurer disputes the driver’s app status, the cause of the crash, or the seriousness of your injuries. ⚠️ Warning: Florida Deadlines Can Affect Your Claim: Florida’s PIP law generally requires initial medical care within 14 days after a motor vehicle accident under Florida Statute § 627.736. Florida Statute § 95.11 also generally gives an injured person two years to file a negligence lawsuit. Evidence can disappear much sooner, so do not wait until an insurer finishes its investigation to protect your claim. How Does Uber Insurance Work After a Florida Accident? How Uber insurance works depends mainly on the driver’s activity in the app. Different coverage applies when the app is off, when the driver is waiting for a request, and when the driver has accepted a ride. Confirming the correct insurance period is a key part of an Uber injury claim. Florida law divides rideshare insurance into several stages: Uber driver’s status Insurance that may apply Uber app is off The driver’s personal auto insurance generally applies. App is on, and the driver is waiting for a request At least $50,000 per person, $100,000 per incident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. Driver accepted a trip or is transporting a passenger At least $1 million in primary liability coverage, plus PIP and uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage required by Florida law. A prearranged ride begins when the driver accepts the request. It continues while the driver transports the passenger and ends when the last passenger exits the vehicle. Florida law also permits personal auto policies to exclude coverage for losses that occur while a driver is logged into a rideshare network or completing a prearranged trip. This can create disputes between the personal insurer and the rideshare insurer. People sometimes refer to this coverage as the Uber driver accident policy. It is not one single policy that applies in every situation. The available coverage changes with the driver’s app and trip status. Understanding who pays after an Uber crash requires reviewing the app records, insurance policies, crash evidence, and the actions of every driver involved. 📊 Did You Know? Florida law requires at least $1 million in primary liability coverage while an Uber or other rideshare driver is completing a prearranged ride. This period begins when the driver accepts the ride request and ends when the last passenger exits the vehicle. The available coverage may be lower when the driver is logged in but has not yet accepted a ride. Uber app records, trip details, and driver login times can help prove that the driver was working when the crash happened. This evidence may also show which insurance coverage was active at the time. Who Pays If You Were a Passenger in an Uber Accident? If you were an Uber passenger, the responsible insurer may depend on who caused the collision. You may have a claim involving the Uber driver, another motorist, or several policies. Because the driver had accepted your request, Florida’s active-trip rideshare insurance requirements may apply to the accident. An Uber

Illustrative image of a concerned driver checking his phone beside two damaged cars after a rideshare accident in Tampa, Florida.
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What to Do When Lyft’s Insurance Company Stops Returning Your Calls in Tampa

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What You Need to Know Stop relying only on phone calls. Put your request for an update in writing. Save every email, voicemail, claim number, and unanswered message. Ask for the adjuster’s supervisor if your assigned adjuster stays silent. Keep getting the medical care your doctor recommends. Do not let an insurance delay cause you to miss a Florida legal deadline. Had a bad day? Call The Reyes Firm at 833-4 BAD DAY. You reported the Lyft crash. You provided the claim information. You may have even sent medical records, bills, or photographs. Now the adjuster has stopped returning your calls. If Lyft insurance is not responding in Tampa after your accident, you may feel like your claim has disappeared. It has not. You still have options, and keeping a clear written record can be especially important if you later consider suing Lyft for car accident injuries in Tampa. Who Pays After a Lyft Accident in Tampa? Lyft accident coverage may depend on whether the driver was offline, waiting for a ride request, traveling to pick up a passenger, or completing a ride. Watch this short video to learn why the driver’s app status can affect which insurance policy applies. Even when Lyft’s insurance company stops responding, continue documenting your calls, emails, medical treatment, bills, photographs, and claim submissions. Why Has the Lyft Insurance Adjuster Stopped Calling You Back? The claim may have been reassigned, the insurer may still be reviewing coverage, or the adjuster may be waiting for more information. Silence does not always mean your claim was denied. It does mean you should stop relying on phone calls and move every important request into writing. A Lyft crash can involve several insurance companies. The company handling your claim may be: Lyft’s insurance carrier. A third-party claims administrator. The Lyft driver’s personal insurer. Another driver’s insurance company. Your own PIP or uninsured motorist carrier. The correct policy often depends on what the Lyft driver was doing when the crash happened. Under Florida Statute § 627.748: If the Lyft app was off, the driver’s personal auto policy may apply. If the app was on but the driver had not accepted a ride, Florida requires at least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per crash in bodily injury coverage. If the driver had accepted a ride or had a passenger, at least $1 million in primary automobile liability coverage is required. The driver must also disclose, when properly asked after a crash, if the driver was logged into the Lyft network or completing a prearranged ride. Your Lyft receipt, app screenshots, driver details, and trip history may help show which insurance phase applied. What Should You Do When the Adjuster Ignores Your Calls? Send a short written request that includes your claim number, the crash date, and the dates of your unanswered calls. Ask for a clear update and give the insurer a reasonable date to respond. Send the message via email and through the claim portal to prove it was received. Your written request should ask: Is my claim still open? Who is the adjuster currently assigned to my claim? Is the insurer still investigating fault or coverage? Are any documents missing? When should I expect the next update? Who is the adjuster’s supervisor? You can use language like this: I am requesting a written update regarding claim number [claim number] from the Lyft crash on [date]. I have called on [dates] and have not received a response. Please confirm the current adjuster, the status of the claim, any remaining documents, and the expected date of the next update. Keep the message calm. Do not threaten the adjuster or make claims you cannot support. You can also send the request by certified mail when the delay continues, or important deadlines are approaching. ⚠️ Warning: The Adjuster’s Silence Does Not Stop Florida Deadlines Florida’s PIP law generally requires you to receive initial medical care within 14 days of a motor vehicle accident to qualify for medical benefits under Florida Statute § 627.736. Florida law also generally gives you two years to file a negligence lawsuit under Florida Statute § 95.11. Other deadlines may apply based on the facts of your case. Do not stop medical treatment while waiting for the insurer. Follow your doctor’s instructions and keep copies of every medical record, bill, referral, prescription, and work restriction. The Reyes Firm Has Lyft’s Insurance Company Stopped Returning Your Calls? You do not have to keep chasing the adjuster on your own. Talk with a Tampa rideshare accident attorney about your next steps. Schedule a Free Consultation What Records Should You Keep for a Delayed Lyft Claim? Save anything that shows what happened, what you sent, and how the insurer responded. A clear timeline can prevent the insurance company from claiming that you failed to cooperate. It can also help your lawyer identify delays, missing evidence, and changes in the insurer’s explanation. Create one folder for your Lyft accident claim. Keep: Your Lyft ride receipt and trip history. Screenshots from the Lyft app. The police crash report. Photographs and videos from the scene. Medical records and bills. Proof of lost income. Emails and claim portal messages. Voicemails from the adjuster. Certified-mail receipts. A written call log. Your call log can be simple: Date Person Contacted What Happened Next Step Promised July 6 Assigned adjuster Left voicemail No response July 8 Claims office Asked for update Told adjuster would call July 10 Supervisor Sent email Requested response by July 14 After any phone conversation, send a short email confirming what was discussed. For example: Thank you for speaking with me today. As discussed, you stated that the coverage review should be completed by Friday and that you would contact me afterward. Please let me know if I misunderstood anything. Florida Statute § 627.4137 also allows a claimant to request certain liability insurance information in writing. The insurer generally has 30 days to provide information such as the insurer’s name, the insured’s name, liability

