There’s no question that rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have transformed transportation throughout Florida. Rideshares give consumers a convenient alternative to get around town or to earn extra cash. But if an accident happens and someone is injured in a rideshare crash, the insurance rules for compensation can be confusing for everyone involved.
In general, liability in an Uber or Lyft accident will fall upon whoever is responsible for the accident. That could be the rideshare driver, another driver, a pedestrian, bicyclist or any number of other parties.
What’s different about being in a rideshare crash is that Uber and Lyft have insurance policies that can kick in to provide compensation if your own insurance coverage or the at-fault driver’s insurance is not enough to cover the cost of your injuries.
But just because there’s more potential compensation available doesn’t mean you’re going to get it easily. You need to contact an experienced Uber or Lyft accident lawyer who can help you navigate the claims process.
What Passengers Should Do After a Rideshare Crash
If you were injured in a Florida rideshare accident, determining who will provide the insurance payout will depend several factors, including whether you or someone you live with has Personal Injury Protection (PIP)/no-fault insurance benefits. That would be the first avenue for compensation in most cases.
But regardless of where you file your claim, you can expect insurance companies to dispute it. Do these things to protect yourself:
- Call for medical help: It’s important to seek treatment for any injuries, either at the scene or as soon as possible afterward.
- Call police: An accident report will be an important part of establishing that an accident occurred and documenting what happened.
- Take a screenshot of the rideshare app your phone: This can support your claim for compensation by proving that you were in an Uber or Lyft ride at the time of the accident.
- Notify both your insurance company and Uber/Lyft: Make sure to let them know that you were a passenger in the rideshare vehicle.
- Contact a rideshare accident attorney: An Uber or Lyft lawyer can assist with filing your claim and manage all contact with the insurance companies to ensure that you are treated fairly.
How to Handle a Rideshare Crash If You’re the Driver
Rideshare drivers are not considered employees or Uber or Lyft, but rather as independent contractors. As such, drivers are expected to carry personal auto insurance to provide coverage in the event of an accident.
However, Uber and Lyft do provide additional insurance protection to drivers who are hurt in accidents. The key is proving whether the driver was logged in to the rideshare app at the time of the crash.
- Drivers who are not logged in and actively seeking fares at the time of the crash receive no coverage from Uber or Lyft.
- Uber and Lyft insurance would apply if the driver was actively transporting a passenger at the time of the accident.
Because so much of your accident claim will depend on whether your activity within the app, you can begin to gather proof of the accident by getting a screenshot on your phone. If you are too injured to do so, don’t worry. An attorney can help you collect this evidence.
How We Can Help
At Brooks Law Group, we know getting compensated after being hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident isn’t always a straightforward process. But we can make it easier for you.
Schedule a free consultation with a skilled rideshare accident attorney at our firm today. We will review the facts of your case and help you seek maximum compensation from all available sources.
Since 1992, we have been helping injured people throughout Tampa, Winter Haven and Lakeland obtain the compensation they deserve.
Call or contact us today for a free consultation.
