Should You Accept an Insurance Settlement After a Rideshare Accident in Florida?

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft provide convenient transportation across Florida, but accidents involving these vehicles can be complicated. If you’ve been injured in a rideshare crash, you may receive a settlement offer from an insurance company. While accepting a quick payout might seem like the easiest option, it’s important to understand whether the offer is fair and whether it truly covers your damages.

Before signing anything, you should carefully evaluate the insurance company’s settlement and consider whether you may be entitled to more compensation than what they are offering.

How Insurance Works in a Florida Rideshare Accident

Florida follows a no-fault insurance system, which means that after an accident, injured parties typically seek compensation from their own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage first. However, rideshare accidents can involve multiple insurance policies, depending on the circumstances of the crash.

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft provide coverage for their drivers, but the level of insurance depends on whether the driver was logged into the app and whether they were actively transporting a passenger. Here’s how the coverage typically works:

• If the driver was not logged into the rideshare app: The driver’s personal auto insurance applies.
• If the driver was logged in but had not yet accepted a ride request: Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage ($50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident for injuries, and $25,000 for property damage).
• If the driver was actively transporting a passenger or en route to pick one up: Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage.

Since multiple insurance policies may be involved, insurance companies often attempt to shift blame to avoid large payouts, making it crucial for accident victims to understand their legal rights.

Why Insurance Companies Offer Quick Settlements

After an accident, the rideshare company’s insurer or another involved party’s insurer may quickly offer you a settlement. While this might seem like a good opportunity to receive compensation without hassle, insurance companies often propose low initial offers to minimize their payouts.

Insurance adjusters know that many accident victims are dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and other financial stressors, making them more likely to accept an offer without fully considering their long-term expenses. However, accepting a low settlement can leave you without enough compensation to cover ongoing medical treatment or other future losses.

What to Consider Before Accepting a Settlement

Before agreeing to an insurance company’s offer, consider the following factors:

1. Does the Settlement Cover All Your Medical Expenses?

Many injuries from car accidents require long-term medical care, including physical therapy, surgeries, or ongoing pain management. The initial settlement offer may not fully account for future medical costs. It’s essential to have a complete understanding of your medical condition and expected recovery expenses before accepting any money.

2. Have You Accounted for Lost Wages?

If your injuries prevent you from returning to work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income. Some accidents result in long-term or permanent disabilities that impact a person’s ability to earn wages in the future. Ensure that the settlement reflects all financial losses related to your ability to work.

3. Are Pain and Suffering Damages Included?

Insurance companies often exclude compensation for pain and suffering in initial settlement offers. However, accident victims may be entitled to damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. If the settlement does not include compensation for these non-economic losses, you may be leaving money on the table.

4. Are You Being Pressured to Accept Quickly?

Insurance companies often set short deadlines for accepting offers, pressuring victims to settle before they fully understand their damages. If an adjuster is pushing you to sign an agreement right away, this is a red flag that the offer may not be in your best interest.

When Should You Reject a Settlement and Seek Legal Help?

Rejecting a low settlement does not mean you will receive nothing—it means you are choosing to pursue fair compensation. If the offer does not fully cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, it may be wise to negotiate for a higher amount.

An experienced rideshare accident attorney can help assess your claim, negotiate with the insurance companies, and determine whether a lawsuit may be necessary to secure fair compensation.

What Happens If You Accept a Low Settlement?

Once you accept a settlement and sign a release form, you give up your right to seek further compensation for the accident. If you later realize that your medical expenses are higher than expected or that your injuries prevent you from working, you won’t be able to go back and request additional damages. This is why reviewing any settlement offer carefully before signing is critical.

How a Rideshare Accident Attorney Can Help

If you are unsure whether to accept an insurance settlement, consulting an attorney can provide valuable insight. A rideshare accident lawyer can:

• Review the details of your accident and calculate the full value of your damages.
• Negotiate with insurance companies to seek a fair settlement.
• Advise you on whether filing a lawsuit is necessary to secure adequate compensation.
• Ensure that all legal deadlines for filing a claim in Florida are met.

Contact Kemp Injury Law Today to Get the Compensation You Deserve

Rideshare accidents can result in serious injuries and unexpected financial burdens. Before accepting any insurance settlement, it’s essential to ensure that the offer truly reflects the extent of your losses. If you’ve been involved in an Uber or Lyft accident in Florida, you don’t have to handle the legal process alone.

Contact us today for a free consultation. Our experienced rideshare accident attorneys can review your case, explain your legal options, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.