Featured image for a Tampa Uber crash guide by The Reyes Firm, showing a rideshare accident scene with legal help information, Florida PIP coverage, Uber and Lyft insurance, and the phone number 833-4 BAD DAY.
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Hurt in a Tampa Uber Crash? What To Do First

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What You Need to Know Get medical care within 14 days. Florida’s PIP law requires initial medical treatment within 14 days after a motor vehicle accident. Screenshot your ride details. Save the driver’s name, vehicle, license plate, trip route, receipt, and pickup/drop-off information. Report the crash in the Uber or Lyft app. This helps create a digital record tied to your ride. Insurance depends on the driver’s app status. Coverage changes depending on whether the driver was offline, logged on, waiting for a ride, en route, or carrying a passenger. Florida generally gives you two years to file a negligence claim. Some deadlines may be shorter depending on the facts. Talk to a lawyer before giving a recorded statement. Uber, Lyft, and insurance companies may use your early statements against your claim. The Reyes Firm Hurt in an Uber Crash in Tampa? Get clear next steps after a rideshare accident. Had a bad day? Schedule a Free Consultation Introduction An Uber crash in Tampa can be confusing. One moment, you are checking your ride details on your phone. Next, you are dealing with pain, police, insurance questions, and an app-based company that may not explain what coverage applies. Rideshare accidents are different from ordinary car crashes because more than one insurance policy may be involved. Depending on the driver’s app status, your claim may involve your own PIP coverage, a household auto policy, the rideshare driver’s personal insurance, Uber or Lyft’s commercial coverage, or another driver’s insurance. At The Reyes Firm, we created this guide to help you understand what to do first, what evidence to save, and why acting quickly can protect your health and your claim. Watch: What Happens After an Uber Crash in Tampa? After getting hit by an Uber driver, you may have questions about who is responsible, whether Uber’s insurance applies, and what steps to take next. In this short video, The Reyes Firm explains why rideshare accident claims can involve multiple insurance companies and why the driver’s app status matters. What Should You Do Right After an Uber or Lyft Crash in Tampa? After an Uber or Lyft crash in Tampa, call 911, get medical attention, report the crash in the app, take photos, and save your ride details before they disappear from your screen. Your first priority is safety. Move to a safe location if you can, but do not leave the scene. If anyone is hurt, ask for paramedics. Even if your injuries seem minor, let medical professionals evaluate you because some crash injuries worsen hours or days later. Then take these steps: Call 911 and wait for law enforcement. A police report can help document where the crash happened, who was involved, and what the responding officer observed. Get medical care right away. Florida’s PIP law has a 14-day treatment requirement. Waiting too long can create problems for your insurance benefits. Take screenshots inside the Uber or Lyft app. Save the driver’s name, photo, vehicle, license plate, route, receipt, pickup location, and destination. Take photos and videos at the scene. Capture vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic lights, road signs, weather, injuries, and the exact crash location. Get witness information. Ask for names, phone numbers, and brief statements from anyone who saw what happened. Report the crash through the rideshare app. Use Uber or Lyft’s safety tools to create an official in-app report. Avoid guessing about the fault. Do not apologize, speculate, or say you are “fine” before you understand your injuries. The most important thing to remember is this: your ride data may help prove which insurance policy applies. Save it early. 📝 Helpful Note: Florida crash reports can be purchased through the Florida Crash Portal. FLHSMV lists the crash report fee as $10 per report, with an additional convenience fee. Why Are Uber Crash Claims Different From Regular Car Accident Claims? Uber and Lyft crashes are different because the driver may be using a personal vehicle for a commercial rideshare trip. That creates layered insurance questions. In a regular Tampa car accident, the insurance analysis usually starts with the drivers involved. In a rideshare crash, the first question is different: What was the Uber or Lyft driver doing in the app at the exact moment of the crash? That one fact can change the available coverage. For example, the driver may have been: Offline and using the car personally Logged into the app and waiting for a ride request Driving to pick up a passenger Carrying a passenger to the destination Each situation can trigger a different insurance response. That is why screenshots, trip receipts, GPS data, app status, and driver logs matter so much. How Does Florida’s 14-Day PIP Rule Affect Your Uber Accident Claim? Florida is a no-fault insurance state. That means Personal Injury Protection, often called PIP, may pay certain medical bills and lost wages regardless of who caused the crash. Under Florida law, PIP can cover up to 80% of reasonable medical expenses and 60% of lost wages, subject to the policy limit and other statutory requirements. Florida’s PIP statute generally provides up to $10,000 in medical and disability benefits when the legal requirements are met. But there is a strict timing issue. Florida Statute § 627.736 requires that initial medical services and care be provided within 14 days of the motor vehicle accident. If you do not get qualifying medical care within that window, you may lose access to PIP benefits. That matters after an Uber crash because injured passengers may not know which policy applies first. Depending on the facts, coverage may involve your own auto policy, a resident relative’s policy, the rideshare vehicle’s coverage, or another available policy. ⚠️ Warning Box: If you were hurt in an Uber or Lyft crash in Tampa, do not wait to get checked. Florida’s 14-day PIP rule can affect whether certain medical benefits are available. Call The Reyes Firm at 833-4 BAD DAY before insurance deadlines create problems for your claim. Who Pays After an Uber or Lyft Accident

