Were you involved in an Uber car accident in Florida? Ride-sharing apps have continued to grow in popularity with millions of users worldwide. Florida is no exception. With millions of visitors coming to the area each year, ridesharing has become the best way for both tourists and locals to get around.
These drivers, however, are no safer than any other driver, which means the risk of being involved in an Uber or Lyft accident is just as high as it could be if you were driving.
Whether you were a passenger or the other driver, determining liability after an Uber or Lyft accident can be difficult. If you have been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Florida, seek the legal advice of an experienced Uber accident attorney near you. A dedicated Uber accident attorney can help you determine liability and seek rightful compensation for your personal injury claim.
Being involved in any type of auto accident is a terribly frightening experience. Being involved in an Uber or Lyft accident is no exception. If you’ve been involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, here are some tips to help simplify the upcoming steps:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention. Taking care of your health is paramount. If you are visibly hurt or believe you are injured, contact 911 or visit the emergency room immediately.
- Call the Police. In the state of Florida, any accident that causes physical injury or property damage should be reported to the police.
- Take Notes. It’s not uncommon to forget critical details about the accident following a traumatic experience. Take notes about the accident, such as the intersection, time of day, road conditions, etc.
- Take Photos. Photographic damage of the vehicle(s), any injuries, and any roadway evidence, like skid marks, are helpful in proving a case.
- Do Not Sign Anything. You do not agree with or speak with any company representative without an attorney’s counsel, nor do you need to make any official statement or declare fault. Contact a qualified Uber or Lyft accident attorney.
If you have been involved in an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver, contact the police immediately. A formal report can provide details that may fade from your own memory over time. Only give the police factual statements and do not lay blame on anyone, even if you think the Uber or Lyft driver was at fault.
The Uber or Lyft driver will need to contact their company immediately. You should avoid signing any documents you do not understand or speak with the driver or a company representative.
Proving fault can be very tricky in this situation. If another driver causes the accident, they may be held liable for the crash, and a claim may be made against their insurer. If you were the passenger of an at-fault Uber or Lyft driver, you are not at fault and should be able to recover damages. However, if you were involved with an off-duty Uber or Lyft driver, the driver would be held responsible rather than the company.
Uber, for example, offers the following breakdown of their insurance policy:
When the Uber app is turned OFF: Only the driver’s personal auto insurance can be used in these instances. As they are not technically on the job, Uber cannot be held responsible for any damage caused in an accident.
When the Uber app is turned ON, and the driver is available: Both the driver’s personal insurance and Uber’s contingent liability coverage can be accessed in the case of a crash, which includes up to $50,000 to $100,000 for injuries, and $25,000 for property damage.
When the Uber app is turned ON and the driver is on a trip, The company’s commercial insurance coverage is provided, including up to $1 million in third-party liability and $1 million in uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
Each of these situations can complicate the insurance claims process, so contacting a car accident attorney is essential. Weinstein Legal can help you determine who to file a claim against and the number of damages you may be entitled to.
If you were involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, fill out our contact form for a free case evaluation.
Uber and Lyft offer coverage up to $1 million in an accident. However, that is only when drivers have a passenger in the car or are headed to pick up a rider. When the driver waits for a fare, the coverage drops to $100,000 per accident. Uber and Lyft also encourage drivers to have personal vehicle insurance.
In some cases, the at-fault party may not have insurance or enough insurance to cover damages.
As Florida is a no-fault state, drivers must carry personal injury protection (PIP) benefits in their insurance policy. When an insured driver is involved in an accident, PIP will cover medical expenses and other, specific, non-medical related costs. To qualify for PIP benefits, you must seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident.
If you were involved in an Uber or Lyft ride-sharing accident and the driver at fault is uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to qualify for PIP benefits under your insurance.
A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help guide you through the claims process so that you may obtain the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, mental anguish, and more.
Fill out our contact form for a free consultation with a dedicated Uber and Lyft accident lawyer near you.
Like any auto accident, an Uber or Lyft accident will require evidence to prove fault in the case. Luckily, Uber and Lyft keep GPS and electronic records of where drivers are traveling while they’re working as part of the business. Most drivers also have dashcams or even cameras inside of the vehicle, which record outside traffic as well as which passengers enter and exit the vehicle. That evidence is critical, and the rideshare company must preserve that information to protect its drivers and passengers.
As soon as a collision occurs, Uber or Lyft should save that evidence voluntarily. At the Weinstein Legal Team, our dedicated Uber accident attorneys take the extra step to ensure that information is preserved. Our team fights diligently to guarantee all evidence regarding your case is brought to light.
