Call us 24/7Getting into an Uber or Lyft should feel safe. You trust that the driver will get you to your destination without harm. But what happens when that trust is broken? If you’ve been assaulted during a rideshare trip in Tampa or anywhere in Florida, you’re not alone – and you have rights.
Florida law provides several ways to protect rideshare assault victims. Understanding these rights can help you take the right steps toward justice and compensation for what you’ve been through.
Your Basic Rights as a Rideshare Assault Victim in Florida
When you’re hurt during a rideshare trip, Florida law gives you important protections:
- The right to file a police report without fear
- The right to seek medical care and have those costs covered
- The right to sue for damages including pain and suffering
- The right to legal representation at no upfront cost
- The right to privacy during legal proceedings when possible
These rights exist whether the assault happened in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, or anywhere else in Hillsborough County and surrounding areas.
Florida’s Rideshare Insurance Requirements
Florida requires all rideshare companies to carry special insurance. This insurance must cover you during different parts of your trip:
| Trip Stage | Coverage Amount | When It Applies |
| App On, No Ride | $50,000 per person | Driver has app on but no passenger |
| Ride Accepted | $1 million per incident | From accepting ride to drop-off |
| During Trip | $1 million per incident | While passenger is in the car |
This insurance can help pay for medical bills, therapy costs, and other damages after an assault. The coverage is much higher than regular car insurance, which helps protect victims.
Who Can Be Held Responsible?
In Florida rideshare assault cases, several parties might be responsible for your injuries:
The Driver: If your Uber or Lyft driver assaults you, they can be sued personally. Even if they don’t have much money, the rideshare company’s insurance may still cover your damages.
The Rideshare Company: Uber and Lyft have a duty to keep passengers safe. If they failed to do proper background checks or ignored safety complaints, they might be responsible too.
Third Parties: Sometimes other passengers or people outside the car cause harm. These cases can be more complex, but you still have options for compensation.
Florida’s Statute of Limitations for Assault Cases
Time limits matter in Florida. You have two years from the date of the assault to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, it’s best to act much sooner. Evidence gets lost, and witnesses forget details over time.
For insurance claims, you typically need to report the incident right away. Most rideshare companies require notification within 24-48 hours of an incident.
What Damages Can You Recover?
Florida law allows rideshare assault victims to seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Mental health counseling and therapy
- Lost wages from missing work
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In cases where the assault was particularly severe, you might also be able to seek punitive damages. These are meant to punish the wrongdoer and prevent similar incidents.
Recent Florida Cases That Help Victims
Florida courts have made several important decisions that help rideshare assault victims:
In Hillsborough County, courts have ruled that rideshare companies can’t hide behind their drivers’ independent contractor status when safety is involved. This means victims can often sue both the driver and the company.
Tampa area courts have also recognized that rideshare companies have a special duty to protect passengers. This includes doing proper background checks and responding quickly to safety complaints.
Your Right to Privacy
Florida law tries to protect assault victims’ privacy during legal cases. Courts can:
- Keep your name out of public records when possible
- Allow you to testify in private in some situations
- Limit questions about your personal life that aren’t relevant to the case
You don’t have to suffer in silence or worry about your private life becoming public.
Steps to Protect Your Rights
If you’ve been assaulted during a rideshare trip, take these steps:
- Get to safety and call 911 if needed
- Seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor
- Report the incident to the rideshare company through their app
- Save evidence like screenshots, photos, and receipts
- Contact an experienced rideshare assault attorney as soon as possible
Remember, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Florida law provides strong protections for rideshare assault victims, but knowing how to use these laws takes experience.
Getting the Help You Deserve
Being assaulted during what should have been a safe ride is traumatic and wrong. Florida’s laws are designed to help you recover and hold the responsible parties accountable. You have the right to seek justice and compensation for what you’ve been through.
Don’t let anyone tell you it was your fault or that you don’t have options. Florida law is on your side, and experienced attorneys know how to fight for rideshare assault victims.
If you or a loved one has been assaulted during an Uber or Lyft ride in the Tampa Bay area, don’t wait to get help. The team at Chris Ligori & Associates understands the unique challenges of rideshare assault cases and has helped many victims get the compensation they deserve. Call us today at 813-223-2929 for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your rights under Florida law, and help you take the next steps toward justice.
Legal Disclaimer: This article does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different, and you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss the specific facts and circumstances of your situation.
