Millions of people worldwide rely on rideshare apps. Florida is no exception. With millions of people coming into the state each year, ridesharing is one of the best ways for both locals and tourists to get around.
While you are putting trust in your driver, it’s important to understand these drivers aren’t any safer than other drivers. That means the risk of being involved in a Lyft or Uber accident is just as high as if you were the one driving.
Unfortunately, if an accident does occur and you suffer an injury, it can be difficult to determine the liable party. This is where our legal services come in. Our team can investigate the accident and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
What to Do if You Are Involved in an Uber or Lyft Accident in Florida
If you are involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, there are a few steps you should take right away.
Stay Calm
Some people are lucky enough to go through life without ever being involved in a car accident. It’s something that usually happens suddenly and may be violent and devastating. If you are involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, try to stay calm, no matter if you are a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver on the road. It’s also recommended that you contact our office as soon as possible after the accident occurs to help protect your rights.
Get Medical Care
Another important step to take after an Uber or Lyft accident (or any car accident) is to get examined by a medical professional. You should also wait for law enforcement and an ambulance to arrive on the scene if needed.
If you must go to an emergency room, you need to do so immediately. It is not a good idea to wait and get medical care because it causes issues when trying to recover compensation.
Use Your Cell Phone
Regardless of your role in the accident, it’s important to take photos of the vehicles involved, road condition, and general scene of the accident. It’s also smart to take photos of the driver’s license and insurance information.
If there are witnesses to the accident, make sure to get their contact information. The witnesses may be needed for information later if a lawsuit is filed. Even if you were an Uber or Lyft passenger, witnesses could make a huge difference in ensuring the right person is held liable for the accident.
Talk to the Police
After a Florida Uber or Lyft accident, you need to ensure the investigation officer at the scene is aware you were an Uber or Lyft passenger. You can also request a copy of the crash report and the crash report number. Be sure to provide any personal information requested by the officers.
Uber and Lyft Services and Insurance Coverage in Florida
It doesn’t matter how safe the company tries to make ridesharing; Uber and Lyft accidents still occur in Florida. The company provides insurance coverage for drivers since most don’t have commercial insurance. Also, insurance offers coverage no matter if the driver has accepted a passenger’s request or not.
If a rideshare driver is involved in an accident, they are treated like any other driver in Florida. However, the insurance claim varies based on what caused the accident and if the passenger was injured. Because of how complex this situation can be, it is best to speak with an Uber or Lyft attorney right away.
Even though PIP (Personal Injury Protection) insurance coverage is complicated, it may be denied if the driver used their vehicle for commercial purposes when the accident occurred. This doesn’t mean you will not receive compensation. Our team can discuss your options and help you recover fair compensation.
How Our Legal Services Can Help with Your Situation
Our attorneys are here and able to help you through the entire insurance claims process. We can also obtain all important documents related to the accident, including medical records, police reports, and phone records, to determine if the driver was distracted when the accident occurred.
When you contact us, we will review the details of the claim and build a strong claim to help you recover compensation. After being involved in an Uber or Lyft driver accident, the top priority should be recovering from the often devastating experience. We are here to help, so contact us to learn more.
