If you’ve suffered injuries in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle in Deerfield Beach, you’ll likely discover that these types of cases come with a unique set of challenges. That’s why having an experienced Deerfield Beach Uber and Lyft accident lawyer is crucial to protecting your rights and helping you pursue the compensation you need.
At The Schiller Kessler Group, our legal team closely monitors changes to Florida’s laws surrounding rideshare services. With more than 30 years of experience representing injury victims across the state, we’ve earned a reputation for providing compassionate support.
Reach out to us today for a free consultation with a Deerfield Beach rideshare accident lawyer.
An Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney in Deerfield Beach Can Help You Prove Liability
One of the most complicated aspects of a rideshare accident is figuring out who’s responsible. Companies like Uber and Lyft label their drivers as independent contractors, not employees.
This classification often shields the company from direct liability, even though the accident may have occurred while the driver was driving for the company.
However, this doesn’t mean you’re out of options. You can pursue compensation against whoever is liable for your damages. In many cases, several parties may share legal responsibility, including:
- The Uber or Lyft driver
- The rideshare company
- Other motorists involved in the accident
- A third-party driver whose negligence contributed to the crash
- An auto manufacturer
- A mechanic or maintenance shop
- The city or municipal agency responsible for road maintenance where the accident occurred
If the driver of the Uber or Lyft vehicle caused the accident, your first course of action to recover compensation will be to file a claim with their personal insurance provider.
If that policy does not fully cover your injuries and damages, you may then turn to the rideshare company’s commercial insurance coverage or even consider filing a personal injury lawsuit.
A skilled Deerfield Beach car accident lawyer can analyze the details of your case and guide you through the most effective path forward.
More people choose The Schiller Kessler Group because they know that we're a cut above other personal injury law firms.
Don’t Wait to Take Legal Action Following an Uber or Lyft Accident in Deerfield Beach
Following a serious crash involving a rideshare vehicle, acting quickly is essential. Florida law changed in 2023, reducing the statute of limitations for personal injury claims from four years to two years.
This shortened timeframe means that if you delay in filing your claim, you could lose your legal right to seek any compensation at all.
Working with a Deerfield Beach personal injury lawyer as soon as possible helps ensure that:
- All necessary documents and claims are submitted on time
- Critical evidence, including accident reports, video footage, and medical records, is preserved
- Witnesses can be interviewed and their sworn statements recorded while their memories remain fresh
Missing important deadlines or failing to document your injuries thoroughly can drastically weaken your claim, so early legal representation is critical.
No matter what time of day it is, you can contact The Schiller Kessler Group to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
How Uber and Lyft Insurance Coverage Works in Florida
Uber and Lyft work to limit their liability in multiple ways. Classifying their drivers as independent contractors and making them carry their own insurance coverage is a key way in which these companies minimize their exposure.
Another way that Uber and Lyft protect themselves from liability is by using tiered insurance systems that vary depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.
These tiers determine which insurance policy applies and how much coverage is available. Understanding this structure is crucial, as it greatly impacts your potential compensation.
Driver Not Logged Into the Rideshare App
If the Uber or Lyft driver wasn’t using the app during the accident, the rideshare company bears no legal or financial responsibility for damages caused by the crash.
In this scenario, your only option is to pursue a claim against the driver’s personal auto insurance. If their coverage limits are too low, you may need to file a lawsuit directly against the driver.
Driver Logged In but Hasn’t Accepted a Ride
If the driver was active on the app but hadn’t yet accepted a passenger request, limited coverage may apply. Florida law requires rideshare companies to carry contingent liability coverage in these cases, typically offering up to:
- $50,000 for bodily injury per person
- $100,000 per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
However, this contingent coverage kicks in only after the driver’s personal insurance coverage has been exhausted, and it may still not fully cover your losses.
If your damages exceed the coverage limits of both the driver’s and Uber or Lyft’s insurance coverage, filing a lawsuit may be necessary to recover the full value of your losses.
Driver Accepted a Ride Through the Uber or Lyft App
If the driver accepted a ride before the accident, Uber or Lyft’s full commercial insurance policy will apply. This insurance policy includes up to $1 million in liability coverage. This coverage applies whether the driver has picked up their passenger or is on the way to the pickup point.
Even when the rideshare company’s insurance policy is in full effect, you must still start with the driver’s own insurance before moving up the chain to the rideshare company’s policy.
Attempting to unravel this tiered insurance structure is challenging, and having a lawyer by your side who understands how to push your claim forward efficiently is crucial.
Secure the Services of an Uber or Lyft Accident Lawyer Serving Deerfield Beach Today
The insurance policies and legal protections rideshare companies put in place are designed to protect them, not you. That’s why it’s so important to have a lawyer experienced in these cases who knows how to cut through the red tape. At The Schiller Kessler Group, we’ve successfully handled more than 30,000 personal injury cases across Florida.
We have a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes in Uber and Lyft accident cases. We are committed to ensuring that our clients are not taken advantage of by insurance companies or corporate legal teams.
Call us today or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our legal team.
Injured? Call The Aggressive Attorneys Today
