The moments after a rideshare crash can feel disorienting. You’re trying to get your bearings, your phone is buzzing, and someone may already be asking for a statement. If you were injured in a Lyft crash, knowing what to do next can protect both your health and your rights.
This step-by-step guide walks through what to do after a Lyft accident in Miami Gardens, what not to say to insurers, how Florida PIP works, and when getting a lawyer actually makes a difference.
Step 1: Make Sure Everyone Is Safe and Call 911
Even if the crash seems minor, safety comes first.
If anyone is hurt—or if traffic is backing up—call 911. In Miami Gardens, a police report creates an official record that can matter later, especially in a rideshare claim where multiple insurance policies may apply.
If you’re able:
- Move to a safe area
- Accept medical help if offered
- Let officers document what happened
Adrenaline can mask injuries. What feels like “just soreness” at the scene can turn into real pain hours later.
Step 2: Document the Scene (Including the Lyft Ride)
Rideshare accidents are different from regular car crashes. Details disappear fast.
Use your phone to capture:
- Photos of all vehicles, damage, and the roadway
- Screenshots of the Lyft trip in the app (driver name, ride status, time)
- Contact info for witnesses
- The Lyft driver’s insurance information if available
If the driver was actively logged into the app or transporting you at the time, that detail can affect which insurance coverage applies.
Step 3: Get Medical Care—Even If You Feel “Okay”
Many crash injuries don’t show up right away. Neck, back, and soft-tissue injuries often worsen overnight.
Getting medical care:
- Protects your health
- Creates records linking your injuries to the crash
- Helps preserve your right to compensation
In Florida, timing matters. Delaying care can give insurers room to argue your injuries weren’t caused by the accident.
Step 4: Be Careful When Reporting the Accident
You may hear from:
- Your own insurance company
- The Lyft driver’s insurer
- A rideshare claims representative connected to Lyft
You can report that an accident occurred—but be cautious.
What Not to Say to Lyft or Insurance Adjusters
Avoid statements like:
- “I’m fine” or “I’m not really hurt”
- “I didn’t see them”
- “It was probably my fault”
- Guessing how the crash happened
You’re not required to give a recorded statement right away. It’s okay to say you need time to get medical care and understand what happened.
Step 5: Understand Florida PIP (In Simple Terms)
Florida is a no-fault state, which means your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage usually pays first—regardless of who caused the crash.
Here’s the basic idea:
- PIP can cover a portion of medical bills and lost wages
- Coverage is limited and often runs out quickly
- Serious injuries may allow claims beyond PIP, especially in rideshare cases
Lyft accidents often involve layered insurance coverage, which can make claims more complex than a standard car crash.
Step 6: When a Lawyer Actually Matters in a Lyft Accident
Not every accident requires legal help—but many Lyft crashes do.
Talking to a lawyer can make sense if:
- You were seriously injured
- There’s confusion about which insurance policy applies
- An insurer is delaying or denying your claim
- You’re being pushed to settle quickly
- Multiple vehicles or parties were involved
An experienced attorney can step in, handle insurer communications, and sort out coverage issues tied to rideshare status.
If you want to learn more about how these cases work, see our page on Lyft and Uber accident claims and how liability is determined.
A Quick Lyft Accident Checklist
After a Lyft crash in Miami Gardens, try to remember:
- Call 911 and get medical help
- Document the scene and the Lyft ride
- Get medical care promptly
- Be cautious with insurers
- Don’t rush into a settlement
Small decisions early on can have long-term consequences.
Ready to Talk Through Your Next Steps?
If you were injured in a Lyft accident and aren’t sure what to do next, you don’t have to figure it out alone. A short conversation can help you understand your options and what makes sense for your situation.
Call (305) 707-3991 or reach out through our contact page to get answers and clarity about your next steps.