Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer in Jacksonville

Accidents involving Uber or Lyft vehicles present legal challenges that differ from standard car crashes. If you’ve been injured in a collision with a rideshare vehicle in Jacksonville, going through the legal system alone can be overwhelming. That’s why having a knowledgeable and experienced Jacksonville Uber or Lyft accident lawyer on your side is so important.

At The Schiller Kessler Group, we have over three decades of experience fighting for the rights of injury victims across the state of Florida. Our firm keeps a close eye on the ever-changing laws regarding rideshare vehicles to ensure our clients receive the full compensation they deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free case review with a Jacksonville rideshare accident lawyer.

A Lyft and Uber Accident Attorney in Jacksonville Can Help You Understand Liability in Rideshare Accidents

Establishing liability in an Uber or Lyft accident isn’t always straightforward. Unlike traditional employers, Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors. This classification often allows the companies to avoid direct responsibility when their drivers are involved in accidents.

However, the attempts of these companies to distance themselves from liability do not leave you without options. A thorough investigation by a skilled Jacksonville car accident lawyer can identify all potentially liable parties, including:

• Uber or Lyft
• The Uber or Lyft driver
• Another driver involved in the collision
• An auto repair shop that performed negligent maintenance
• A car manufacturer, if vehicle defects were involved
• A government entity, if unsafe road conditions played a role

In many crashes involving Uber or Lyft drivers, more than one party may share liability. This makes it even more important to work with an attorney who understands how to build a strong case and pursue compensation from multiple sources if necessary.

Don’t Miss Florida’s New Personal Injury Statute of Limitations Deadlines

In 2023, Florida reduced the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits from four years to just two years. This means that if you’re injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Jacksonville, you must file your lawsuit within two years from the date of the crash or risk losing your right to pursue compensation entirely.

This compressed timeline makes it critical to act fast. Delays in seeking legal counsel or beginning the claims process can result in lost evidence, fading witness memories, and missed deadlines.

When you contact our Jacksonville personal injury lawyers to help with your case, we will immediately begin working to:

• Secure crucial evidence such as dashcam footage, app activity logs, and crash reports
• Interview witnesses and document their statements while the details are still fresh
• Coordinate with your healthcare providers to obtain medical records and expert evaluations
• File all necessary paperwork on time and ensure legal compliance at every stage

How Insurance Coverage Applies in Uber and Lyft Accidents in Jacksonville

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft operate under a unique insurance model that varies depending on the working status of the driver when the crash occurred.

Regardless of whether you are able to file a claim with the rideshare company’s insurer, you must first always seek compensation from the driver’s insurance policy. Lyft and Uber both classify their drivers as independent contractors and require them to carry their own insurance to help provide an additional layer of protection against liability for these companies.

Driver Not Using the Uber or Lyft App

If the rideshare driver was not logged into the Uber or Lyft app at the time of the crash, the company holds no legal responsibility for your accident. In these situations, the driver’s personal auto insurance is the only policy that applies. If their insurance doesn’t fully cover your losses, you may need to pursue legal action directly against the driver.

Driver Using the App but Hasn’t Accepted a Ride

When a driver is online but hasn’t accepted a ride request, Uber and Lyft provide limited contingent liability coverage. Under Florida law, this includes:

• $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per person
• $100,000 per accident
• $25,000 in property damage

This coverage only kicks in after the driver’s own insurance limits are exhausted. Depending on the extent of your injuries and property damage, these coverage limits may still fall short, requiring you to file a lawsuit to pursue full compensation.

Driver Accepted a Ride or Has a Passenger in Their Vehicle

Once a ride is accepted or a passenger is in the vehicle, the rideshare company’s $1 million commercial insurance policy becomes active. However, the fact that you qualify for this coverage does not mean that accessing it is automatic.

You can expect the insurer for Lyft or Uber to thoroughly investigate your case as they attempt to avoid paying the full amount you are owed. A Jacksonville Lyft and Uber accident attorney can help ensure that this process is handled correctly and that your rights are protected at every step.

Florida’s No-Fault Insurance System Adds Another Layer of Challenges

Florida operates under a no-fault insurance system, meaning that all drivers must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. After an accident, your own PIP coverage typically pays for your medical expenses and some lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash. However, PIP only covers limited medical expenses and lost income.

You can pursue a claim against the at-fault party or parties for additional compensation if your injuries meet the threshold of being “serious” under Florida law. Serious injuries include permanent disability, disfigurement, or significant loss of bodily function.

Understanding whether your injuries qualify and how to proceed under Florida’s no-fault system is just another reason why working with an experienced Jacksonville Lyft or Uber accident lawyer is so crucial.

Get the Legal Help You Deserve From an Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer Serving Jacksonville

The aftermath of a rideshare accident can be physically, emotionally, and financially overwhelming. Uber and Lyft have teams of lawyers and powerful insurance companies working to protect their bottom lines, and they won’t hesitate to minimize or deny valid claims if possible. That’s why you need a legal advocate who knows how to take on these companies.

At The Schiller Kessler Group, we’ve helped more than 30,000 personal injury clients across Florida, and we’re ready to stand by your side in Jacksonville. Our team has extensive experience handling rideshare claims and understands how to deal with the legal strategies used by these major corporations. We work on a contingency fee basis to better serve your needs. Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation.