Rideshare accident claims often involve multiple parties and varying levels of insurance coverage, making it difficult for injured drivers or passengers to seek recovery. At The Schiller Kessler Group, our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers in Melbourne have over three decades of experience helping clients handle these unique cases.
Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver, we understand how to address the challenges posed by rideshare companies and their insurers. Our Melbourne rideshare accident lawyers work to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Contact The Schiller Kessler Group today for a free consultation and let us help you move forward with your personal injury claim.
Understanding the Varying Levels of Insurance Coverage Offered by Rideshare Companies
A Melbourne car accident lawyer can review the insurance coverage provided by rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft to help determine how it applies to your case. These companies offer varying levels of coverage depending on whether the driver was offline, available for rides, or actively transporting a passenger at the time of the accident.
Offline Status
When a driver is not logged into the rideshare app, only their personal auto insurance applies. Drivers are required to maintain insurance that meets state minimum requirements.
Online and Available for Trips
If the driver is online and waiting for a ride request, Uber and Lyft provide third-party liability coverage, which includes:
- $50,000 per person for injuries
- $100,000 per accident for injuries
- $25,000 for property damage
En Route to Pick Up or During a Trip
Once the driver accepts a ride or is actively transporting a passenger, rideshare companies maintain more comprehensive insurance, including:
- $1,000,000 in liability coverage for injuries and property damage to passengers or third parties.
- Coverage for vehicle repairs (up to the car’s actual cash value) if the driver’s personal insurance includes comprehensive and collision coverage, subject to a $2,500 deductible.
These insurance policies can lead to liability disputes, leaving victims unsure of how to proceed. A Melbourne personal injury lawyer can counter a rideshare insurance company’s determination of fault and pursue the compensation you’re entitled to under these coverage levels.
More people choose The Schiller Kessler Group because they know that we're a cut above other personal injury law firms.
Other Florida Laws That Can Affect Your Uber or Lyft Accident Claim
Rideshare accident claims in Florida are influenced by several state laws that govern car accidents and personal injury cases. These laws can significantly impact your rideshare accident claim.
Our personal injury attorneys can analyze your case and work to hold the liable parties accountable for their percentage of fault.
Florida’s No-Fault Law and PIP Coverage
Florida is a no-fault insurance state, which means that every driver is required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. PIP covers up to $10,000 in medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident.
However, in car accident cases, victims must meet specific requirements to pursue a personal injury lawsuit beyond PIP limits. Under Florida Statutes § 627.737, you can only file a lawsuit if you’ve sustained a serious injury, which is defined as:
- Permanent injury or disability
- Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Death
If your injuries meet these criteria, you may have the right to recover additional compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages not covered by PIP.
Modified Comparative Negligence
Florida recently adopted a modified comparative negligence system, replacing its previous pure comparative negligence rule. Under this new law, your ability to recover compensation depends on your percentage of fault for the accident:
- If you are found more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages.
- If you are 50% or less at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Insurance companies often work to shift more fault onto accident victims to avoid liability. A Melbourne Uber and Lyft accident attorney can protect you from bad-faith insurance tactics like this.
No matter what time of day it is, you can contact The Schiller Kessler Group to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
Statute of Limitations for Uber and Lyft Accident Lawsuits in Florida
While insurance claims might begin immediately after an accident, filing a suit is a separate process and must adhere to the statute of limitations. Under Florida Statutes § 95.11(5)(a), the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident.
Failing to file your lawsuit within this two-year window will typically result in your case being dismissed, and you will lose your right to recover compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
To protect your rights and ensure your lawsuit is filed on time, consult an attorney as soon as possible so they can begin working on your case.
Our Melbourne Rideshare Accident Attorneys Fight for Fair Compensation
Rideshare accidents, like any other vehicle collision, can lead to personal injury claims for a variety of damages. These claims take into account not only the immediate costs of the accident but also the long-term impact on your health, finances, and quality of life.
Damages in a rideshare accident claim can include:
- Medical expenses: This includes costs for emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and any ongoing or future medical care related to your injuries.
- Lost wages: Compensation for the income you’ve already lost due to time away from work while recovering.
- Loss of earning capacity: Damages for the reduction in your ability to earn income in the future if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or working at the same level.
- Disability: Compensation for permanent physical or mental impairments that affect your ability to live or work as you did before.
- Scarring and disfigurement: Damages for permanent changes to your appearance that may impact your emotional well-being or confidence.
- Property damage: Covers the cost of repairing or replacing personal property, such as your vehicle or other belongings damaged in the accident.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and discomfort caused by your injuries.
- Wrongful death damages: In cases where a loved one has died as a result of a rideshare accident, families may recover damages for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.
Our attorneys build strong claims for fair compensation by thoroughly examining the full scope of your losses. We work with medical experts, financial specialists, and other professionals to accurately calculate both current and future damages.
By presenting clear evidence of the impact the accident has had on your life, we fight so that you are fully compensated for your injuries and losses.
Call The Schiller Kessler Group for Help From a Melbourne Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney
The Schiller Kessler Group has proudly served more than 30,000 clients, securing the compensation they deserve after serious accidents. If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, we’re here to pursue the full value of your claim.
Our experienced Melbourne rideshare accident attorneys are ready to fight for you, building a case that accounts for all of your current and future losses. Call us today or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you move forward.
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