“AV-Preeminent” Rated Lawyer by Martindale-Hubbell & Personal Injury Lawyer for over 35 Years
After each Tampa Bay Lightning game, concert, or sold-out event at Benchmark International Arena (formerly Amalie Arena), thousands of fans exit the venue. Many request rideshares home.
This causes a surge of Uber and Lyft accidents, pedestrians, and personal cars in a confined downtown area, increasing the risk of accidents. When rideshare accidents occur at Benchmark International Arena, liability and insurance questions often become complex.
Why Are Rideshare Accidents Increasing Around Benchmark International Arena?
On a typical event night in downtown Tampa, Amalie Arena draws upward of 20,000 people for events like:
- Tampa Bay Lightning home games
- Touring music concerts
- Special shows
Rideshare demand spikes in the hour before events and especially in the 30 to 90 minutes after they end. This concentrated traffic funnels into narrow corridors around Channelside Drive, East Brorein Street, and onto the I-275 and Selmon Expressway on-ramps.
Uber drivers often depend on GPS and may be unfamiliar with local roads and traffic patterns. Many pursue surge pricing during events, entering crowded areas while managing their app.
Uber drivers undergo only basic background checks. These background checks don't ensure the driver is familiar with the following:
- Downtown Tampa’s one-way streets
- Restricted lanes
- Pedestrian crossings
Common causes of rideshare collisions near the arena include:
- Distracted driving from navigation apps, ride requests, and in-app messaging is a common cause of Uber accidents and often contributes to incidents near event venues.
- Fatigued driving by Uber and Lyft drivers attempting to maximize trips after late-night concerts or extended games.
- Pedestrian conflicts occur when crowds spill into streets between crosswalks, creating unpredictable movement for rideshare drivers.
- Impaired third-party drivers leaving bars, restaurants, or parking garages in Channelside or Ybor City increase the risk of multi-vehicle and pedestrian accidents.
Carelessness is a leading cause of Uber accidents in these conditions. Tampa’s summer storms further increase risk with heavy rain, slick roads, and low nighttime visibility. Rideshare accidents in this area can affect:
- Vehicle passengers
- Other drivers
- Bicyclists heading to the Riverwalk
- Pedestrians crossing near arena exits
Due to the complexity of these environments, rideshare accident victims can benefit from consulting a Tampa Uber accident lawyer at Hancock Injury Attorneys. Our team understands event traffic patterns around Benchmark International Arena. We also know where to locate key evidence such as camera footage and witness statements.
Understanding Uber and Lyft Insurance Coverage
State law regulates rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft under Florida Statutes § 627.748. This law requires rideshare companies to have layered insurance coverage that varies based on the driver's status in the app at the time of the accident. Understanding how liability and insurance work in rideshare accident claims is essential because it directly affects the amount of compensation available.
Three key statuses control which policy applies.
1. Driver Offline (App Off)
When the driver is not logged into the Uber or Lyft app, the crash is treated like any other car accident in Tampa. Only the driver's personal auto insurance applies. Drivers must maintain at least Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage of $10,000 in Florida. Drivers must also maintain $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL) coverage.
Uber's insurance policy doesn’t activate in this scenario. The injured person would rely on their own personal injury protection benefits and the at-fault party's personal policy.
2. Driver Online, Waiting For a Ride Request
Once logged in, but before accepting a trip, Uber and Lyft provide contingent liability insurance coverage with minimum limits of:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
Florida law requires rideshare drivers to have $100,000 liability insurance at this stage. Uber's insurance is secondary to the driver's personal policy. This means that the personal insurer pays first or denies the claim before the rideshare policy kicks in.
Insurance disputes are common in these cases. A Tampa insurance disputes lawyer from our firm, experienced in rideshare liability, can manage these discussions to protect your interests.
3. Driver En Route to Pickup or Carrying a Passenger
This is when the fullest protection applies. Uber provides up to $1 million in insurance coverage during an active trip, covering the following:
- Bodily injury
- Death
- Property damage
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage may also be available when another driver causes the crash and carries insufficient insurance or flees the scene of the accident. An Uber passenger injured during this phase typically has access to far more coverage than in a typical other car accident. Collision coverage for the vehicle itself may also apply under the rideshare company's policy.
Florida's no-fault PIP rules still require most rideshare accident victims to use their own PIP benefits first. However, if you suffer serious or permanent physical injuries, you can pursue additional personal injury claims against the at-fault party and the rideshare insurer. You can recover damages from Uber's insurance after exhausting personal insurance limits.
Our legal team will review trip records, confirm the driver’s status, and identify all applicable policies during a free consultation. This ensures you have a complete understanding before making decisions. Call 813-915-1110 to schedule your free consultation today.
Who May Be Liable for My Injuries?
