ride-share

Despite having many potential sources of payment for medical expenses in ride share-related crashes, Uber riders sometimes end up holding the bag.

The most common payment sources are PIP, MedPay, health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and bodily injury liability insurance.

With a few exceptions, every owner or registrant of a motor vehicle required to be registered and licensed in Florida must maintain PIP insurance. See Florida Statute 627.733. PIP, which applies without regard to fault, covers medical expenses and lost wages. Most Florida policies limit PIP coverage to $10,000 and apply deductibles.

One of the benefits of the ride share industry is that people can go without owning a vehicle. However, PIP is not automatically available to those PIP passengers who live in Florida and do not reside with a relative who maintains PIP insurance. Likewise, other medical insurance may not be available.

Much has been written about the type of insurance coverage available to Uber passengers and other third parties for accidents caused by Uber drivers. Less has been written about the coverage available to Uber drivers and their passengers for injuries caused by third parties such as other drivers.

Currently, we are handling a case for an Uber driver who was hurt through the negligence of another driver. Our client’s passenger was also hurt.

Florida motor vehicle insurance policies offer a variety of coverages. For individuals, only Property Damage Liability and PIP are mandatory. The other available coverages are Uninsured Motorist/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM), Comprehensive, Collision, and Medical Payments. A premium is charged for each type of coverage.

Uber maintains insurance coverage in Florida with Progressive. We received a copy of the policy applicable to our accident. The available coverages are:

Liability to Others – Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability – $1,000,000 combined single limit
Comprehensive – $2,500
Collision – $2,500
Medical Payments – $5,000 each person

Uber rejected UM/UIM. PIP was not an option.