Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Unlike regular car accident cases, rideshare accident claim settlements are governed by different laws and assign different legal responsibilities on those involved. Parties injured in a ridesharing accident may be able to collect recovery from the at-fault rideshare driver. In other cases, the rideshare company’s insurer is responsible for damages. Our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers in Fort Lauderdale, FL are ready to explain your legal options to you based on the nature of your accident and fight on your behalf for the maximum compensation you are legally entitled.
Liability for Uber and Lyft Accidents
Because of the vicarious liability rule, most employers are in some way or the other liable for their employees’ actions during activities that are work-related. For example, if a delivery company’s driver falls asleep when delivering a product and causes a pedestrian accident, the company will most likely be liable for damages. However, Uber and Lyft do not abide by such rules as rideshare drivers are independent contractors and are not employees of either company.
Fortunately, both Uber and Lyft have $1 million insurance policies meant cover passenger and driver damages should a car accident occur to their drivers. They provide an additional $50,000 and a maximum of $100,000 per injury, and a maximum of $25,000 in property damage. The liability coverage does not cater to all damages and only kicks in when an Uber or Lyft Driver requests it. However, these coverage amounts only apply under special circumstances.
When Do Uber and Lyft Claims Apply?
Ride-sharing companies such as Uber and Lyft generally provide coverage depending on the responsible driver’s activity at the time the accident occurred. If a driver was logged out of the service or was not accepting any customer ride requests at the time of the accident, then the ridesharing company is not liable for damages caused by an accident that occurs during that time. If an accident occurs when the driver was logged into the ridesharing app and was accepting customer requests or was transporting a customer to their destination, then the rideshare company is liable and offers additional coverage on top of that provided by the driver’s personal insurance policy. To be eligible for this, the driver must request for the extra coverage. If a rideshare customer was in the vehicle when an accident happened, the $1 million policy comes into play to cover passengers, the driver, and other third parties that could have been affected by the accident.
Handling Uber and Lyft Denied Accident Claims
Ridesharing companies try their best to limit liability for their vehicle accidents. First, they classify their drivers as independent contractors and have strict rules set up for times when insurance policies should be applied. Worse, they make it hard for injured parties to win coverage for damages. When an accident happens, the insurance company for the ridesharing driver may deny paying claims since the driver was at that time driving for his or her personal profit. This leaves injured drivers and other parties with little recourse when it comes to winning the compensation they deserve.
We understand how quickly Uber and Lyft claims can escalate into complex legal battles. Our rideshare accident lawyers are experts in handling Fort Lauderdale cases and know the insurance policies and requirements that apply when for filing for both Uber as well as Lyft claims. Whether you are a rideshare driver, passenger, or another party injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, we are ready to help you after an accident.
Talk to a Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer About Your Case – Free Consultation!
If the negligence of a ridesharing driver led to injuries, property damage, the death of a loved one, or any type of financial suffering, you should file a legal suit for compensation. Do not let your medical bills pile up when a competent Uber and Lyft accident lawyer can help you recover damages. Our lawyers have represented victims of rideshare accidents all over Florida for years. We know exactly what is needed for your case to succeed. If you are a rideshare driver or passenger looking for compensation from a rideshare company, we will help you gather evidence and represent you in negotiations in order to win compensation for:
- Present and future medical bills and rehabilitation
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Reduced ability to earn
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Lost income
- Emotional trauma
Start with a free consultation to understand your legal options. Call us on 305-928-2909. You can also fill in your accident details and a lawyer will contact you immediately. Should the responsible insurance company fail to pay you a fair and reasonable settlement, our lawyers will file a claim in a Fort Lauderdale civil court and represent you until your case is decided. Call today. You can also reach us at 305-928-2909 for a free consultation.