Featured image for a Florida rideshare accident article explaining how Uber and Lyft insurance coverage may depend on app status, policy choices, and fault after a crash.
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Rideshare vs. Personal Insurance After a Tampa Crash: Which Policy Covers You?

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If you were hurt in an Uber or Lyft crash, rideshare vs. personal insurance coverage in Florida can feel really confusing. The driver may point to Uber or Lyft. The personal insurer may say the driver was working. The rideshare company may ask for additional proof before confirming coverage. That delay can hurt your claim. App status can decide which policy applies, how much coverage may be available, and whether an insurer tries to deny payment.  This guide explains how Florida rideshare insurance works after a crash in Tampa, what evidence to save, and when to call The Reyes Firm for help.  Quick Summary  The driver’s app status can determine which insurance policy applies. If the app is off, the driver’s personal auto insurance is usually the starting point. If the app was on but no ride had been accepted, Florida law requires at least $50,000 per person, $100,000 per incident, and $25,000 in property damage coverage. If the driver had accepted a ride or was transporting a passenger, Florida law requires at least $1 million in primary auto liability coverage. A rideshare endorsement may matter for the driver’s own coverage, vehicle repairs, deductibles, and insurance gaps. App login records, ride receipts, screenshots, and crash reports can help prove which coverage phase applied. Most Florida negligence-based personal injury lawsuits must be filed within 2 years. Why Does App Status Matter After an Uber or Lyft Crash? The most important insurance question after a rideshare crash is not only, “Was this an Uber or Lyft driver?”  The better question is: What was the driver doing on the app at the exact moment of impact? Florida law separates rideshare insurance into different coverage periods. Those periods can affect which insurer must respond and how much coverage may be available.  They can also affect whether the driver’s personal auto policy tries to deny the claim.  In Florida, a transportation network company driver may be:  Offline The driver is not logged into the Uber or Lyft app. Logged in and waiting for a ride request The driver is available for rides but has not accepted a trip. En route to pick up a passenger The driver has accepted a ride and is heading to the pickup location. Transporting a passenger The passenger is inside the vehicle. Each phase can trigger a different insurance review.  Once you understand the app phase, the next step is figuring out which policy applies.  What Insurance Applies If the Uber or Lyft App Was Off? If the Uber or Lyft app was completely off, the claim usually starts with the driver’s personal auto insurance. In this situation, Uber or Lyft may argue that the driver was not using the platform.  If the driver was not logged in, the rideshare company’s insurance may not apply.  That can be a problem for injury victims. Florida’s basic insurance requirements may not be enough after a serious crash.  Florida PIP benefits are generally limited to $10,000 in medical and disability benefits. “PIP” means Personal Injury Protection, which helps pay certain crash-related medical costs.  Medical benefits generally reimburse 80% of reasonable and necessary medical expenses if you get initial care within 14 days after the crash.  For serious injuries, minimum coverage can disappear quickly. This is especially true when emergency care, surgery, missed work, or long-term treatment is involved.  This is why every possible source of recovery should be reviewed, including:  The rideshare driver’s personal auto policy The injured person’s own PIP coverage The injured person’s own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage Any other at-fault driver’s insurance Any available umbrella or excess policies ⚠️ Important Deadline: Most Florida negligence-based personal injury lawsuits must be filed within 2 years. That deadline is found in Florida Statute § 95.11. If the app is off, coverage may be limited, but the investigation should not stop there. Other parties, insurance policies, or negligence factors may still affect your claim. Video: How Does Insurance Work After an Uber or Lyft Accident? In this video, Edward Reyes, Esq., explains why insurance coverage after an Uber or Lyft accident can depend on whether the rideshare app was on, whether the driver was actively transporting a passenger, and whether personal auto insurance or rideshare company coverage applies. Key takeaway: App status matters. If the Uber or Lyft driver was logged into the app and actively transporting a passenger, different insurance coverage may apply than if the driver was using the vehicle for personal reasons. Coverage depends on the facts, the available policies, and the exact policy language. What Happens If the Driver Was Logged In But Had Not Accepted a Ride? This is commonly called Period 1. It is one of the most important insurance gaps in rideshare accident cases.  Period 1 means the driver was logged into Uber or Lyft and available for ride requests. The driver had not accepted a ride yet.  No passenger is in the vehicle. No trip has started. But the driver is still using the app for rideshare work.  Under Florida Statute §627.748, this period requires specific coverage: $50,000 for death or bodily injury per person $100,000 for death or bodily injury per incident $25,000 for property damage PIP benefits meet Florida’s minimum coverage requirements UM/UIM coverage as required by Florida law These coverage requirements may be satisfied by the driver’s policy, the TNC’s policy, or both. “TNC” means transportation network company, such as Uber or Lyft.  This period matters because many personal auto policies exclude rideshare work. Florida law allows personal auto insurers to exclude app-on rideshare losses.  Those exclusions may apply to liability, UM/UIM, medical payments, collision, comprehensive coverage, and PIP. Collision coverage helps pay for vehicle damage from a crash. Comprehensive coverage helps pay for non-crash losses, such as theft or certain weather damage.  In plain English: if the driver was logged into Uber or Lyft, the review should not stop with the driver’s personal policy.  Still have questions? Call The Reyes Firm at 833-4 BAD DAY. The consultation is free, and there’s

