Determining Liability for Uber and Lyft Accidents
Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft are extremely popular in Tampa. These services allow residents and visitors alike to travel around Tampa and surrounding areas conveniently and for a fair price. Ridesharing companies, such as Lyft and Uber, promote themselves as a safer option, particularly for anyone who has been drinking and should not be behind the wheel.
Still, Ubers and Lyfts are not always safe. The drivers of these vehicles are not immune to becoming involved in a crash, but the aftermath of rideshare accidents are much more complicated than other collisions. Below, our Tampa Uber and Lyft accident attorney explains how to determine liability if you have been hurt in a rideshare vehicle.
Who is Liable for an Uber or Lyft Accident?
Just like after other types of collisions, an insurance company will likely provide damages after an Uber or Lyft accident. However, it is not always clear which insurance company is liable, or what the limits of the policy are. If the Uber or Lyft The insurance coverage available after an Uber or Lyft accident includes:
- Rideshare driver is offline: Rideshare drivers who are offline, meaning they have not logged into the app, are treated just like other drivers. This means drivers must purchase and carry personal insurance that will provide coverage if they are not available to take passengers.
- Rideshare driver is online and waiting for a request: When rideshare drivers are online but they are still waiting for a passenger to request a ride, Uber and Lyft will both offer limited coverage. In these instances, both rideshare companies offer up to $50,000 per person and up to $100,000 per accident for bodily injury. This coverage also provides up to $25,000 for property damage.
- Rideshare driver is active: If an accident occurs while the rideshare driver is active, meaning they are logged in and carrying a passenger, Uber and Lyft both offer the highest level of insurance. In these instances, each rideshare company offers up to $1 million in liability coverage.
Rideshare companies will often argue that a driver was offline at the time of a crash or that they were awaiting a request, in order to shield themselves from liability. It is important to speak to an attorney who can prove the driver was online so you obtain the full damages you deserve.
Your Own Insurance After a Rideshare Accident
Florida is a no-fault auto insurance state. This means that if you have your own auto insurance and are involved in a rideshare accident, you must first pursue personal injury protection (PIP) benefits. These benefits will cover your medical expenses and a portion of your lost income up to the policy limits. If you exceed the policy limits and still require compensation for serious injury, you may be able to obtain it from the rideshare driver’s personal insurance, or from Uber or Lyft.
Our Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney in Tampa Can Determine Liability
At Moore Law, our Tampa Uber and Lyft accident attorney can determine which insurance company is liable for paying compensation after a crash and will negotiate with them on your behalf so you obtain the full and fair settlement you deserve. Call us today at 813-510-5400 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to get the strong legal representation you need.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699/0627/Sections/0627.748.html