Determining who is responsible after an Uber or Lyft accident near Benchmark International Arena can involve multiple parties and insurance companies. Rideshare cases in Florida involve complex liability issues because several potentially liable parties may share fault, and different policies may cover each.
The Uber or Lyft Driver
If the Uber driver was speeding, tailgating, running a red light, or failing to yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk near the arena, their negligence can trigger both their personal auto policy. Depending on the driver's status in the app, the rideshare company's liability coverage may also be triggered.
Consulting a personal injury lawyer at Hancock Injury Attorneys helps you understand which insurance policies apply and which claim to pursue first.
Another Negligent Driver
A third-party driver may have caused the crash by making an unsafe lane change on Channelside Drive, following too closely near arena exits, or driving while impaired after leaving a downtown bar. Victims may need to file a car accident claim against the driver's liability insurer and, when that coverage falls short, tap into Uber or Lyft's UM/UIM benefits.
A Pedestrian or Bicyclist
In some cases, a pedestrian or cyclist who acted unpredictably, such as darting between cars, may share fault. This does not automatically eliminate the rideshare driver's responsibility.
A Vehicle Manufacturer or Maintenance Provider
Rarely, a mechanical defect, such as a brake failure, can contribute to accidents involving rideshare vehicles, adding another layer of liability.
How Does Shared Fault Affect My Case?
Under Florida's modified comparative negligence system, an injured person's compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault. If you are found more than 50 percent at fault, you’ll be barred from recovery entirely.
For example, a pedestrian hit while crossing outside a crosswalk after a Lightning game may be partially responsible for their injuries. However, an Uber driver who was speeding and distracted may still be mostly at fault. These percentages are often disputed, and insurance companies may try to shift blame to reduce their liability.
Florida law doesn’t allow victims to sue Uber or Lyft directly because rideshare drivers are classified as independent contractors, not employees. That being said, victims can still access rideshare insurance policies whenever the driver's status triggers coverage.
How Can Hancock Injury Attorneys Help Me?
Hancock Injury Attorneys investigates all aspects of your accident by:
- Obtaining police reports from the Tampa Police Department
- Securing surveillance footage from cameras near Benchmark International Arena
- Reviewing electronic trip data from the rideshare company
- Building a clear liability theory against the at-fault party
This groundwork allows our Uber accident lawyers to pursue compensation for damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Future medical care
- Pain and suffering
What Steps Do I Take After a Tampa Rideshare Accident?
A rideshare accident near Benchmark International Arena can occur suddenly amid crowded and disorienting exits. The actions you take in the minutes, hours, and days following the crash can significantly impact your recovery and legal claim.
Here is what to do:
1. Ensure Safety
Move to a safe area away from traffic near arena exits or intersections if you can do so without aggravating injuries. Adrenaline may mask symptoms, so pause to assess yourself.
2. Call 911
Tampa Police Department officers and emergency medical services should respond, especially if anyone reports pain, dizziness, or visible injuries.
A police report is essential for legal claims. So be sure to record the report number.
3. Gather Evidence at the Accident Scene
Take photos and short videos of the following:
- The position of the vehicles
- Any skid marks
- The traffic signals
- Relevant signage around Benchmark International Arena
- Any rideshare vehicles involved
- The license plates of the vehicles involved
- Any visible injuries
Save screenshots of the Uber or Lyft trip screen showing driver information, route, and time. Also collect names and contact information from all drivers, passengers, and witnesses.
Documenting the accident scene is crucial for pursuing insurance claims and strengthening your position later.
4. Get Medical Attention Immediately
Accept medical evaluation at the scene or visit a Tampa emergency room or urgent care center the same day. Serious injuries like concussions, whiplash, internal bleeding, and soft-tissue damage may not show immediate symptoms but require prompt documentation for your health and insurance claim.
5. Report the Crash to Insurance and The Rideshare App
Report the accident through the Uber or Lyft app as soon as you are safe, and save all in-app messages and emails. Notify your auto insurer promptly to comply with PIP rules, but avoid giving detailed recorded statements before consulting a Tampa rideshare accident attorney.
What Shouldn’t I Do After a Tampa Rideshare Accident?
- Do not apologize or accept blame at the scene.
- Do not speculate about fault with other parties or officers.
- Do not sign documents or accept settlements before consulting a lawyer. Insurance companies may offer quick, low settlements in hopes you will not realize your claim’s full value.
- Do not post about the accident on social media while the claim is pending.
Florida changed the filing deadline from four to two years on March 24, 2023. The two-year deadline runs from the date of the accident, and missing it bars recovery of compensation entirely.
Hancock Injury Attorneys gives free consultations with no obligation. Call 813-915-1110 for a case review to find out which policies apply, what deadlines matter for your claim, and how to get compensation.