Featured image for a Tampa Lyft accident article showing a damaged car and rideshare vehicle, explaining rights and options after a Lyft crash.
Blog, Commercial Vehicles, Ride Sharing

Suing Lyft for Car Accident Injuries in Tampa? Know Your Rights

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If you are searching for information about suing Lyft for car accident injuries in Tampa, you are probably dealing with more than a damaged vehicle. You may be facing medical bills, missed work, insurance calls, pain, and confusion about whether Lyft, the driver, or another insurer is responsible. You may have been a Lyft passenger heading home from Ybor City, a driver hit by a Lyft vehicle on Dale Mabry, or a pedestrian injured near downtown Tampa. However, when a crash occurs, rideshare accident cases can quickly become complicated. A Lyft accident is not always handled like a standard two-car crash. The insurance coverage may depend on what the Lyft driver was doing in the app at the exact moment of impact. Was the app off? Was the driver waiting for a ride request? Had the driver accepted a ride? Was a passenger already inside the vehicle? Those details matter because Florida has specific laws for transportation network companies, also known as TNCs. Under Florida Statute §627.748, a “prearranged ride” begins when a TNC driver accepts a ride request through the app and ends when the last rider exits the vehicle. The statute also sets different insurance requirements depending on the driver’s app status.  At The Reyes Firm, we help injured people and families in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and nearby communities understand their rights after serious rideshare crashes. This guide explains when you may be able to sue Lyft, how Florida rideshare insurance works, what evidence matters, and what steps you can take to protect your claim. Quick Summary: Suing Lyft for Car Accident Injuries in Florida You may be able to sue or pursue a claim after a Lyft accident in Florida, but the right claim depends on the driver’s app status, who caused the crash, and which insurance coverage applies. Florida law requires at least $1 million in primary liability coverage when a Lyft driver is engaged in a prearranged ride.  If the driver was logged into the Lyft app but had not yet accepted a ride, lower coverage limits apply: at least $50,000 per person, $100,000 per incident, and $25,000 for property damage.  Digital evidence matters. Lyft trip logs, GPS data, timestamps, app status, ride receipts, police reports, photos, and medical records can help prove which coverage period applies. Florida PIP benefits are time-sensitive. In many motor vehicle accident cases, an injured person must receive initial medical care within 14 days to access PIP medical benefits.  Florida negligence claims are generally subject to a 2-year filing deadline, so it is important to act quickly. Had a bad day? Call The Reyes Firm at 833-4 BAD DAY. The Reyes Firm Hurt in a Lyft Accident in Tampa? Get clear next steps after a serious rideshare crash. Had a bad day? Contact Us Now What Should You Know About Suing Lyft for Car Accident Injuries in Florida? When people ask about suing Lyft for car accident injuries, the answer usually depends on several facts. The most important questions are: Were you a Lyft passenger? Were you driving another vehicle hit by a Lyft driver? Were you a pedestrian, cyclist, or passenger in another car? Was the Lyft driver logged into the app? Had the Lyft driver accepted a ride request? Was the Lyft driver transporting a passenger? Did another driver cause or contribute to the crash? What insurance coverage applies? In a normal car accident claim, the case often starts with the at-fault driver’s personal auto insurance. In a Lyft accident claim, there may be additional layers of insurance. Lyft’s required TNC insurance may apply if the driver was logged into the app or engaged in a prearranged ride. That does not mean Lyft is automatically liable for every crash involving a Lyft driver. It means the driver’s app status, the cause of the crash, and the available insurance must be investigated carefully. Under Florida’s TNC law, Lyft drivers may be treated as independent contractors rather than employees when specific statutory conditions are met. This can affect how a direct claim against Lyft is argued. However, Lyft’s required insurance may still apply during covered app periods.  A direct claim against Lyft may also be possible in certain cases, such as when negligent screening, negligent hiring, or negligent retention contributed to the crash. These claims are fact-specific and require evidence. Watch: What to Do After a Lyft Accident in Tampa If a Lyft driver hit you in Tampa, this short video explains why insurance questions, settlement pressure, and delayed injuries can make rideshare accident claims more complicated than they first appear. Video summary: After a Lyft accident, injured riders, drivers, or pedestrians may face insurance calls, confusion about who is responsible, pressure to settle quickly, and questions about injuries that appear later. The Reyes Firm helps people injured in Lyft accidents across Tampa understand their options and protect their claim. Can You Sue Lyft After a Car Accident in Tampa? Yes, you may be able to sue after a Lyft accident in Tampa, but the correct legal path depends on what happened. You may have a claim against: The Lyft driver Lyft’s required rideshare insurance Another at-fault driver The vehicle owner A third-party insurer Lyft directly, if the facts support a negligent hiring, negligent retention, or negligent screening claim If your Lyft driver caused the crash while transporting you, the claim may involve Lyft’s active-ride insurance coverage. If a Lyft driver hits your car while waiting for a ride request, lower coverage limits may apply. If the Lyft driver’s app was off, the driver’s personal auto insurance is usually the starting point. This is why app-status evidence is so important. Without it, the insurance companies may dispute which coverage period applies. How Does the Lyft Driver’s App Status Affect Insurance Coverage? The Lyft driver’s app status is one of the most important facts in a Florida rideshare accident case. Florida Statute §627.748 creates different insurance requirements depending on whether the driver was logged into the app, waiting for a ride, or

