Paul Catania | October 20, 2025 | Car Accidents
What You Need to Know About Liability and Coverage?
When an accident involves an Uber driver, we know how confusing it can be to figure out who pays after a rideshare crash. Many injured passengers ask us straight out: “Is Uber responsible for accidents?” Yes, Uber can be responsible for accidents in Tampa under certain conditions, especially when the driver is on a trip and covered by Uber’s $1 million liability insurance.
The answer depends on the driver’s status in the app, Florida’s no-fault insurance laws, and Uber’s commercial policies. At the end of the day, you deserve clear answers and strong representation if you are hurt. At Catania and Catania, we help Tampa drivers and passengers understand how liability works and what coverage is available. Knowing these details can save time and stress after a crash.
Contact our Personal Injury Attorneys in Tampa, FL
call us (813) 547-6434Who Is Legally Responsible After a Rideshare Accident?
Many riders wonder, “Is Uber responsible for accidents?” when they’re injured in a Tampa crash. The answer depends on the circumstances, and every situation is different. Florida is a no-fault state, which means your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits cover initial medical costs regardless of fault. However, when serious personal injuries occur, you may have the right to pursue claims against the at-fault driver, which could include the Uber driver or another motorist.
When the Rideshare Driver Is at Fault?
When the Uber driver’s negligence causes the crash, liability can fall under different categories depending on the app status:
- App off: The driver is treated like any other motorist. Their personal insurance is the only coverage available.
- App on, waiting for a ride: Limited liability coverage may apply, but it is secondary to the driver’s policy.
- En route or carrying a passenger: Uber provides up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage.
This tiered coverage makes a huge difference in personal injury cases. Understanding which phase the driver was in can determine whether you can hold Uber financially responsible.
Can You Sue Uber Directly?
When injured people ask, “Is Uber responsible for accidents?” they often assume this means they can sue the company outright. In most cases, however, you cannot sue Uber directly. Florida law treats Uber drivers as independent contractors, not employees. That means Uber usually avoids direct liability for the driver’s negligence. Instead, claims are handled through insurance coverage.
That said, Uber’s insurance is often more substantial than what an individual driver could provide. For Tampa residents with serious injuries, this policy may be the main path to recovering full compensation for medical care, lost wages, and long-term damages.
What Steps Should You Take After an Uber Accident in Tampa, FL?
Protecting your health and your claim requires immediate action. Consider these steps:
- Seek medical attention right away, even if symptoms seem minor. Concussion and whiplash symptoms can appear hours or days later.
- Report the crash through the Uber app so there is a digital record.
- Collect evidence by taking photos of the vehicles, roadway, and any visible injuries. Save ride receipts and in-app trip details.
- File a police report for official documentation.
- Contact a Tampa personal injury lawyer who knows how to handle rideshare cases. Insurance companies quickly deny or delay claims, but a lawyer can protect your rights from day one.
Beyond these steps, it also helps to keep a personal recovery journal. Documenting symptoms, medical visits, and how your injuries affect daily life can strengthen your claim.
Insurance companies often challenge the seriousness of injuries, so consistent records make it harder for them to downplay your experience. In Tampa, where rideshare use is common, thorough documentation can differentiate between a denied claim and fair compensation.
In addition, remember that Florida law sets strict time limits for filing personal injury lawsuits. Under Florida Statute § 95.11, you generally have two years to bring a negligence claim after an Uber accident. Preserving electronic trip data, receipts, and in-app messages is just as important as gathering photos at the scene, since digital records can help prove liability and strengthen your case.
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Understanding Insurance Coverage in Rideshare Accidents
Florida regulates rideshare insurance under its Transportation Network Company (TNC) statute. According to Florida Statute § 627.748, Uber and its drivers must maintain minimum liability coverage depending on whether the driver is logged in, waiting, or actively transporting passengers. These rules are designed to protect passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers injured in an Uber-related accident.
How Uber’s Insurance Policies Work in Different Scenarios?
Uber publishes its insurance coverage nationwide, and Tampa claims fall within these rules:
- App off: Only the driver’s personal insurance applies.
- App on, no passenger: Uber offers limited liability coverage, typically $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident, as secondary coverage.
- En route or with a passenger: Uber provides up to $1 million in third-party liability insurance for bodily injury and property damage.
This layered approach is why the question “Is Uber responsible for accidents?” requires careful analysis of the trip stage. Each situation carries different coverage options.
How Uber’s Insurance Covers Passenger Injuries After a Crash?
Uber’s $1 million policy can provide substantial coverage when a passenger is injured. It may apply to:
- Medical bills that exceed your PIP benefits.
- Lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working.
- Pain and suffering damages that are tied to severe or permanent injuries.
Florida’s no-fault law means your own PIP pays first, but once your damages cross the serious injury threshold, you can step outside the no-fault system and file against Uber’s insurer. This often becomes the turning point for Tampa passengers in determining whether they recover full compensation.
Injured in an Uber Accident? Contact Our personal injury Lawyers in Tampa, FL
At Catania and Catania, we have spent decades fighting for injury victims in Tampa. We know the ins and outs of Florida rideshare laws and how personal injuries can disrupt every part of your life.
Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver hit by an Uber, our team can investigate the crash, hold the right parties accountable, and demand the compensation you deserve.
Call us today at (813) 222-8656 for a free consultation. Let us answer your questions about “Is Uber responsible for accidents?” and guide you toward justice.
Paul B. Catania
With more than 30 years of experience, Paul specializes in personal injury cases, auto accidents, wrongful death, and medical malpractice. As a co-founder of Catania & Catania, alongside his brother, he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Florida and his Juris Doctor from Stetson University.
Licensed to practice in all Florida courts, including the Florida Supreme Court and federal courts, this Tampa attorney is committed to advocating for justice in the community. As seen in the AV Preeminent award.
