Rideshare Accidents in Fort Myers: Causes, Statistics & Your Legal Rights

Rideshare services like Uber, Lyft, and other on‑demand transport have significantly changed mobility in Fort Myers and the rest of Southwest Florida. But as their presence grows, so do the risks associated with rideshare accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a rideshare crash, it’s essential to understand common causes, regional trends, and how the Pittman Law Firm, P.L. can advocate for your recovery across all counties of Southwest Florida.

Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare crashes differ from typical auto accidents in that multiple insurance layers and app‑related liabilities may be involved. Below are frequent causes:

Driver Distraction & App Use

Rideshare drivers often use their mobile devices to receive ride requests, navigate routes, and track passenger locations. This frequent interaction with an app can lead to distraction, delayed braking, or lane drift.

Driver Fatigue & Long Shifts

Because many rideshare drivers log long hours to increase earnings, fatigue can become a serious factor—especially during late nights or early mornings when visibility is low and reaction times slow.

Sudden Pickup & Dropoff Maneuvers

Pulling over abruptly, double parking, or weaving into traffic to pick up or drop off riders can create hazardous situations for other motorists, cyclists, or pedestrians.

Intersection & Left-Turn Crashes

Rideshare vehicles tend to be involved in intersection collisions or left-hand turns, partly because of route changes, U‑turns, or attempts to circumvent traffic. These maneuvers often occur in congested urban corridors.

Tailgating & Rear-End Collisions

Stopping and starting in city traffic or at passenger pickup zones increases the likelihood of rear-end crashes, especially if a rideshare driver is inattentive or misjudges braking distances.

Poor Vehicle Maintenance

Some rideshare drivers operate older vehicles. If brakes, tires, lights, or suspension systems are not well-maintained, mechanical failure can cause or worsen accidents.

2024–2025 Rideshare Accident Trends & Statistics in Florida & Southwest Florida

While comprehensive county-level data specific to Fort Myers or Lee County is limited, statewide trends help illustrate the risks facing rideshare users in Southwest Florida.

• According to data reported, nearly 10,000 crashes in Florida involved rideshare drivers in recent years, many resulting in serious injury or death. 
• It is estimated that over 30% of rideshare-involved crashes lead to injuries requiring hospitalization or emergency medical care. 
• A legal analysis of Florida’s rideshare market indicates a roughly 3% annual increase in crashes involving rideshare vehicles in major metro areas. 
• In 2024, broader Florida traffic data reports several thousand fatalities statewide and a continued upward trend in vehicle collisions, highlighting the risks on crowded roads. 
• Though rideshare accidents are rare relative to total trips, they have an outsized impact when serious injuries or fatalities occur, drawing in complex insurance and liability issues. 

Given Fort Myers’s growing population, increasing tourism, and heavy traffic on roads such as Cleveland Avenue, Colonial Boulevard, and Veterans Parkway, rideshare vehicles are more frequently sharing the same congested routes as local and commuter traffic.

Who May Be Liable in a Fort Myers Rideshare Accident

Determining fault in a rideshare crash can be more complicated than in a regular wreck. Key liability scenarios include:

• Rideshare Driver Fault: If the driver’s actions (e.g., distracted driving, failure to yield, or unsafe maneuvering) caused the collision, they may be held liable.
• Other Motorist Fault: If a third-party driver struck the rideshare vehicle or its passengers, that driver may bear liability.
• Rideshare Company Insurance: In Florida, when a rideshare driver is logged into the app but not accepting a ride, a contingent liability policy (e.g. $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage) may apply. 
• When Driver Was Carrying a Passenger: When a ride is in progress (i.e. driver has accepted a ride), Uber/Lyft typically provides up to $1 million in liability coverage. 
• Negligent Hiring or Supervision: Claims may be made against the rideshare company for not properly vetting or supervising drivers, depending on the facts.

Each case requires a detailed investigation into driver logs, app status, crash reconstruction, and insurance policy terms.

Injuries & Damages in Rideshare Collisions

Victims of rideshare accidents may suffer a wide range of serious injuries and damages:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal injuries and paralysis
• Fractured bones, internal injuries
• Soft tissue injuries (neck, back, whiplash)
• Emotional distress, PTSD
• Lost wages, reduced earning capacity
• Medical treatment costs, rehabilitation
• Diminished quality of life

The value of a claim depends on the nature and permanency of injuries, medical records, wage loss, and liability evidence.

Why Partner with Pittman Law Firm, P.L.

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in Fort Myers or anywhere across Southwest Florida or Naples, Pittman Law Firm, P.L. is prepared to advocate fully for your rights:

• Local Presence & Reach: With offices in Fort Myers and Bonita Springs, the firm serves injured clients across all counties in Southwest Florida, including Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry, and Glades counties.
• Specialized in Personal Injury & Vehicular Cases: They understand the complexity of rideshare liability, insurance policies, and evidence collection.
• Client-First Approach: You’ll work directly with attorneys who guide you through each stage—negotiation, filing, and if needed, litigation.
• No Fees Until You Recover: The firm operates on contingency, meaning you pay only if they secure compensation on your behalf.

What to Do After a Rideshare Crash in Fort Myers

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately — Document your injuries.
2. Call Police & Obtain a Report — The crash report is key evidence.
3. Take Photos & Video — Scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks.
4. Save App & Ride Logs — Screenshots of trip data, driver status, timestamps.
5. Get Witness Information — Names, phone numbers, statements.
6. Avoid Giving Recorded Statements to Insurers — Let your lawyer handle negotiations.
7. Contact an Experienced Rideshare Accident Attorney — Early preservation of evidence and strategy matters.

Rideshare accidents in Fort Myers and across Southwest Florida represent a growing threat to public safety as app‑based transportation becomes more common. If you or a passenger has been injured in an Uber, Lyft, or similar service, don’t navigate the aftermath alone. The skilled personal injury team at Pittman Law Firm, P.L., is ready to investigate, pursue insurance compensation, and litigate on your behalf. They serve clients in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Naples, and all counties of Southwest Florida.

Contact Pittman Law Firm, P.L. today for a free consultation. Let them fight to protect your rights and help you recover the full compensation you deserve.