Uber and Lyft drivers are responsible for getting you to your destination safely. However, these rideshare drivers are not immune to the hazards on Florida roads. If you have been wrongfully injured in an Uber/Lyft accident due to the negligence of your driver or another party, you must understand the liability coverage programs that these companies have in place to protect you. Continue reading to discover how an experienced Broward County Uber accident lawyer at The Finizio Law Group works to access legal options after Uber/Lyft accidents.
What are the frequent causes of Uber/Lyft accidents in the state of Florida?
Essentially, Uber/Lyft accidents happen for the same reasons that all other auto accidents happen. While hazardous road or weather conditions are sometimes the cause of an accident, most of the time, the cause is the negligence of one of the drivers involved. With that being said, below are common examples of such negligence:
- Driving recklessly, such as speeding or ignoring traffic lights and signs.
- Driving while distracted, such as while texting or looking at a GPS.
- Driving while drowsy or fatigued, leading to slowed reflexes in response to road hazards.
- Driving while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, leading to poor decision-making.
How does Uber/Lyft accident liability coverage work in the state of Florida?
If you were wrongfully injured in an Uber/Lyft accident, you may receive financial compensation via the liability coverage system. The compensation available to you will depend on when and how the accident was caused. This system is broken down into “periods,” and reads as follows:
- Period 0: when an Uber/Lyft driver causes an accident when they are not yet logged into the rideshare app, Uber/Lyft will not provide liability coverage. In this case, you should sue the negligent driver’s insurance company.
- Period 1: When an Uber/Lyft driver causes an accident when they are logged into the rideshare app but have not yet accepted a ride, Uber/Lyft will provide liability coverage for up to $50,000 per person injured in the accident, $100,000 total injury liability per accident, and $25,000 property damage liability.
- Period 2: When an Uber/Lyft driver causes an accident when they have accepted a ride and are on the way to pick up a passenger, Uber/Lyft will provide up to $1 million in liability coverage.
- Period 3: When an Uber/Lyft driver causes an accident while a passenger is in the car, Uber/Lyft will provide $1 million in liability coverage, limited coverage for damage to the driver’s car, and uninsured motorists’ coverage.
If you were involved in any of the above situations, you should retain the services of a skilled Broward County auto accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Contact Our Experienced Broward County Firm
If you require legal representation for matters of personal injury, family law, criminal defense, commercial litigation, or aviation litigation, contact The Finizio Law Group today.
