Tallahassee Rideshare Accident Attorney

As more and more people come to rely on rideshare services, like Uber and Lyft, we are seeing an increased number of these vehicles on our highways and roads. Unfortunately, this has led to an increased number of accidents. According to a study from the University of Chicago and Rice University, app-based rideshare services have been linked to a 2- 3% increase in traffic-related fatalities in the United States since their introduction.

At Shapiro Law Firm, P.A., we have been representing victims of all types of car accidents in Leon County since 1997. Our Tallahassee rideshare accident attorney is well-versed in recent updates to Florida’s car accident laws, including issues involving Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services. If you were injured or if someone you love died in a crash involving a rideshare vehicle, our firm is here to help.

We offer free consultations and do not collect any attorney fees unless/until our Tallahassee rideshare accident lawyers win your case. Call (850) 629-7226 or contact us online today to learn more. 

Understanding Your Compensation Options After a Rideshare Accident

Whether you are the passenger of an Uber or become involved in an accident with a Lyft driver while in another vehicle, you have several options when it comes to recovering compensation after the crash.

In most cases, victims of car accidents in Florida can recover compensation for certain economic losses through their personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. This coverage is available to all insured drivers, regardless of fault. This means that you do not need to prove that the rideshare driver (or another party) was responsible for the accident to be compensated; as long as you have auto insurance in Florida, you are covered.

However, PIP only covers certain losses, and the coverage it offers is limited. For example, PIP does not provide any compensation for pain and suffering after an accident, and it only covers up to 60% of lost wages and 80% of medical expenses up to $10,000. If your injuries are not considered a “medical emergency,” you can only receive $2,500 from your PIP insurance.

But if you are involved in a serious rideshare accident, your medical bills are highly likely to exceed $10,000, not to mention you are likely to experience considerable other economic and non-economic losses. Because of this, it may be necessary to pursue other forms of compensation.

Legal Options: Suing Uber or Lyft for Accident Injuries

While both Uber and Lyft make it relatively difficult for accident victims to sue, it is not impossible. These rideshare companies classify their drivers as independent contractors, not employees. This limits the company’s liability, as they are not beholden to the same respondeat superior rules that affect other employers. Under respondeat superior rules, employers are generally liable for the conduct of their employees while those employees are working, but this does not apply when companies hire independent contractors.

That being said, both Uber and Lyft do offer insurance coverage for those injured in accidents caused by their drivers.

This coverage only applies in the following situations:

• The rideshare driver has the app turned on/is actively working on behalf of the rideshare company
• The rideshare driver is actively looking for a ride (but has not accepted one yet) or has accepted a ride
• The rideshare driver is on the way to pick up a passenger who has requested a ride or has a passenger in the vehicle

When the rideshare driver has the app turned on but has not yet accepted a ride and causes an accident, Uber and Lyft offer limited coverage for bodily injury/death and property damage. When the rideshare driver has accepted a ride (or is “on a trip”) and is either on the way to pick up a passenger or has the passenger in the vehicle, Uber and Lyft offer up to $1 million in compensation. This means that if you were injured as a passenger or if you were hurt while the rideshare driver was picking up or dropping off a passenger, the $1 million coverage limit applies.