Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale

If you’ve been in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle, proving fault can be more complex than in a standard car crash. Because these companies operate under unique legal frameworks and continually evolving laws, it’s easy for accident victims to feel overwhelmed. Fortunately, an experienced Fort Lauderdale Uber and Lyft accident lawyer can help.

At The Schiller Kessler Group, we keep a close eye on changes to the legal standards that govern Uber and Lyft accidents in Florida. With over three decades of experience representing accident victims, we’ve built a reputation of excellence in personal injury law. Schedule a free consultation today to learn how a Fort Lauderdale rideshare accident lawyer can help.

An Experienced Uber or Lyft Accident Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale Can Help You Determine Who Is Liable

Holding the liable party accountable after an Uber or Lyft accident is often tricky. These companies label their drivers as independent contractors, not employees, which allows them to limit financial responsibility after an accident. As a result, getting compensation from the company directly can be difficult unless specific conditions are met.

In addition to the driver and the rideshare company, there are a variety of other parties that could potentially hold a level of liability in your case. Depending on the circumstances of your crash, you may be able to hold one or more of the following parties liable:

• The Uber or Lyft driver
• The rideshare company (Uber or Lyft)
• Another driver involved in the accident
• A third-party driver who wasn’t directly involved but whose actions triggered the crash
• The manufacturer of a defective vehicle or part
• A company that performed faulty maintenance on one of the involved vehicles
• The government body responsible for maintaining the roads in the area where the accident occurred

If the Uber or Lyft driver is found at fault, your initial step will be to file a claim through their personal auto insurance. However, if your damages exceed their policy limits, you may need to pursue further compensation either from the rideshare company’s supplemental insurance or through a lawsuit.

An experienced Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can walk you through your legal options and help ensure you’re not left paying out of pocket.

Understanding Uber and Lyft Insurance Coverage in Florida

The insurance policies maintained by Uber and Lyft are layered and depend heavily on the status of the driver at the time of the accident. These companies have structured their insurance coverage in a way that reduces their exposure to liability, making it critical to know the exact details of the crash.

One of the most significant ways in which these companies protect themselves from liability is by requiring their drivers to carry their own insurance coverage, which serves as the first source of compensation for anyone injured in a collision where the driver was at fault.

However, it is important to understand that there are still conditions under which you can pursue further compensation through the Uber or Lyft insurance policy, and the driver’s working status at the time of the accident will help determine your eligibility. An experienced Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer can help you assess your options.

Driver Not Logged into the Rideshare App

If the driver wasn’t using the Uber or Lyft app at the time of the crash, the rideshare company they work for is not liable. In this situation, you’ll need to seek compensation from the driver’s personal insurance provider. If the limits of their policy aren’t enough to cover your losses, your next option may be filing a lawsuit against the driver directly.

Driver Logged in but hasn’t Accepted a Ride

If the driver was logged into the Lyft or Uber app at the time of the crash but hadn’t accepted a ride request, limited liability coverage from the rideshare company may be available. However, you will typically only be able to file a claim with the rideshare company after the driver’s insurance coverage has been exhausted. 

In this case, the company’s policy offers secondary coverage, which may still fall short depending on the extent of your injuries. If both the driver’s and the rideshare company’s insurance coverage is not sufficient to account for the full value of your losses, you may need to file a lawsuit to recover the rest of the money you need.

Driver has Accepted a Ride (Whether or Not the Passenger Was Picked Up Yet)

Once a ride is accepted, Uber and Lyft’s full commercial insurance coverage is automatically activated. The insurance policies of these companies can provide up to $1 million in liability under these circumstances. This policy typically applies whether the passenger is already in the vehicle or the driver is en route to pick them up. 

However, even in this situation, you’ll typically need to go through the driver’s insurance first before filing a claim under the company’s policy.

No matter the specifics, dealing with these layers of insurance is rarely simple. That’s why having a skilled Uber and Lyft accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale on your side is crucial.

Don’t Miss the Deadline for Taking Legal Action After Your Lyft or Uber Accident

When pursuing compensation after an Uber or Lyft accident in Florida, it’s important to pay attention to all deadlines that apply to your case. You should note that Florida’s personal injury statute of limitations was reduced from four years to two years in 2023. If you fail to file your lawsuit on time, you could be out of options for pursuing compensatory damages.

Hiring an experienced Fort Lauderdale Lyft & Uber accident attorney soon after your accident is the best way to ensure you meet all deadlines in your case.

Additionally, securing the services of an experienced lawyer as soon as possible will help them build the strongest case, as they will be able to gather evidence before it is corrupted or lost, as well as speak with eyewitnesses. At the same time, their memories of the accident are still clear and reliable.

Get Help from an Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney Serving Fort Lauderdale Today

At The Schiller Kessler Group, our dedicated team of accident attorneys is committed to helping victims of Uber and Lyft crashes in Fort Lauderdale secure the compensation they deserve. We’ve helped over 30,000 Florida injury victims recover financial compensation and are ready to put our experience to work for you.

Call us or reach out through our website to schedule a free, no-obligation case review today.