First Steps to Take After a Car Accident
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Uber / Lyft Rideshare Accident Attorneys in Jacksonville
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In 2022, Uber and Lyft reportedly had a combined 6.8 million drivers on the road. That’s a small percentage of the roughly 233 million licensed drivers across the country. But, by the nature of the service, rideshare drivers spend more time behind the wheel than the average driver. One multi-year study suggested that the growing presence of rideshare drivers in Florida and across the country had contributed to a 3% increase in motor vehicle accidents and traffic fatalities.
If you’ve been injured in an Uber accident or Lyft crash, or in a collision involving some other rideshare driver, you’re probably wondering who is responsible for your injuries. The answer is a bit more complicated than in a typical car accident case. The good news is that in most circumstances, there is significant insurance coverage available to people who were injured due to the negligence of a rideshare driver.
Rideshare Accidents with Holt Harrell
Who is Liable for Uber / Lyft Accidents?
The first step in determining liability in a rideshare case is the same as it would be in any other car accident case: figuring out who caused the crash. The answer to this question isn’t always what you might expect. For example, if you’re riding in an Uber and the car you’re in is struck by another vehicle, it might seem that the driver who hit you was responsible. But, the reality is that your driver may be wholly or partly responsible. And, there may be other responsible parties such as a third driver who forced the car that hit you into your lane.
An experienced personal injury lawyer who has extensive knowledge and experience navigating a rideshare accident claim can help you identify possible responsible parties to ensure that you don’t miss out on compensation you’re entitled to.
When Another Driver is Responsible for an Uber or Lyft Accident
This is the simplest scenario, and the one most like any other automobile accident. If you’re injured in a rideshare accident that was entirely the fault of another driver–for instance, if your Lyft is hit by a drunk driver–then the negligent driver bears responsibility for the accident. If your Lyft car accident attorney determines that no one else shared responsibility for the accident, the fact that you were a passenger in a rideshare vehicle at the time of the accident won’t have much impact on the way your case proceeds.
When Your Rideshare Driver is Responsible for the Accident
If you’re injured while riding in an Uber or Lyft and your driver was wholly or partly responsible for the accident, both companies provide liability insurance coverage of up to $1 million when the driver is on the way to pick up a passenger or has a rideshare passenger in the vehicle. Both companies also provide uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage for both their drivers and rideshare passengers during these activities. That means that if your rideshare is hit by an at-fault driver who doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your damages, Uber’s or Lyft’s coverage will kick in.
Some rideshare drivers carry additional insurance for their rideshare businesses. If the driver has rideshare coverage, that insurance will typically be primary, with the rideshare company’s carrier picking up any excess liability.
When You are Injured by an Uber or Lyft Driver While Not Using the Service
If your vehicle is hit by a rideshare vehicle or a rideshare driver hits you while you’re walking or riding a bicycle, both Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage. But, the extent of that coverage will depend on what the rideshare driver was doing at the time of the collision. If the driver is en route to pick up a passenger or is driving a rideshare passenger, the same insurance described above applies.
But, the driver’s coverage through the rideshare company changes (or disappears altogether) depending on their status. If a rideshare driver is logged in to the app and available, driving around after dropping off a passenger or waiting for a new request, both rideshare companies provide some liability coverage. But, it is much more limited. In most states, including Florida, both Uber and Lyft provide:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 per accident for property damage
If the driver isn’t currently waiting for requests, heading to pick up a passenger, or driving a rideshare passenger, the company coverage doesn’t apply at all. In those moments, the car transforms back into the driver’s personal vehicle and their own liability coverage would apply.
The Bottom Line on Uber and Lyft Accidents
Liability for rideshare accidents is complicated. Both Uber and Lyft offer insurance coverage for their drivers and for passengers and third parties injured by their drivers. But, whether and to what extent that insurance coverage applies varies depending on the circumstances. And, as with any other motor vehicle accident, there is always the possibility that someone else is liable.
The best way to determine who may be responsible for your accident and how to pursue compensation after an injury is to talk with an experienced Uber accident attorney as soon as possible after the crash. You can schedule a free consultation with an experienced rideshare accident lawyer at Harrell & Harrell right now. Just call 904-251-1111 or fill out the contact form on this site.
Rideshare Accident FAQs
Your best source of information after a rideshare accident is a personal injury attorney who is experienced in handling Uber and Lyft accident cases. But, if you’re like most people who have been through a traumatic experience, you probably want some information right away. We’re answering some of the most frequently asked questions about Uber and Lyft accidents here, to help you understand the basics until you can schedule a consultation with an attorney.
What happens if my rideshare (Uber or Lyft) is in an accident?
If you are a rideshare driver and were involved in an accident while driving your rideshare vehicle, Uber or Lyft may provide insurance coverage for you and for your passenger(s) or anyone else you may be liable to as a result of the accident. But, the coverage available depends on what you were doing at the time of the crash.
If you weren’t working at the time of the collision, you’ll be personally liable and will have to rely on your own automobile insurance. If you were on the job, both major rideshare companies offer varying levels of coverage depending on whether you were en route to pick up a passenger, driving a rideshare passenger, or logged in and waiting for a request.
What should I do if I’m a passenger in a rideshare vehicle that was in an accident?
Your first steps after a rideshare accident will be the same as if you’d been involved in any car accident. These include gathering information from the drivers involved, seeking medical assessment if necessary, ensuring that someone has contacted the police, following the advice of medical professionals, and talking to an experienced Jacksonville car accident lawyer. Your attorney can explain the nuances of who may be liable and to what extent depends on the circumstances of your accident.
Who is liable for my injuries if I’m involved in an Uber or Lyft accident?
As with any car accident, the answer to this question depends on a variety of factors. The first is whose negligence or intentional act caused the crash. This may have been the rideshare driver, another driver, or even a third party like the manufacturer of a faulty car part. If the rideshare driver was responsible, the rideshare company generally provides insurance coverage, but that depends on what the driver’s status was at the time of the collision. The best way to get accurate information about who may be responsible in your specific case is to talk to a local Lyft or Uber accident attorney.
How long does it take to settle an accident claim with Uber or Lyft?
There’s no set answer to this question. Though the claims process starts with filing a report through the rideshare company, it will be the company’s insurance carrier that actually manages the claims process, gathers information from you, and makes an offer to settle your claim. Small claims may settle quickly, but insurance carriers tend to drag out the process when larger amounts of money are involved. In fact, a quick offer of settlement after a serious accident can be a significant red flag. Sometimes insurers will attempt to get the injured person to sign a settlement agreement early to lock down compensation before the accident victim knows the full extent of their ongoing medical costs and other losses.
The earlier in this process you speak with an experienced rideshare accident attorney, the better.
DON’T SETTLE FOR LESS THAN YOU DESERVE.®
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I had an auto accident but did not believe there was going to be a positive outcome, as the opposing insurance companies fought the process. However, Lauralee Rodriguez assured me that she would be persistent in the case, if I would be patient. Well, I was patient (as well as doubtful, lol), but SHE DID IT and SHE DID IT WELL!!! I am very satisfied with the service and the outcome of the case. GREAT FIRM!!! Thank you Harrell & Harrell for employing competent staff.
