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Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have never been as popular in St. Petersburg as they are right now. These drivers offer countless people transportation options that did not previously exist. Unfortunately, they also represent an increased risk of vehicle collisions in the city.
If you have been hurt in a crash with an Uber or Lyft driver, you could have a case for financial compensation. Pursuing a monetary award on your own is risky, especially since you could be forced to deal with the insurance company of the rideshare provider. A St. Petersburg car accident attorney could guide you through every step of the injury claims process.
What to do in an Uber / Lyft accident
Many of the steps you take following a collision with an Uber or Lyft driver are the same as any other accident. By taking measured steps in response to the collision, you could protect not only your health but also your case for compensation. Some of the things you should do after a rideshare accident include the following:
- Notify the police
- Remain at the scene
- Collect insurance information from the other driver
- Assess your injuries and seek help as needed
- Document any evidence at the scene
- Speak to an attorney as soon as possible
Finally, there is another step to consider if you were the passenger of a rideshare driver instead of driving the other vehicle involved in the accident. It is vital that you report your accident to Uber or Lyft to ensure that you are provided coverage through their insurance policies. If you are hurt and the driver’s policy can’t cover your losses, you have the right to file a claim with the rideshare company’s insurance carrier.
Types of Uber / Lyft accidents
For the most part, Uber and Lyft accidents are no different than other collisions between motor vehicles. They can occur due to driver error, mechanical malfunctions, or even poor road design. However, understanding the nature of these accidents could be invaluable if you intend to pursue compensation for your injuries. Some types of Uber / Lyft accidents include the following:
- Rear-end collisions
- Side-impact collisions
- Head-on collisions
- Single-vehicle accidents
- Rollover accidents
Who is at fault?
Like with any car accident, a negligent party is ultimately responsible for a collision with an Uber or Lyft driver. Negligence involves a careless or reckless act that leads to an injury. In these cases, negligence could include an Uber or Lyft driver operating their vehicle while impaired or driving at unsafe speeds.
One party that is usually not at fault is the rideshare company. This is because the law considers Uber and Lyft drivers to be independent contractors as opposed to employees. This distinction matters as companies are responsible for negligent actions their employees take when they are within the scope of their employment. The same is not true for independent contractors.
You could still hold Uber or Lyft accountable following an accident, even if you cannot sue the company directly. This is possible because the law requires rideshare companies to offer insurance coverage to their drivers when they are working. The limits of these policies vary, with the most coverage available at times when a rideshare driver has a paying passenger in the car.
Contact an attorney about your St. Petersburg Uber or Lyft accident today
Pursuing an injury claim can be a stressful and overwhelming experience under the best of circumstances. When your injuries occur as the result of a negligent rideshare driver, this process can be even more challenging. Uber and Lyft accidents typically involve a tangled net of insurance coverage as well as a variety of defense attorneys.
You deserve legal counsel that can even the odds following a ridesharing accident. Your Uber accident lawsuit is important, and it could benefit from the guidance of seasoned legal counsel. Call an attorney with Kogan & DiSalvo as soon as possible for a free consultation.