Rideshare-style car accident scene in downtown Tampa with police response, used to illustrate a Lyft accident claim and insurance coverage after a crash.
Blog, Commercial Vehicles, Ride Sharing

Lyft Accident Lawyer in Tampa: What to Do After a Rideshare Crash in 2026

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Quick Summary Lyft accident claims in Tampa depend heavily on the driver’s app status at the time of the crash. If the Lyft driver was logged into the app but had not accepted a ride, Florida law requires at least $50,000 per person, $100,000 per crash, and $25,000 for property damage. If the Lyft driver had accepted a ride request, Florida law requires at least $1 million in primary automobile liability coverage for death, bodily injury, and property damage. Florida PIP benefits may still matter after a Lyft crash, and injured people generally need initial medical care within 14 days to preserve PIP coverage. For many Florida negligence lawsuits, the deadline is two years. Speak with a Florida personal injury attorney as soon as possible after a Lyft crash. The Reyes Firm Hurt in a Lyft Accident in Tampa? Get clear next steps after a serious rideshare crash. Had a bad day? Schedule a Free Consultation You opened the Lyft app, requested a ride, and climbed in. A few minutes later, everything changed. Maybe another driver ran a red light. Maybe your Lyft driver was distracted by the app while moving through a Tampa intersection. Either way, you are hurt. Your neck aches. Your head feels foggy. Your phone starts ringing with numbers you do not recognize. That is a bad day. And it is exactly the kind of moment The Reyes Firm was built for. A Lyft accident in Tampa, FL, is not always a simple car crash claim. The insurance structure depends on the driver’s app status. The evidence you need can disappear quickly. Lyft, its insurer, and other insurance companies may begin protecting their own interests before you know what your injuries will cost. A qualified Lyft accident lawyer can help determine which insurance coverage applies, preserve important app and trip data, deal with the insurance companies, and pursue the compensation available under Florida law. Watch: What to Do After a Lyft Accident in Tampa If a Lyft driver hit you in Tampa, this short video explains why insurance calls, quick settlement pressure, and delayed injuries can make rideshare accident claims more complicated than they first appear. The Reyes Firm helps people injured in Lyft accidents across Tampa understand their rights, deal with insurance companies, and pursue compensation supported by the evidence. The Reyes Firm handles rideshare accident cases throughout Tampa and the South Shore communities, serving clients in Riverview, Brandon, Plant City, and communities across Hillsborough County. Call 833-4 BAD DAY or visit our office at 4730 N. Habana Ave., Suite 201, Tampa, FL 33614. Consultations are free, and we work on contingency, which means you pay no attorney’s fee unless we win your case. How Does Lyft’s Insurance Coverage Work After a Tampa Crash? Lyft accident claims are different from ordinary car accident claims because the available insurance can change based on the driver’s app status at the exact moment of the crash. Under Florida Statute §627.748, there are two major rideshare coverage situations once a driver is using the Lyft platform: the driver is logged into the digital network but not yet engaged in a prearranged ride, or the driver is engaged in a prearranged ride. Period 0: App completely off. If the driver was not logged into Lyft and was using the vehicle for personal reasons, the driver’s personal auto insurance usually applies. Lyft’s rideshare insurance generally is not involved. Logged on, but no ride accepted. If the driver was logged into the Lyft app and waiting for a ride request, Florida law requires automobile insurance with at least $50,000 for death and bodily injury per person, $100,000 for death and bodily injury per incident, and $25,000 for property damage. The policy must also include required PIP benefits and uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. Prearranged ride period: ride accepted through passenger exit. Once the driver accepts a ride request, the prearranged ride period begins. Florida law requires at least $1 million in primary automobile liability coverage for death, bodily injury, and property damage. This coverage continues while the driver transports the rider and ends when the last passenger exits the Lyft vehicle. The details matter. A few seconds in the app timeline can affect which policy applies, how much coverage may be available, and which insurance company is responsible for handling the claim. ⚠️ Important Florida Deadline: For many negligence lawsuits in Florida, the statute of limitations is now two years. Florida Statute § 95.11 lists a two-year deadline for an action founded on negligence. This deadline is separate from your insurance claim. Waiting too long can put your right to file a lawsuit at risk. Speak with a Florida personal injury attorney as soon as possible after a Lyft crash. What Is the Lyft Coverage Gap, and Why Does It Matter? The biggest insurance dispute in many Lyft accident cases is the driver’s app status. If the driver was logged into the Lyft app but had not accepted a ride, the required insurance limit is much lower than the $1 million coverage required during an active, prearranged ride. For someone with emergency care, imaging, surgery, physical therapy, missed work, or long-term injuries, the lower coverage level may become a serious issue. Another complication is the driver’s personal auto policy. Florida law allows personal auto insurers to exclude coverage when a vehicle is being used as a transportation network company vehicle. That can create disputes between insurers and delay answers for injured people who need them quickly. This is why app data matters. A Lyft accident lawyer may request trip logs, login records, GPS data, ride acceptance timestamps, digital receipts, and insurance disclosures to determine which coverage period applied at the time of the crash. 💡 Did You Know? NHTSA estimated that 39,345 people died in traffic crashes in 2024. Even when national crash deaths decrease, serious roadway injuries remain a major concern for passengers, drivers, pedestrians, and families. Source: NHTSA. Who Is Liable After a Lyft Accident in Tampa, Florida? Liability

Featured image for an Uber accident lawyer Tampa FL article showing a damaged rideshare vehicle, police lights, gavel, and accident report to represent legal help after an Uber crash.
Blog, Commercial Vehicles, Company-Caused Car Accidents, Ride Sharing

Who Pays After an Uber Crash in Florida?

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In Florida, who pays after an Uber crash depends entirely on the driver’s app status at the moment of the collision. If a ride is active, Uber’s $1 million primary liability policy applies. If the driver was waiting for a request, a lower coverage tier applies. If the app is off, only the driver’s personal insurance pays. Quick Summary Florida law divides every Uber trip into three coverage phases. The phase your driver was in at the time of the crash determines who pays and how much. During an active ride, Uber carries up to $1 million in primary liability coverage under Florida Statute § 627.748. You must seek medical care within 14 days of the crash to qualify for Florida Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. Florida’s 2023 tort reform (HB 837) cut your deadline to file a lawsuit from four years to two. You have two years from the date of the crash. Act fast. The Reyes Firm Hurt in an Uber Accident in Tampa? Get clear next steps after a rideshare crash. Had a bad day? Schedule a Free Consultation You got into an Uber. You were just trying to get somewhere. Then the crash happened. Now you’re sitting with a sore neck, a phone full of photos, and no idea what comes next. Florida recorded 381,210 codable traffic crashes in 2024, more than 1,000 every single day, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). A share of those crashes involve rideshare vehicles. When one of them is yours, the insurance questions feel impossible. That’s because Uber crashes are not regular car accidents. Multiple insurance policies, corporate claims teams, and Florida’s own no-fault rules all stack on top of each other. An Uber accident lawyer who knows how these cases work can be the difference between a lowball offer and the compensation you actually deserve. At The Reyes Firm, we handle rideshare injury cases in Tampa and the South Shore communities, serving clients across Hillsborough County, Riverview, Brandon, Plant City, and surrounding areas. How Does Uber’s Insurance Coverage Work in Florida?  Uber’s insurance coverage in Florida is governed by Florida Statute § 627.748, which requires Uber to carry specific levels of liability insurance based on the driver’s activity at the time of the crash. Coverage ranges from zero when the app is off to $1 million in primary liability when a ride is active. Florida was one of the first states to enact a dedicated legal framework for Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) such as Uber and Lyft. That framework, enacted in 2017 under § 627.748, sets binding insurance minimums for every phase of a driver’s activity. The law also requires that Uber’s policy kicks in from the first dollar when the driver’s personal insurance lapses or fails to cover the claim. Uber cannot make you wait for a personal insurer to deny first. ⚠️ WARNING — Know Your Deadline After an Uber Crash: Florida Statute § 627.748 governs rideshare insurance coverage for Uber and Lyft crashes, but the lawsuit deadline comes from Florida Statute § 95.11. Florida’s 2023 tort reform, HB 837, signed on March 24, 2023, shortened the deadline for most negligence-based personal injury lawsuits from four years to two years. If your Uber crash happened on or after March 24, 2023, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Uber app data, dashcam footage, and witness memories can disappear quickly. Don’t wait. What Are the Three Phases of Uber Coverage?  Florida law divides every Uber driver’s activity into three distinct periods. The period active at the moment of your crash controls which insurance policy applies and how much coverage is available. Understanding these phases is the single most important thing a crash victim needs to know. Here is how each period works under Florida Statute § 627.748: Phase Driver Status Who Pays Minimum Coverage Period 0 App off, not logged in Driver’s personal auto insurance only Depends on personal policy Period 1 App on, waiting for a ride request Uber’s contingent liability coverage $50,000 per person / $100,000 per incident / $25,000 property damage Period 2 & 3 Ride accepted or passenger in vehicle Uber’s primary commercial liability $1 million for death, bodily injury, and property damage Period 0 means the driver is a private citizen. Uber provides nothing. You pursue their personal auto insurance just like any other crash. Period 1 is the most misunderstood phase. The driver is logged in and technically “working,” but the coverage is on Uber’s lowest tier. If the driver’s personal policy is active and sufficient, Uber’s coverage is contingent. If the driver’s policy lapses, Uber steps in from the first dollar. Periods 2 and 3 are where the full protection lives. From the moment the driver accepts your trip request until you exit the vehicle, Uber carries $1 million in primary liability. Under § 627.748(d), the company cannot require your personal insurer to deny the claim first. This is the strongest coverage available in Florida rideshare cases. How do you prove which phase was active? A screenshot of your Uber app immediately after the crash documents your trip status and driver details. This is one of the most important pieces of evidence in any rideshare case. Watch: Uber Accident Lawyer Tampa What Should You Know After Getting Hit by an Uber Driver? After an Uber crash in Tampa, the insurance questions can get confusing fast. This short video explains why the driver’s app status matters, how Uber’s insurance may apply, and why injured victims should get legal guidance before speaking with insurance companies. If you were hit by an Uber driver in Tampa, The Reyes Firm can help you understand your rights, the available insurance coverage, and your next steps. Can You Sue Uber Directly After a Tampa Crash? You can pursue Uber’s insurance coverage in every active-phase crash. Suing Uber as a corporation directly is harder because Florida law classifies drivers as independent contractors and

