5 Steps to Take After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Florida

Do you know what steps to take if you have been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Florida? Uber and Lyft drivers make their living transporting passengers for money. The greater the number of trips they make in a day, the more money they make. The pressure for quick passenger turnover can lead to accidents.

Ridesharing is a largely unregulated industry. Unlike limousine and taxi drivers, rideshare drivers are not required to obtain a specialized license. Rideshare drivers are not considered Uber or Lyft employees; therefore, they do not receive any driving or passenger transporting training and are not subject to the same rules and regulations as professional drivers. Without professional training, an inexperienced rideshare driver can make mistakes that result in accidents.

If you are injured in a rideshare driver’s car, you should be compensated for your injuries and other losses. The best way to make sure that you receive compensation is to contact a personal injury attorney immediately after an accident.

5 Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident

Rideshare apps give minimal advice on what to do after an accident. Taking the proper steps after your accident can affect whether or not you are adequately compensated for your injuries. You should take the following five steps after being involved in a rideshare accident:

Report the Uber or Lyft Accident to the Police

Calling a police officer to investigate the crash will create an official record with information supporting your claim.

Report the Accident to Uber or Lyft

You can report traffic accidents through the rideshare app under the “Trip Issues” section. Reporting will allow you to collect from the Uber or Lyft insurance policy. Be very careful when speaking with any rideshare representative. You should refer the representative to your attorney.

Document the Driver and the Scene

Take photos of the scene. A lot can change while waiting for the police to arrive, so it is best to start taking pictures as soon as you can. Talk to any witnesses and ask for their contact information so that your lawyer can speak to them.

You might want to get a snapshot of the rideshare driver’s information, such as the driver’s license and insurance card.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you do not think you are seriously injured, you should go to the emergency room or a doctor to get an idea of the full extent of your injuries. This can help prevent future complications. Sometimes, adrenaline and shock from the accident can mask pain. If you delay seeking medical attention, it could be held against you by an insurance company.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

Working with a personal injury attorney will help you focus on recovery while the attorney pursues compensation for your injuries.

Who Do You Hold Liable for the Accident?

Ridesharing drivers are independent contractors and must carry auto insurance. To be hired by a rideshare company, drivers are required to provide evidence that they possess at least the state minimum for car insurance. The minimum limit required in Florida is $10,000 for property damage and $10,000 for personal injury. In many cases, Uber drivers do not have adequate insurance to cover passengers in an accident.

Uber and Lyft advertise the availability of insurance up to $1 million for their drivers to cover bodily injury to passengers. Coverage does not apply, however, if the driver is not logged into the rideshare company’s app or does not meet specific strict criteria.

Much like other car accident cases, recovering compensation in a rideshare accident requires proving the negligent party’s liability and establishing damages. An experienced personal injury attorney has the knowledge and skills needed to investigate evidence, establish liability, stand against the insurance companies, and fight for your right to compensation.

Speak with an Exceptional Orlando Personal Injury Lawyer at Fighter Law If You Have Been in a Rideshare Accident

Being involved in a rideshare accident can be stressful and overwhelming. At Fighter Law, we care about our clients. Our mission is to fight and win compensation for you. Our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis and offer free consultations. We are constantly working with your best interests in mind. If we cannot obtain a settlement covering all your needs, we are prepared to file a lawsuit and go to trial.

Fighter Law is a top-rated Florida law firm. Thomas Feiter is Board Certified by the Florida Bar and AV Rated Preeminent by Martindale Hubbell. Our firm has over a decade of successful legal experience, and we are driven to get you results. To set up your free consultation, call us at (407) 344-4837 or fill out our online contact form.

Share: