Rideshare Accidents Happen Every Day In Tampa
Uber, Lyft and other rideshare services have made it easier than ever to get around, but accidents can still happen. If you are involved in an Uber, Lyft or other type of rideshare accident, it’s important to understand the differences between these accidents and typical car accidents, as this can determine how you should proceed in order to seek compensation for your injuries and other damages.
What Do You Know About Uber and Lyft Ridesharing Accidents In Tampa?
If you sustained injuries as the result of an Uber or Lyft accident in Florida, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other losses. You need an experienced and skilled Florida Uber and Lyft accident attorney. They can help you pursue your claim against ridesharing companies such as Uber and Lyft, and/or the various layers of insurance coverage that may be available.
Culpepper Kurland has the experience, skill and determination you need to successfully seek and recover compensation for your losses arising from an accident with a ridesharing company. Contact us now for a free consultation to discuss your rights and options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rideshare Accidents
Who is liable after an Uber or Lift accident in Florida?
Were you injured in an accident that is caused by an Uber or Lyft driver? You may be in a position to claim compensation from the driver and, depending on the circumstances, from Uber or Lyft and its insurance coverage.
It is a different situation if you are a passenger injured in an Uber or Lyft that is involved in an accident caused by another vehicle. In such a case, enforcing liability might only be possible against the responsible driver, rather than against the Uber or Lyft driver or the ridesharing service itself.
When an Uber or Lyft driver is responsible for an accident, the ridesharing service’s liability normally depends on whether the driver was:
- Transporting a passenger;
- On the way to pick up a passenger at the time of the accident;
- Signed into the ridesharing service mobile application looking for a passenger.
If the car accident occurred when any of those three circumstances applied, the company and its insurance coverage may face liability for the accident. This is particularly true if the driver is found to be at fault for the accident.
Our firm’s experienced Lyft and Uber accident attorneys can advise you on the legal procedure and help you evaluate whether or not you have a case to pursue compensation for your injuries.
We have substantial experience representing clients who have been injured in accidents involving Uber and Lyft. We have an established track record of success. If you or a loved one has sustained injuries in an accident caused by an Uber or Lyft driver, contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We will review your case and discuss your legal options.
Whose insurance covers an Uber or Lyft car accident?
Under Florida Statutes Section 627.748, rideshare companies and rideshare drivers are both required to carry liability insurance that covers passengers and others in the event of an accident. Rideshare drivers must carry enhanced coverage while they are logged into the App and while they are providing rides, and rideshare companies must provide this enhanced coverage if a driver fails to do so. Currently, both Uber and Lyft carry insurance that covers their drivers while they are logged in and providing prearranged rides.
If an Uber or Lyft driver is negligent in causing an auto accident, then his or her insurance company should provide coverage, and so should Uber or Lyft’s insurer. Rideshare companies’ insurers cannot deny coverage on the basis that an accident victim should have first sought coverage from the driver’s insurance company. This coverage extends to rideshare passengers as well as any other drivers, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians that are injured in a collision.
Additionally, if you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident that was caused by another driver, then that driver’s insurance policy would provide coverage just as it would in any other accident.
What should I do after an accident involving Uber or Lyft?
If you are involved in an accident that involves an Uber, Lyft or a ridesharing vehicle, there are some steps you can take to protect your legal rights:
- Receive medical treatment – Agree to emergency medical treatment and EMS transportation if necessary. Even if you believe you have not been injured, you should still follow up with your physician following accident. Some injuries may not reveal symptoms for days or weeks following an auto accident. Seeking medical attention will allow you to prove the extent of your injuries and that they were a result of the accident.
- Call the police – It is critical that you report the accident to the police, who will investigate the accident. A police report may provide important information for establishing who was at fault for the accident. It can also include details such as insurance policy information for the vehicles involved.
- Get insurance and witness information – Ask for the insurance information of the Uber or Lyft driver and other drivers involved in the accident. If drivers refuse to provide you with their insurance information, wait for the police to arrive and collect the information. If there are any eyewitnesses to the accident, take down their contact information. That way, you can later obtain their description of the accident, if necessary.
- Do not post about the accident on social media – After getting hurt, you may want to share your experience online. However, anything you share publicly could hurt your case’s outcome. Only you and your lawyer should know about your case’s details.
- Take photographs – If you are physically capable of doing so, you should take pictures of:
- The accident scene
- Property damage to all vehicles involved in the crash
- Any visible injuries, scraps, abrasions and/or bruising
- Screenshot your ride in the app
- Picture of the Uber or Lyft driver’s information, such as the driver’s license and insurance card.
These photographs may help you prove who was at fault for the accident and corroborate your injury claims.
Call For A Free Case Evaluation with A Rideshare Accident Attorney Today
At Culpepper Kurland, our lawyers’ dedication to the injured runs deeply. They are proud to offer victims free case evaluations to help them determine their next steps. Call one of our attorneys at 813.228.8600 or reach out online to schedule your appointment. We only charge fees if you win.
