No Case is Too Complex
"Rideshare" vehicle services have become extremely popular in Florida and throughout the United States over the last few years. Uber and Lyft have emerged as the industry leaders - in Florida there are now approximately 3.6 million active providers of transportation services through app-based companies. Not surprisingly, these rideshare vehicles are too often involved in accidents which cause injuries to passengers. When they occur, liability and coverage issues may arise under Florida law. If you have been injured in a rideshare accident, it's best to call an attorney immediately, as these accidents aren't always clear-cut due to the potential involvement of rideshare companies. Our St. Petersburg Lyft and Uber accident attorney is available to hear your story and help you determine the next steps of your case when you call us for help. At Heyman Law Firm, your recovery is our priority.
Are you bed-ridden after your accident? Don't worry – we will travel to you. Call us now at (727) 822-3700 or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation.
Uber & Lyft Insurance Coverage in Florida
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft attempt to make ridesharing safe by doing things like vetting their drivers. Potential drivers must undergo rigorous screening and have their driving and criminal records reviewed. Some basic requirements to become a rideshare driver include being 21 years old or older, having a valid U.S. driver's license, have proof of vehicle insurance and proof of registration.
Uber and Lyft know that accidents can happen regardless of safety precautions, which is why the companies have insurance cover injuries in certain situations. However, it can be tricky to obtain coverage from a rideshare company in an accident. Liability in any car crash is determined by negligence. Rideshares are required to carry liability coverage pursuant to Florida Statute 627.748 in the following amounts:
(a). if a driver is "on-line" with the rideshare app:
- $50,000.00 per person for death or bodily injury;
- $100,000.00 per inicident;
- $25,000.00 for property damage.
(b). when a driver accepts a ride and takes on passenger(s):
- $1,000,000.00 in total liability coverage for death, injury or property damage.
The above coverages will most likely be primary, meaning that they will be access prior to any personal auto insurance a passenger may have. You should check your personal auto policy and review it with an attorney should you become injured in an accident while a rideshare passenger.
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, an injured passenger may also be able to sue the rideshare company directly, should three be sufficient evidence that the business negligently hired and/or retained unqualified drivers, did not impose standards on vehicles or failed to properly maintain its computer apps.
How We Can Help
Hiring the right personal injury lawyer is probably the single most important decision that a rideshare accident victim will make after their accident. If you're injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, you need to hire an experienced attorney who knows how to communicate and negotiate with insurance companies and rideshare companies to get optimal results. Our attorney has more than four decades of experience settling auto accident claims and can help you calculate how much you deserve. We can help you cover the costs of economic damages like medical expenses and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering, or loss of companionship if you lost a loved one in an accident. We can determine who is liable and aggressively fight for your rights throughout your case.
Don't take any risks when it comes to going after financial compensation –call our St. Petersburg Uber and Lyft accident attorney at (727) 822-3700. We have decades of experience and success to back us up.