Responsibility for Injuries in a Rideshare Accident
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have become increasingly popular in recent years, but with more cars on the road come more accidents. When it comes to accidents involving rideshare drivers, determining liability can be complex. Generally, a rideshare accident lawsuit or personal injury case requires a different process and understanding of the law than a regular car accident.
It‘s crucial for those involved in rideshare accidents with an Uber or Lyft Driver to understand their rights and seek the help of an experienced attorney to determine liability and pursue compensation.
At Ziegler Diamond Law, our experienced Florida rideshare accident attorneys can help guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to speak with an experienced Uber or Lyft accident lawyer.
Continue reading to learn the answers to the following questions:
- When Is The Rideshare Driver Liable For an Uber or Lyft Accident?
- When is The Rideshare Company At Fault?
- Must Uber & Lyft Drivers Carry Their Own Insurance?
- What To Do If You’re Involved in an Uber or Lyft Accident
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When Is The Rideshare Driver Liable For an Uber or Lyft Accident?
Uber and Lyft rideshare drivers are third-party contractors (i.e., not employees of the companies they drive for). This means that if a driver causes an accident due to their negligence or recklessness while they are off duty or in-between rides, they will likely be held responsible for any injuries or damages caused. Florida law requires rideshare drivers to carry liability insurance coverage to protect riders from such accidents. However, if they are transporting a passenger, Uber or Lyft’s insurance policy will likely cover the injuries caused.
The compensation you can receive after a rideshare accident (that’s the rideshare driver’s fault) depends on the severity of your injuries, the damage done to your car, and the circumstances surrounding the accident. Generally, you can seek compensation for the following, but not limited to:
- Medical bills for bodily injury caused by the Lyft or Uber driver
- Damages caused to your personal vehicles
- Non-economic damages (i.e., pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment, etc.)
If you were injured in a rideshare accident, it is essential to contact an experienced Uber or Lyft car accident attorney who can help you determine who is liable and what kind of compensation you may be entitled to.
When is The Rideshare Company At Fault?
In rideshare accidents involving a rideshare driver, it is vital to understand who may be held liable and to what extent. Depending on the facts of the case, Lyft & Uber accident attorneys may recommend you file an insurance claim with the driver’s personal insurance policy, the ridesharing app’s liability coverage, or both.
Generally speaking, in most cases, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft cannot be held responsible for the actions of their contractors or agents when they are off duty or in between rides. That’s because their drivers are independent contractors.
However, there may be specific scenarios where the company could still face liability. For instance, if a rideshare driver was on duty and logged into their app while transporting a client (or you) at the time of the accident, liability could fall upon the rideshare company. In most cases, when this occurs, the rideshare insurance coverage for Uber and Lyft accidents takes care of all passengers involved in the rideshare accident.
However, suppose intoxicated driving or other dangerous behavior is found to have caused the accident. In that case, damages may be sought from both the rideshare driver (i.e., their third-party liability insurance) and their employer, depending on the circumstances.
Must Uber & Lyft Drivers Carry Their Own Insurance?
Uber and Lyft drivers must take out personal insurance policies separate from that of Uber or Lyft’s general coverage. This means that if a rideshare driver caused an accident due to negligence, they could be personally liable for any damages caused, and any accident claims will have to go through that person’s insurance company.
However, the fact is that most traditional personal auto policies specifically exclude coverage when an individual is operating a vehicle for business purposes (i.e., using it as a rideshare vehicle) – and unfortunately, insurance companies consider driving for companies like Uber and Lyft to be just that.
Furthermore, most rideshare drivers do not have the necessary business auto policies in place to protect themselves and their passengers in the event of Lyft or Uber accidents. Such policies often come with high premiums that many drivers would prefer to avoid paying.
But, it is crucial for these individuals to understand that the risk of financial disaster is simply too significant to operate without adequate insurance coverage.
What To Do If You’re Involved in an Uber or Lyft Accident
Suppose you’re involved in a rideshare accident. In that case, you should know that evidence collection, seeking immediate medical attention, and contacting a proven rideshare accident attorney are essential steps (among others) to take after your accident.
Generally, it’s recommended that you take the following actions immediately following your accident, but not limited to::
- Exchange information with the rideshare driver (i.e., each driver’s personal insurance information, ID, contact information, etc.)
- File a police report for the accident involving a rideshare driver
- Collect evidence of property damage and bodily harm at the accident scene (i.e., pictures, videos, vehicles involved, etc.)
- Get the contact information of witnesses
- Seek medical treatment (this should be step one if warranted)
- Report the accident to Uber or Lyft (for rideshare passengers during a ride request)
- Report the accident to your personal auto insurance
- Contact an experienced Florida car accident lawyer
From figuring out liability to negotiating with insurance companies, rideshare accident cases can be incredibly complex. In most cases, it’s in the best interest of ridesharing accident victims to consult with a proven Lyft or Uber accident lawyer before they seek compensation for economic or non-economic damages.
Continue reading to learn how our rideshare accident attorneys can help you seek maximum compensation for serious injuries.
Contact a Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Florida
At Ziegler Diamond Law, we understand the gravity of being involved in car accidents involving rideshare companies. Our top priorities are to seek justice, maximum compensation and ensure your needs are met.
Our team of personal injury lawyers works on a contingency fee basis and offers free consultations, so you can rest assured that your best interests are always kept in mind. If the rideshare services insurance policy doesn’t offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf.
Your fight for justice is our fight – let us help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation about the details of your rideshare accident in Florida.
