A car crash involving a rideshare driver raises unique questions about liability, insurance coverage, and who should ultimately be held responsible for your injuries and losses. Because these cases often involve multiple parties and ever-evolving legal standards, it’s crucial to have a Lauderhill Uber and Lyft accident lawyer who understands all of Florida’s rideshare laws.
At The Schiller Kessler Group, we’ve been helping accident victims for more than 30 years. Our team closely follows updates to the legal landscape surrounding rideshare services and is committed to protecting the rights of injured passengers, pedestrians, and drivers. Contact us today to schedule a free case review with an experienced Lauderhill rideshare accident lawyer.
Determining Fault With the Help of an Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer Serving Lauderhill
One of the most challenging aspects of rideshare accident cases is identifying who is liable. Unlike traditional taxi services, companies like Uber and Lyft do not directly employ their drivers. Instead, drivers are classified as independent contractors, a designation that shields the companies from automatic liability in many situations.
However, this doesn’t mean you’re out of options. A thorough investigation by a knowledgeable Lauderhill Uber and Lyft accident attorney can uncover multiple liable parties. Depending on the circumstances, any of the following may bear responsibility:
- The Uber or Lyft driver
- The rideshare company
- Another driver involved in the collision
- A third-party motorist who contributed to the incident
- A vehicle manufacturer
- A repair shop or service center that performed negligent maintenance
- A local or state agency responsible for dangerous road conditions
If the Uber or Lyft driver caused the crash, the initial step is usually to pursue a claim against their personal insurance provider. If the available coverage is insufficient, the next step may involve tapping into the rideshare company’s commercial policy or pursuing legal action in court.
A Lauderhill car accident lawyer can assess your unique case, determine the appropriate parties to hold accountable, and help build a strong claim on your behalf.
More people choose The Schiller Kessler Group because they know that we're a cut above other personal injury law firms.
Pay Attention to All Applicable Deadlines When Pursuing Compensation After an Uber or Lyft Accident
In 2023, Florida made a significant change to its personal injury laws, cutting the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit from four years to just two years. This means you now have a limited window in which to take legal action following an Uber or Lyft accident. If you fail to file your claim within that timeframe, you risk losing your ability to recover any compensation at all.
That’s why it’s crucial to consult a Lauderhill personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your crash. Once you have secured the services of an experienced attorney, they will work to help ensure:
- Your claim and all supporting documents are filed accurately and on time
- Preservation of important evidence, such as medical records, police reports, and dash cam footage
- Witnesses are interviewed and their testimony recorded, while their memories are still fresh
Missing deadlines or failing to properly document your injuries can seriously jeopardize your case. A skilled legal team can help you avoid these common mistakes and protect your right to recover compensation.
No matter what time of day it is, you can contact The Schiller Kessler Group to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
Understanding Rideshare Insurance Coverage in Florida
In addition to classifying their drivers as independent contractors, Uber and Lyft also require all drivers to carry their own insurance coverage, which is the first source for seeking compensation after an accident. This provides an additional level of protection for these companies against liability in the event of a crash.
One of the most confusing aspects of an Uber or Lyft accident claim is dealing with the insurance structure. These companies rely on tiered coverage systems that change depending on the driver’s activity within the app at the time of the accident. The coverage available to you will differ based on the working status of the driver at the time of the accident.
Uber or Lyft Driver Not Logged Into the App
If the driver was not using the Uber or Lyft app when the accident occurred, the rideshare company bears no responsibility for the accident. In this scenario, if the driver was at fault, your only option is to file a claim with their personal car insurance provider.
If their policy limits are too low to cover your damages, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit directly against the driver.
Driver Logged In but No Ride Request Accepted
When an Uber or Lyft driver is logged into the rideshare app but has not accepted a passenger, limited contingent liability coverage from Uber or Lyft may apply. Florida law requires rideshare companies to carry:
- $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per person
- $100,000 per accident
- $25,000 in property damage coverage
However, this coverage only becomes available after the driver’s own insurance coverage has been exhausted. Furthermore, you may still fall short of covering the full extent of your injuries, making it necessary to file a lawsuit to recover all the money you need.
Driver Accepted a Ride or Has a Passenger Onboard
If the driver has accepted a ride request or is transporting a passenger, Uber and Lyft’s full commercial policy kicks in. This policy offers up to $1 million in liability coverage. Even with this extensive coverage, the process of recovering compensation still starts with filing a claim against the driver’s insurance before escalating to the rideshare company’s policy.
Attempting to secure the money you deserve after a rideshare accident without experienced legal guidance can be overwhelming. Fortunately, a Lauderhill Uber and Lyft accident attorney can guide you through this layered system to help ensure you recover the fair compensation you’re entitled to.
Understanding No-Fault Insurance in Florida
Florida follows a no-fault insurance system, which adds another layer to seeking compensation after a rideshare accident. Under this system, individuals who are injured in a crash must initially turn to their own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage for medical expenses and related costs, regardless of who caused the accident.
Legal action or a claim against another driver or their insurance company is only permitted if the injuries meet the state’s threshold for being classified as “serious.”
Get Help From a Knowledgeable Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney in Lauderhill Today
Uber and Lyft have massive legal teams and insurance companies working to limit how much they pay out in injury claims. This can make recovering the money you need on your own incredibly difficult. However, the team at The Schiller Kessler Group is here to help. We’ve helped more than 30,000 personal injury clients across Florida recover compensation.
Call us today or complete our online contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our legal team. We’ll review the facts of your case, explain your rights, and help you make informed decisions about your next steps. Let us help you fight for the compensation and peace of mind you deserve.
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