You count on rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft to get you to your destination when your car is unavailable, or you are planning to have a few drinks with dinner. You appreciate the convenience of their service and are grateful for the option. However, rideshare drivers get in accidents just like any other driver, so it’s important that you understand who is liable for your injuries if you are in an Uber or Lyft crash.
If You Don’t Take Action, You Will Be Paying Your Own Medical Bills
You were just a passenger—or maybe you were a pedestrian—and contributed in no way to the crash that left you injured. When a car crash is someone else’s fault, you should not have to pay for the medical treatment you need, but you will have to take action to make sure the liable party pays.
In Florida, liability in rideshare accidents is determined in the following ways:
- If the driver is not logged into the rideshare app when he hits you, his own automotive liability insurance should cover your injuries.
- If the driver is logged into the app but does not have a passenger in his car, his own insurance will provide primary coverage for injuries. If his insurance company denies the claim or the benefits are insufficient, the rideshare company should provide additional coverage.
- If the driver is logged into the app, has a passenger, or is on his way to pick up a passenger, the rideshare company is liable for damages caused by the driver in a crash. Uber and Lyft both carry $1 million insurance policies on their drivers for this situation.
Even if your accident falls neatly into one of these situations, you will still need a personal injury attorney to conduct a full investigation, pursue negotiations, and—if necessary—file a lawsuit against the liable parties to protect your right to recover damages.
Browning Law Firm Welcomes Uber and Lyft Claims
If you were injured in a rideshare accident in Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Navarre, Crestview, or Niceville, you should take action immediately to protect your claim for compensation. One of the first things you should do is contact our car accident legal team to learn about your right to recover damages. We will do all we can to make sure your medical bills and other losses are covered by the liable parties.
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