Why Should I Work With Hancock Injury Attorneys After an Uber or Lyft Accident?
We are a personal injury law firm in Tampa that helps rideshare accident victims throughout Hillsborough County, including those injured at events at Benchmark International Arena. Our lawyers have hands-on experience with Florida’s TNC insurance rules and the special challenges of rideshare accident cases.
What sets our firm apart:
Our legal team has a deep familiarity with rideshare liability under Florida Statutes. We understand how TNC provisions govern Uber's insurance policy. Also, we know how Lyft accident coverage is triggered under different driver statuses.
Our legal team is familiar with the following:
- Downtown Tampa traffic patterns
- Local event schedules
- Common crash locations in the surrounding area
We have over 35 years of experience handling car accident and rideshare cases. We regularly demonstrate our commitment to securing fair compensation through careful case preparation.
Services for rideshare accident clients:
- Full investigation of the crash, including obtaining police reports, medical records, Uber and Lyft data, and available video footage.
- We handle all communication and negotiations with insurance companies, so rideshare accident victims can focus on getting better.
- We calculate and pursue full damages, including medical expenses, lost income, diminished earning capacity, rehabilitation costs, and non-economic damages such as pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Client-centered representation:
- Direct attorney involvement rather than being passed off to staff.
- Clear, frequent communication throughout the claims process.
- We offer caring guidance to help reduce stress, so clients can focus on their medical recovery.
Our firm gives a free case review to anyone hurt in a rideshare accident at Benchmark International Arena or anywhere in Tampa Bay. At Hancock Injury Attorneys, we work on a contingency fee basis, so clients do not pay unless we secure compensation for them.
If you need an experienced Tampa Uber accident lawyer after a crash near Benchmark International Arena, Hancock Injury Attorneys is here to help. Our team handles every aspect of your personal injury case so you can focus on getting better. Call 813-915-1110 to set up your free consultation today.
FAQs
Do I still have a case if the Uber or Lyft driver who hit me left the scene near Benchmark International Arena?
Yes. Hit-and-run accidents involving rideshare vehicles are treated like other hit-and-runs under Florida law. You may rely initially on your own PIP coverage.
If the at-fault driver is later identified as a rideshare driver who was online or carrying a passenger, Uber or Lyft's liability insurance coverage may apply.
If the driver is never found, you may seek benefits under your own uninsured motorist policy, and in some cases, UM coverage available through the rideshare trip may also apply.
Contact Hancock Injury Attorneys promptly at 813-915-1110 so our firm can work with law enforcement and review all available insurance coverage.
What if I was partly at fault for the accident, like crossing outside a crosswalk after a concert?
Under Florida's modified comparative negligence rules, your compensation can be reduced by your share of fault. If you are found more than 50 percent responsible, you may be barred from recovery.
However, even if a pedestrian made an error, an Uber driver may still bear significant responsibility if they were speeding, distracted, or failed to maintain a proper lookout.
Fault percentages are often disputed. Having a car accident lawyer from our firm check the facts can prevent insurance companies from unfairly shifting blame.
How long does an Uber or Lyft accident case usually take to resolve in Tampa?
Timelines vary. Some straightforward rideshare accident claims with clear liability and well-documented injuries may resolve in a few months through insurance negotiations.
More complex Uber accident cases involving the following can take a year or more:
-Serious or permanent injuries
-Many vehicles
-Contested liability
Victims may need to file a personal injury lawsuit in Hillsborough County. At Hancock Injury Attorneys, we aim to move cases efficiently while avoiding rushed, low settlement offers.
Can I bring a claim if I was an Uber or Lyft driver injured while working a Benchmark International Arena event?
Rideshare drivers injured on the job may also have claims. You can use your own PIP coverage and pursue liability claims against another at-fault driver.
Depending on your trip status, Uber or Lyft's insurance may provide coverage through UM/UIM benefits when another driver is uninsured or underinsured. Uber drivers must maintain minimum liability insurance of $100,000, but that may not cover your own injuries.
Because rideshare drivers are typically independent contractors, traditional workers' compensation may not apply. This makes it critical to explore all available policies with a Tampa rideshare accident lawyer at our firm.
What does it cost to hire Hancock Injury Attorneys for an Uber or Lyft accident case?
At Hancock Injury Attorneys, we offer a free case review to rideshare accident victims and work on a contingency fee basis. Clients pay no upfront retainer and no hourly fees. Our firm only collects attorney's fees if we recover compensation through a settlement or verdict.
Victims can claim economic damages for financial losses such as:
-Medical bills
-Lost wages
-Pain and suffering
In rare cases involving egregious misconduct, punitive damages may also be awarded. Call 813-915-1110 after an accident at or near Benchmark International Arena to protect your deadlines and preserve evidence.