Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft have revolutionized transportation in Tampa over recent years. With such high numbers of people using ridesharing services in Florida, it is inevitable that vehicles being driven for such services will be involved in car accidents.
Like in any car accident, a driver is liable for the injuries of the occupants of the other vehicle involved in a collision if they were at fault. However, when an accident is caused by the negligence of an Uber or Lyft driver, they are also liable for injuries to passengers of the Uber or Lyft itself.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a Tampa Uber or Lyft accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries and other losses. In order to pursue your claim against the ridesharing service and the various layers of insurance coverage that may be available, you will need help from an experienced personal injury lawyer.
At The Law Place, we frequently tackle rideshare accident claims in Tampa and can offer a free case evaluation. Call us now on (941) 444-4444 to book your free consultation with an experienced accident attorney. We are ready to get started on your case.
Uber and Lyft Liability
If you have suffered an injury in a car accident that is caused by a rideshare driver from companies such as Uber and Lyft, you may be entitled to seek compensation from the driver and, in some cases, from the companies insurance coverage.
If the accident you were involved in is found to be caused by another vehicle, and not by the driver of the rideshare car in which you were a passenger, the rideshare company cannot be held liable. You may be limited to enforcing liability solely against the responsible driver in this case.
However, when a Tampa Uber or Lyft driver is found to be responsible for an accident, the ridesharing service’s liability typically depends on the following:
- Whether the driver was transporting a passenger.
- Whether the driver was on the way to pick up a passenger at the time of the accident.
- Whether the driver was signed into the ridesharing service mobile application looking for a passenger.
If the accident occurred when any of these three circumstances applied, the law states that Uber or Lyft and its insurance coverage may be held liable for the accident, especially if the Uber or Lyft driver is found to be at fault for the accident.
If you think these circumstances apply to you, contact us at The Law Place now for a free case evaluation because you may be entitled to compensation.
Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Laws
According to Florida State Statute 627.7407, Florida is a no-fault state, meaning that regardless of who was at fault, every person involved in a road accident should be covered by their own insurance coverage, up to their policy limits.
For a free legal consultation with a uber and lyft rideshare accidents lawyer serving Tampa, call 941-444-4444
Uber and Lyft Drivers and Insurance Coverage
Uber requires that all of its drivers have personal car insurance coverage in accordance with Florida law. Some drivers may also carry commercial auto insurance. If an Uber or Lyft driver is not logged into the application when an accident occurs, the driver’s personal or commercial auto insurance policy will apply.
In the case of an accident where a driver is logged in and working on behalf of these companies, the company insurance coverage would apply.
This coverage is extensive and covers the drivers and the company itself for things such as uninsured motorist coverage, collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, and personal injury protection. The coverage may also apply to occupants of other vehicles when the Lyft or Uber driver was at fault for the crash.
If you have been the victim of a car accident where a rideshare driver has been at fault, an experienced personal injury lawyer from The Law Place can seek compensation on your behalf from the insurance companies who cover Uber and Lyft.
Types of Damages You Can Claim
Compensation for personal injuries falls into the categories of economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages include:
- Medical expenses – Hospital stays, doctor’s visits, surgery, prescription medication, durable medical equipment, and physical or occupational therapy are just some examples.
- Lost wages – Income lost from work missed due to injuries, as well as the difference in income if injuries prevent you from earning your pre-accident level of income.
Non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering – Physical and mental anguish caused by the incident, along with loss of quality of life.
- Loss of consortium/companionship – Spouse and family’s loss of your society, companionship, and services to the marriage and family.
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What to Do If You Are Injured in Tampa Uber Lyft Accident
If you are involved in an Uber or a Lyft accident in Tampa, there are some steps you can take to protect your legal rights:
- Seek medical attention right away – Even if you believe you have not been injured, you should still follow up with your doctor straight after the accident. Some injuries may not reveal symptoms for days or weeks but could prove life-threatening if left untreated or cause issues for you in the long term. Seeking medical attention will help your personal injury case because you will be able to prove the extent of your injuries, and you will be able to show that they were caused by the accident. Furthermore, you will begin to establish the extent of your medical expenses.
- Contact the police – It is critical that you report the accident to the Tampa police as soon as possible, and they will investigate the accident. A police report may provide important information for your case by establishing who was at fault for the accident. It may also include details such as insurance policy information for the vehicles involved. According to Flordia State Statute 316.066, you should report the incident within ten days.
- Get insurance and witness information – Ask for the insurance information of the Uber Lyft driver and other drivers involved in the accident. If drivers refuse to provide you with their insurance information, wait for the police to arrive and collect the information as they have to provide this by law. If there are any eyewitnesses to the accident, take down their contact information so that you can later obtain their description of the accident.
- Take photographs – If you are able to do so, you should take pictures of the scene, damage to the vehicles in the crash, and your injuries. These photos may help you establish who was at fault for the accident and substantiate a personal injury case.
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How a Tampa Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
If you are injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages, and an attorney can help you pursue a case. A personal injury lawyer from an established law firm like The Law Place will have the experience necessary to know what evidence to collect that will be key to establishing liability for the accident and proving your injury and damage claims.
An attorney can also negotiate with insurance companies and the ridesharing company to seek compensation for your injuries and other losses. If an acceptable settlement of your claim is not possible, a lawyer can help you file a lawsuit and argue your case to a judge and jury to pursue a verdict and judgment in your favor.
It is important that Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies are held liable when their negligence has resulted in an accident. Lawsuits push them to higher their standards, which makes the roads safer for other drivers on the road in the long run.
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The Law Place
When you’ve been seriously injured in a Tampa Uber or Lyft accident, the pressures immediately begin to mount. In addition to figuring out how to pay for medical treatment, you may be missing paychecks and falling behind on other bills. You need help now!
At The Law Place, our attorneys understand the complex law surrounding rideshare companies and know how to navigate the system. It can be difficult to go up against big companies such as Uber and Lyft, who have experienced lawyers on their side to save them money. The other driver may also have their own attorney, especially if they have been injured. Therefore, it is important that you have sufficient representation of your own to fight your case.
Contact us now on (941) 444-4444 to book your free consultation with an experienced accident attorney.
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