Navigation app mounted on dashboard of a rideshare vehicle in Tampa at night, for illustrative purposes only.
Blog, Commercial Vehicles, Company-Caused Car Accidents, Ride Sharing

Florida Rideshare Accident Lawyer for Uber and Lyft Claims

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Injured in an Uber or Lyft crash in Tampa? A Florida rideshare lawyer can help You ordered a ride home. Maybe you were coming from work, from a night out, or from a friend’s place. Then the crash happened, and now you’re sitting with medical bills, missed work, and a lot of unanswered questions. Rideshare crashes are confusing in a way that ordinary car accidents aren’t. You’re dealing with a driver, a massive tech company, and multiple insurance policies, all at once. Figuring out who owes you what is not straightforward. The Reyes Firm handles rideshare injury cases across Tampa, Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Pasco County, Osceola County, and communities throughout Florida. If you were hurt in an Uber or Lyft crash anywhere in our service area, here’s what you need to know. This guide breaks down exactly how a Florida rideshare accident lawyer approaches these cases, from the three-phase insurance system to your rights under Florida law.  Quick Summary Rideshare crashes in Florida are covered by a layered insurance system that depends on what the Uber or Lyft driver was doing at the time of the crash. Florida Statute § 627.748 requires rideshare insurance coverage based on the driver’s app status, including at least $1 million in liability coverage during a prearranged ride. Most Florida negligence lawsuits must be filed within two years under § 95.11(5)(a). A rideshare accident attorney can begin preserving trip data, app status records, GPS information, and available video footage as soon as the firm is hired, even though the full claim may take longer to develop. If you were hurt in an Uber or Lyft crash in Tampa, document the scene, get medical care, and call a lawyer before you talk to any insurance company. Had a bad day? Call The Reyes Firm at 833-4-BAD-DAY — free consultation, no fee unless we win. The Reyes Firm Hurt in an Uber or Lyft Accident in Tampa? Get clear next steps after a rideshare crash. Had a bad day? Schedule a Free Consultation What Makes Rideshare Accidents Different From Regular Car Crashes? Rideshare crashes are not like typical two-car collisions. When you’re hurt in a standard car accident, you’re dealing with one driver and their insurance company. In a rideshare crash, you may be dealing with the driver’s personal auto policy, Uber or Lyft’s corporate insurance, and Florida’s no-fault PIP rules, all layered on top of each other. The company’s insurance coverage kicks in only under specific conditions. That’s why understanding what phase the driver was in at the time of your crash is the first thing any experienced Uber accident lawyer in Florida will ask. Under Florida Statute § 627.748, transportation network companies (TNCs) such as Uber and Lyft are required to maintain specific levels of liability coverage based on the driver’s status at the time of the crash. The statute is a key reason why Florida rideshare cases play out differently than crashes in states without dedicated TNC laws. 🛡️ Your Rights Under Florida Law: Florida Statute § 627.748 governs transportation network companies (TNCs) operating in Florida. It requires rideshare drivers or the rideshare company to maintain insurance while the driver is logged on to the app and while the driver is engaged in a prearranged ride. When the driver is logged on but has not yet picked up a passenger, the law requires at least $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $100,000 per incident, and $25,000 for property damage. When the driver is engaged in a prearranged ride, the law requires at least $1 million in primary liability coverage. Read the full statute at Florida Statute § 627.748. How Does Uber and Lyft Insurance Work in Florida? The Three Phases Explained Florida rideshare insurance operates in three distinct phases, depending on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. Phase 1: App is off. The driver is not logged into the Uber or Lyft app at all. This means the driver is operating as a private individual. Only their personal auto insurance applies, and most personal auto policies exclude commercial activity. If that policy is inadequate, your options narrow quickly. Phase 2: App is on, waiting for a ride request. The driver is logged in but has not yet accepted a ride. Here, Uber and Lyft are required under § 627.748 to carry contingent liability coverage of at least $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per incident, and $25,000 for property damage. The required coverage may be maintained by the driver, the rideshare company, or both. If the driver’s coverage has lapsed or does not meet Florida’s requirements, the TNC’s coverage must apply from the first dollar. The TNC policy cannot require the personal insurer to deny the claim before doing so. Phase 3: Ride accepted or passenger in the vehicle. This is where the $1 million liability policy comes into play. From the moment a driver accepts a trip request until the passenger is dropped off, Uber and Lyft’s full corporate coverage is active. If you were a passenger in the vehicle or a pedestrian, cyclist, or other driver hit by an Uber or Lyft during an active trip, this is the coverage that applies to your claim. 💡 Did You Know? Florida recorded 381,210 codable traffic crashes in 2024, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. That is more than 1,000 crashes per day statewide. In a busy area like Tampa Bay, an Uber or Lyft crash can happen in seconds and leave victims facing medical bills, missed work, and a confusing insurance claim. Review the official data at FLHSMV. Watch: The Reyes Firm What Happens After a Lyft Accident in Tampa? This short video explains why Lyft accident claims can get complicated fast, including how the driver’s app status affects insurance coverage and what injured people should do next. Who Is Liable in a Rideshare Accident in Florida? Liability in a Florida rideshare crash depends on the phase, the facts,

