Can Uber or Lyft be sued directly for an accident caused by their driver in Florida?

Under Florida Statute § 627.748, rideshare drivers are generally classified as independent contractors rather than employees, shielding Uber and Lyft from ordinary vicarious liability in many scenarios. However, injured victims can pursue compensation through the mandatory commercial auto insurance policies of up to $1 million that these companies must maintain while drivers carry passengers or travel to pick them up. Direct lawsuits against Uber or Lyft may also arise if the corporation committed independent negligence, such as improper driver screening, negligent onboarding, or ignoring safety complaints. The Altman Law Firm, led by Jeffrey S. Altman, investigates all corporate and individual sources of recovery.