Why Rideshare Accidents Are Unique in Lakeland
Unlike typical car accidents, rideshare crashes involve multiple layers of responsibility. Was the rideshare driver at fault? Were they logged into the app? Was another driver to blame? These are all questions that must be answered before you can recover damages.
Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors, not employees. This means their personal insurance may not cover your injuries unless specific criteria are met. Fortunately, both companies offer third-party liability coverage, but only under certain conditions.
If a rideshare driver caused the accident while actively transporting a passenger or on their way to pick someone up, you may be eligible for coverage under Uber or Lyft’s $1 million insurance policy. If the driver was logged into the app but waiting for a ride request, a lower level of coverage may apply. If they were not using the app, only their personal insurance will apply.
These distinctions matter, and they can determine whether or not your medical bills and lost wages will be paid. That’s why working with an experienced Lakeland rideshare accident attorney is critical.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Lakeland
Rideshare drivers often face pressure to complete as many trips as possible in a short amount of time. This hustle mentality, combined with long hours behind the wheel, leads to risky driving behavior.
Common causes of rideshare accidents in Lakeland include:
- Distracted driving (due to navigating the app or texting passengers)
- Speeding through high-traffic areas like Florida Avenue or Bartow Road
- Sudden stops and illegal turns when picking up or dropping off riders
- Fatigue from driving long hours without proper breaks
- Inexperience with Lakeland roadways or traffic flow
- Following GPS directions into dangerous or congested areas
- Driving under the influence (in rare but serious cases)
Whether the crash involved a vehicle or a
pedestrian in downtown Lakeland near Munn Park or occurred along busy commuter corridors like US-92 or State Road 570 (Polk Parkway), the outcome is often the same—serious injuries, property damage, and confusion about what to do next.
Injuries We Commonly See in Lakeland Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents can be just as severe as any other vehicle crash. At Kemp Injury Law, we’ve represented clients in Lakeland who suffered:
- Head and neck injuries (such as whiplash or traumatic brain injuries)
- Back and spinal injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Lacerations and bruising from seatbelt restraint or airbag deployment
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Emotional trauma, including anxiety and PTSD
Because passengers in rideshare vehicles often sit in the back seat, they may not have the same level of protection as front-seat occupants. Some may not wear seatbelts, especially during short rides around Lakeland. This increases the risk of injury.
Who Is Liable for Damages in a Lakeland Rideshare Accident?
Liability depends on who caused the crash and what the rideshare driver was doing at the time. For accidents in Lakeland involving an Uber or Lyft, liability may fall on:
- The rideshare driver, if they were negligent or distracted
- Uber or Lyft’s insurance provider (if the driver was logged into the app)
- Another driver who caused the collision
- A third party, such as a vehicle manufacturer or government entity (if a defect or poor road maintenance contributed to the crash)
For example, If you were rear-ended by a Lyft driver on Florida Avenue while they were logged into the app and waiting for a ride request, you may be eligible to file a claim against Lyft’s liability policy. But if you were injured as a
cyclist or a pedestrian near Lake Mirror when a rideshare driver was off-duty, their personal auto insurance may be the only available coverage.
At Kemp Injury Law, we sort through these details to make sure you’re pursuing the right party and getting the compensation you’re entitled to under Florida law.
How an Attorney Can Help With Your Lakeland Rideshare Accident
Rideshare accident claims involve a tangled web of policies, apps, and corporate legal departments. Attempting to deal with this on your own, especially while recovering from injuries, can be overwhelming.
Here’s how Kemp Injury Law helps clients in Lakeland:
- We investigate the accident thoroughly, using police reports, app data, GPS logs, and eyewitness accounts.
- We determine whether the driver was active on the rideshare platform at the time of the crash.
- We calculate the full extent of your damages, including current and future medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
- We handle all insurance claims and communication with Uber or Lyft’s legal teams.
- If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we are fully prepared to take your case to court.
Whether your crash happened near Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, during a trip down Edgewood Drive, or while waiting for a rideshare pickup outside Lakeland Square Mall, we bring local insight and tenacious representation to your case.
Compensation After a Rideshare Accident in Lakeland
Injured victims of rideshare accidents in Lakeland may be entitled to significant compensation, including:
- Medical expenses: ER visits, surgeries, rehab, medication, and long-term care
- Lost wages: From time missed at work or permanent inability to return to your job
- Property damage: Repairs or replacement of your vehicle or personal belongings
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional anguish, and diminished quality of life
- Wrongful death: Funeral costs and loss of financial support in fatal crashes
Each rideshare accident claim is unique, and our legal team takes the time to understand your specific situation. We build personalized legal strategies for clients throughout Lakeland and Polk County, ensuring you’re not just another case number.
Where Do Rideshare Accidents Happen in Lakeland?
Due to traffic volume and pickup/drop-off patterns, certain parts of Lakeland see more rideshare crashes than others. These include:
- Downtown Lakeland: Around Lake Mirror, Munn Park, and the city’s nightlife districts
- Florida Avenue (US-98): A major thoroughfare with frequent lane changes and pedestrian traffic
- Kathleen Road and Griffin Road: Heavily trafficked intersections with limited visibility
- Bartow Road (SR 35): Especially near schools and shopping centers
- Polk Parkway (SR 570): High-speed merging and exit ramps
- Lakeland Linder International Airport: Frequent rideshare pickups and drop-offs under time pressure
Our attorneys are familiar with these local routes, law enforcement procedures, and hospital systems, giving your case an added layer of insight and attention.
Other Practice Areas
Rideshare accidents can involve many overlapping legal issues. For more information about how we can assist you, explore these related practice areas:
If your rideshare crash involves elements of pedestrian injury or wrongful death, our legal team is fully equipped to support your needs.
Contact Kemp Injury Law Today to Speak With a Lakeland Rideshare Accident Attorney
If you’ve been hurt in a rideshare accident in Lakeland, don’t let insurance companies push you around or delay your claim. Whether you were a passenger, a pedestrian, or another driver hit by a rideshare vehicle, you have rights and Kemp Injury Law is ready to protect them.
Let us handle the legal legwork so you can focus on your recovery. We know the streets of Lakeland, we understand the rideshare system, and we fight for results.