Car accidents are the Most Common Accidents
After A Car Accident, Blog, Car accident, florida cities we serve, For Parents, For Teens, Injury, Legal, mass transit, Our Community, Ride Sharing, Road Accidents, Why we serve

Car accidents are the Most Common Accidents

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Accidents are the most common forms of incidents on the road. Just in Hillsborough County, there’s close to 3,000 car accidents, per day, in Polk, Pasco, Pinellas. In almost every other county, there is an average of 2,000 to 25, to 3,000 car accidents per day. Even though that number sounds staggering, there are hundreds of thousands of cars on the road every single day. So, the more cars that are on the road, the greater the risk of car accidents happening. Car accidents, many times on bumper-to-bumper traffic, between eight in the morning till six p.m., are typically non-fatal accidents when they’re on regular roads. Car accidents, when they’re on the interstate, because of the higher speeds, there are fewer accidents but they’re typically more fatal than other incidents that are on local roads. Car accidents, if the person that crashed into you, could’ve avoided the accident, due to their negligence of speeding, following to close, careless driving, they would be the one at fault. Florida is a no-clause state, which that means if you’re involved in a car accident, your insurance company covers you for your injuries, and your medical payments up to $10,000 if it’s an emergency medical condition. You do not need to go to the hospital to get the emergency medical condition, you may have to see a physician, or a doctor, or a chiropractic doctor, to evaluate you and then eventually you will have to go to an MD, or a DO, or something like that. MD, which is a medical doctor, and DO is also a form of a medical doctor, as well. To qualify from the $2500 that the insurance company caps you up to the $10,000 of insurance benefits. Car accidents, when the person that crashes into you, if they have bodily injury coverages, that’s the part that helps us, as a law firm, help you recover for your injuries, pain, and suffering, and loss of enjoyment. If the person that crashes into you has non-sufficient insurance or no insurance, if you carry uninsured motorist on your policy, that uninsured motorist will cover you for any offset that the other side did not have. Tampa personal injury lawyer Edward Reyes represents people in Tampa and Hillsborough County, Florida who have suffered an injury in an incident or accident type of accident. Speak Directly to Me, At No Cost, Today 813.421.3411 For example, if you had a, if the person that crashed into you had a $10,000 bodily injury policy, and your injuries are worth $30,000, but you had a $20,000 uninsured motorist policy, that $10,000 would pay for the at-fault party, the person that caused the accident, and the $20,000 would pay for your insurance to make you whole. Not always does it make you whole, because many times if that’s the case, you may not have enough uninsured motorist, or they have enough bodily injury coverage that you don’t have to even impact your own policy. Every case is a little bit different, every auto accident is a little bit different. Auto accidents, it’s easier to find liability when it’s a rear-end collision, however, there are cases where there are T-bone collisions, there are cases where there’s making left-turn collisions, cases where people are making U-turns. So, every case is a little bit different. If you have any questions about auto accidents, feel free to reach out to us, it’s 813-421-3411. (Transcript from the video, transcribed but not reviewed)

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