If you’ve been injured in a crash involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle in Miami, you may quickly realize that these cases are far more complex than standard car accidents. The legal landscape surrounding rideshare services is constantly shifting, making hiring an experienced Miami Uber and Lyft accident lawyer critical for recovering the compensation you need and deserve.
At The Schiller Kessler Group, we stay on top of the latest changes in Florida’s rideshare laws. With over three decades of experience representing personal injury victims, we’ve built a strong reputation for helping people handle difficult legal situations with confidence. Schedule a free case evaluation to find out how a skilled Miami rideshare accident lawyer can assist you.
A Miami Uber or Lyft Accident Lawyer Can Help You Determine Who’s Liable
Rideshare accidents often involve unique liability issues. Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, which allows them to distance themselves from direct responsibility in many cases. While this can create challenges on the path to compensation, you will likely still have multiple options for recovering the money you need and deserve.
In addition to the rideshare driver and Uber or Lyft, there are a variety of other parties that could share a level of liability in a crash. Some of the most commonly liable parties include:
- The Uber or Lyft driver
- The rideshare company
- Another driver involved in the collision
- A third-party motorist whose actions contributed to the crash
- The manufacturer of a defective vehicle or auto part
- A negligent maintenance provider
- The city or government agency responsible for unsafe road conditions
If the Uber or Lyft driver is found at fault, your first step is typically going to be filing a claim with their personal auto insurer. If your damages exceed the coverage limits of the driver’s policy, you may be eligible to seek additional compensation through Uber or Lyft’s commercial insurance or by filing a lawsuit.
An experienced Miami car accident lawyer can evaluate your case and explain the best course of action.
More people choose The Schiller Kessler Group because they know that we’re a cut above other personal injury law firms.
Don’t Delay When Pursuing Compensation After an Uber or Lyft Accident
Time is not on your side after an Uber or Lyft accident. In 2023, Florida shortened its statute of limitations for personal injury cases from four years to just two years. If you wait too long to file a lawsuit against the liable party, you may lose your right to pursue compensation altogether.
Hiring a knowledgeable Miami personal injury lawyer soon after your accident can be critical for meeting all deadlines in your case and ensuring all required paperwork is filed accurately and on time.
Additionally, hiring a lawyer early in the process helps ensure that important evidence is preserved before it can become corrupted or lost and that witnesses are interviewed while their memories are still fresh.
No matter what time of day it is, you can contact The Schiller Kessler Group to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
Understanding Lyft and Uber Insurance Coverage in Florida
Uber and Lyft have tiered structures for their insurance policies, based on the status of the driver at the time of the accident. These tiers affect how much coverage is available and who’s responsible for covering your costs. This structure reduces their liability in many cases, making it harder for injury victims to recover the compensation they need and deserve.
Another way in which these companies reduce their liability is by requiring their drivers to carry their own insurance coverage, which serves as the first source of compensation after an accident where the driver was at fault. An experienced Uber and Lyft accident lawyer serving Miami can help you determine liability and pursue compensation effectively.
Driver Not Logged Into the Uber or Lyft App
If the driver wasn’t using the app when the crash occurred, Uber or Lyft has no liability. Under these circumstances, you’ll need to file a claim under the driver’s personal insurance policy. If your damages exceed their coverage limits, legal action against the driver may be necessary.
Driver Logged in but hasn’t Accepted a Ride Request
In this situation, limited liability coverage from the rideshare company may apply, but only after the driver’s personal insurance is used first. However, this supplemental coverage from Uber or Lyft’s insurance provider may still fall short depending on the extent of your injuries. In some cases, litigation may be required to recover the full value of your losses.
Driver has Accepted a Ride or has a Passenger Onboard
Once a driver accepts a ride request, Uber and Lyft’s full commercial insurance kicks in, offering up to $1 million in liability coverage. This coverage applies whether the driver is en route to pick someone up or already has a passenger in the car.
However, even under these circumstances, you will first need to file a claim with the driver’s insurance before moving up to the rideshare company’s policy.
Uber and Lyft’s insurance policies can be confusing. Still, a knowledgeable Miami Uber and Lyft accident attorney can help you make sense of it all and pursue the compensation you need and deserve.
Get Legal Assistance from an Experienced Lyft and Uber Accident Attorney Serving Miami Today
The Schiller Kessler Group is proud to stand up for Uber and Lyft accident victims throughout Miami. With more than 30,000 personal injury cases handled, our team has the knowledge, experience, and dedication needed to fight for the compensation you deserve. We will be by your side through every step of the claims process, helping to ensure a favorable outcome.
Call us today or contact us through our website to schedule a free, no-obligation case consultation. We’ll review the details of your case, answer any questions you may have, and advise you of your legal options.
Injured? Call The Aggressive Attorneys Today
