If you are injured in an accident with a rideshare driver, things become more complicated than in a typical car accident case. That’s because the rideshare driver does not work for Uber or Lyft, but the app’s insurance companies may still provide coverage under certain circumstances.
Figuring out who is to blame for your accident and pursuing a claim for compensation in these types of cases requires the help of an experienced and compassionate attorney.
Diaco Law has a long history of representing clients injured in rideshare crashes. We understand the ins-and-outs of these claims and can put our legal knowledge to work for you. Reach out today to connect with a Tampa Uber and Lyft accident lawyer who is ready to help you.
Who is responsible for an Uber or Lyft accident in Tampa?
Normally, an employer is responsible for an on-the-job accident that an employee causes while performing work duties. That’s the case under a legal doctrine called vicarious liability.
However, Uber and Lyft drivers in Florida are independent contractors so the rideshare apps don’t bear responsibility under those rules. Uber and Lyft have, however, both put insurance coverage in place that applies when their drivers are performing certain tasks. This is called third-party liability coverage because a third party (Uber or Lyft) is buying insurance for the drivers.
Here’s how it works:
- With both Uber and Lyft, if your app is off, the rideshare company won’t pay for any damages.
- If the app is on and the driver is waiting for a ride, both companies provide coverage. Specifically they provide $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident in bodily injury liability, and $25,000 in property damage liability.
- If the app is on and the driver is en route or has a passenger, Uber and Lyft’s third-party coverage provides $1 million in liability coverage, as well as paying for things like uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, personal injury protection (PIP) and comprehensive and collision coverage if the driver has these types of protections on their personal policy.
So, whether you are the driver of an Uber or Lyft vehicle, a passenger in one of these vehicles who suffers harm as a result of a careless driver, or anyone else on the road hurt by a rideshare driver, it is possible that Uber or Lyft will pay for your losses.
How does a Tampa Uber and Lyft accident lawyer help?
An Uber or Lyft accident lawyer can provide invaluable assistance after a collision with a rideshare driver including:
- Determining the driver’s status to find out what insurance coverage is in place
- Documenting the cause of the accident and the nature and the extent of the injuries to maximize the chances of fair compensation
- Identifying all parties potentially responsible for the accident to maximize compensation
- Negotiating an out-of-court settlement or putting together a compelling claim including witness testimony, app records showing how long the rideshare driver was operating the vehicle, information about the driver’s past history as a rideshare operator, and more
These are just some of the many ways that an attorney can help with your case.
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Getting help from a Tampa Uber and Lyft accident lawyer
Don’t try to manage your rideshare accident alone. Reach out today to a compassionate and knowledgeable legal professional who can help you.
You can schedule your free consultation with a Tampa or Lyft accident lawyer at Diaco Law to learn more about the assistance we can offer.