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The ease and availability of Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services have changed how we travel. Across South Florida, tourists and locals alike appreciate the convenience of prompt transportation at a reasonable price. There are more than 93 million active users and 3.5 million Uber drivers worldwide. With those numbers, chances are you have taken an Uber. But have you ever considered whether you are financially protected in the event of a rideshare accident?
Contact a West Palm Beach Uber accident lawyer at Kogan & DiSalvo for guidance on your case and to pursue compensation for your losses after a rideshare crash in South Florida. We offer free case evaluations and are happy to answer your questions.
Common Types of Rideshare Accidents
Uber and Lyft accidents happen for the same reasons as other crashes: distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence, and sheer carelessness. Rideshare drivers who don’t properly service and maintain their vehicles also increase the risk of accidents.
Accidents involving rideshare vehicles usually fall into the following categories:
- Passengers are injured during a rideshare trip
- Drivers are hurt while transporting, picking up, or dropping off passengers
- Motorists in other vehicles are injured in accidents with rideshare vehicles
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident
All car accidents are unsettling, but even more so if it happens while you’re a passenger in a stranger’s vehicle. Here are the steps to take after a Florida Uber accident:
- Get Help. Your safety should always be your priority. Call 911 to report the crash and request medical assistance. If you don’t require emergency medical attention, follow up with your healthcare provider.
- Gather Evidence. Once you are safe, gather evidence of the accident. Take photos of the location and all vehicles involved. Document skid marks, property damage, and other details that could provide clues as to what caused the crash.
- Exchange Contact Information. Get information about your rideshare driver: their name, driver’s license number, insurance information, and phone or email. Do the same for any other drivers involved in the crash.
- Contact a Lawyer. As we’ve noted, rideshare accident claims are especially complex. The guidance of an Uber accident lawyer can be invaluable. We recommend speaking with your lawyer before accepting any settlement offers.
Finally, insurance companies are businesses concerned with their bottom line. They want to pay out as little as possible. When you work with a lawyer, you increase your chance of recovering fair compensation for your injuries.
Who is Liable in an Uber Accident?
Liability is essentially responsibility, and several parties may be liable for a rideshare accident:
Rideshare Drivers
Rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors, even though they work for well-known companies like Uber and Lyft. In some cases, the driver’s personal insurance policy can be the primary source of coverage.
Rideshare Companies
As independent contractors, rideshare drivers also operate under vicarious liability laws. That makes it more challenging to hold an employer, like Uber or Lyft, responsible for a driver’s negligence. While it is more difficult to sue these rideshare companies, you can file a claim under their substantial insurance policies—depending on the circumstances.
Other Drivers
Of course, as a rideshare passenger, it’s possible to be injured in a crash caused by a third party. Uber and Lyft share the road with other cars, as well as trucks, buses, cyclists, and pedestrians. You can discuss suing potential third parties with your Lyft accident lawyer in West Palm Beach if this happens.
Insurance Coverage for Rideshare Services
Uber and Lyft insurance coverage depends on the driver’s coverage and their status–determined by the app–when an accident occurs.
- While the app is on and the driver is waiting for requests, their personal coverage applies. Typically, this coverage has limits of 50/100/25, which means $50,000 for bodily injury per person, up to $100,000 per event, and $25,000 for property damage.
- When the app is on and the driver is picking up and transporting passengers, third-party or employer liability coverage applies. Uber and Lyft have $1 million liability policies if the driver has a passenger in the vehicle or is on the way to pick one up.
- If the accident occurs when the driver is off the clock and not logged into the app, their personal insurance coverage applies.
Uber Accident Compensation in West Palm Beach
If you were injured in a rideshare accident, compensation is possible through an insurance settlement which could include monetary damages for the following:
- Emotional and physical pain and suffering
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Costs for medical care which could consist of hospitalization, tests, surgery, medications, and physical therapy
Our team will work with you to calculate your losses and negotiate with the applicable insurance company. You can discuss your options with your lawyer.
Our Experienced Uber Accident Lawyers in West Palm Beach Can Help
A free, no-obligation case consultation with a car accident lawyer at Kogan & DiSalvo is the most effective way to discuss the specific details of your situation. Our team has extensive experience resolving rideshare accident claims and recovering awards and verdicts for clients.
Call today to schedule your free case evaluation; there is no obligation to hire us. Since we work on a contingency basis, there are no upfront legal fees. We are proud to represent clients in West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County, and across the state.
