Understanding Rideshare Accident Risks: Know Your Rights for Uber and Lyft Collisions
The Growing Popularity and Risks of Uber and Lyft
Transportation apps like Uber and Lyft have transformed the way we travel, offering a convenient and affordable alternative to traditional transportation options. Despite the benefits, ridesharing services come with certain risks. While Uber and Lyft drivers are expected to maintain a clean record with limited traffic violations, they do not undergo specialized driver training. As a result, rideshare drivers are no more skilled or experienced than the average driver, and the risks associated with roadway accidents are equally present.
When Accidents Happen: Legal Options for Uber and Lyft Injuries
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Rideshare accident while using Uber or Lyft, you might be uncertain about your next steps. Rideshare accident cases can be complex, involving multiple parties and insurance policies. At Pittman Law Firm, P.L., our dedicated Bonita Springs rideshare accident lawyers are here to help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal process to ensure you receive the support and compensation you deserve.
Don’t face the aftermath of a Rideshare accident alone. Contact Pittman Law Firm, P.L. for a free initial case evaluation, where our experienced team can help you navigate your case and pursue fair compensation. Learn more and schedule your consultation today!
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What to Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident
If you’ve been injured in an accident while riding with an Uber or Lyft driver, and you believe that your injuries were caused by—or in-part caused by—the driver’s negligence, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim.
Both Uber and Lyft hire their drivers as independent contractors, which means that you will most likely not be able to file a claim against the company itself. Instead, the driver will be held responsible independently. However, both Uber and Lyft have a liability policy through James River Insurance that will cover injured passengers up to $1 million.
In order to stand the best chance at winning a case against an Uber or Lyft driver, you should preserve as much evidence of the accident as you are able.
You should take photos of the damage, write down names and contact information of any witnesses, save information about the Uber or Lyft driver you rode with, and save your receipt for the ride. Next, you should hire an experienced personal injury attorney to help you file a claim and begin taking legal action against the responsible party.
Determine if You Are At-Fault
While rideshare companies cover accident losses, they may not cover personal losses in cases when the rideshare driver is declared at fault for the accident. Check the fine print of your company’s insurance policy to see if they provide coverage in at-fault cases.
If the rideshare company does not provide coverage for at-fault situations, each driver involved must cover their own personal injury losses. The no-fault driver may bring forward a standard car accident claim, and the at-fault driver will cover any relevant property damages for the driver and passengers.
Your Options After Being Involved in a Rideshare Accident
From Uber to Lyft, rideshare services have become increasingly common. Their growing use, however, also means a higher likelihood of accidents. What does a driver do in the case of a rideshare accident? Does a rideshare passenger collect accident compensation from the rideshare company? Depending on the severity of the car accident and whether you are the driver or a passenger, you have a few actions you may take following a rideshare accident.
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Rideshare Companies Insurance Coverage Requirements
Recall that most rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have generous insurance policies for drivers covering potential accidents. Uber, for example, provides drivers with insurance that complies with Florida law:
- Minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP);
- Minimum $10,000 in property damage liability (PDL).
The company also provides drivers a $1 million insurance policy for liability to any third parties in an accident. This policy applies whenever the driver is performing the duties of their employment (driving the passenger or picking up a passenger).
Regardless of the company, rideshare drivers are nonetheless required to have insurance covering the above Florida minimums, as well as $50,000 in physical injury or death liability coverage that applies whenever the rideshare app is being used. It is the driver’s responsibility to obtain this coverage, whether their rideshare company offers policies covering these requirements or not.
Collecting from the Rideshare Company as a Passenger
If you are a passenger injured in a rideshare accident, you may collect compensation from the at-fault driver. If the rideshare driver is at fault, you may collect from their rideshare insurance policy. If the other driver is at fault but their policy is unable to cover all your losses, the rideshare company should cover what the other driver cannot. Recall that, as mentioned above, passengers can count on the $1 million policy granted by companies like Uber and Lyft that cover losses for passengers using their rideshare services.
Passengers also have the right to bring forward a lawsuit if they believe the driver was operating the vehicle unsafely, such as if you suspect the driver of drunk driving. Rideshare companies are required by law to engage in thorough background checks to employ safe drivers without a history of driving violations like drunk driving, so if you allege that your driver did not meet this safety measure, you can take legal action against the rideshare company for not appropriately checking the safety of their drivers.
Contact Pittman Law Firm, P.L. for Legal Help on Your Rideshare Case Immediately
Located in Bonita Springs, Pittman Law Firm, P.L. is experienced with filing claims against negligent Uber and Lyft drivers. We can help you receive compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, wrongful death of a loved one, and other damages. Attorney David Pittman offers personalized and compassionate legal service as they fiercely pursue compensation for your injury and loss.
With 30 years of experience advocating for the injured, we are prepared to handle your rideshare accident claim. Contact Pittman Law Firm, P.L. today by calling and our attorney will personally provide you with a free consultation.
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