Whether you’re taking a ride to the airport or heading out for a night on the town with friends, the last thing you may anticipate when in a rideshare vehicle is to be involved in an accident that leaves you with serious injuries. Unfortunately, these accidents do happen, so understanding how to proceed is critical. The following blog explores what you should know about these difficult times, including the importance of working with a Broward County Uber accident lawyer to help you recover the justice and compensation you deserve.
What Steps Should I Take After a Rideshare Accident?
If you are involved in a rideshare accident in Florida, generally, one of the most important things you can do is immediately call emergency services to request police and medical technicians to the scene. Even if you feel okay, you should let the EMTs assess you for injuries, as this helps establish immediate medical attention following the accident. This can help your claim if you file.
You should also gather as much information as possible about both drivers involved, including the license plate numbers and insurance information for each driver.
Finally, you’ll need to file a claim through the Uber or Lyft app to report the collision. You’ll need to provide a considerable amount of information about the accident, but this is critical to ensuring you can recover the compensation you deserve.
How Does Liability Work?
Liability in accidents that result in an injured passenger can be difficult to navigate. This is because you’ll first need to determine who is responsible for the injury. If your driver is at fault, you can file a claim through Uber or Lyft to recover compensation. These companies both carry up to $1,000,000 in damages for injured passengers.
If a third-party driver is responsible, you will need to file an injury claim through their insurer. This can be complicated, especially if they attempt to shift blame to the rideshare driver. Regardless, it’s important to understand that, in these instances, you would recover compensation from both the driver of the Uber or Lyft and a third-party driver if they are both deemed responsible for the collision.
How Does Florida’s No-Fault Accident Statute Impact My Claim?
Florida is one of a handful of states that operates under a no-fault system. This means that those involved in an accident, regardless of who is at fault, will file a claim through their own insurance companies. This is because Florida requires drivers to carry a Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance of at least $10,000. This will cover your medical expenses and lost wages.
It’s important to understand that if your damages exceed your PIP insurance coverage, you can then pursue a claim against the negligent driver for the damages you’ve suffered as a result of their actions.
However, many people who utilize rideshare apps may not have a vehicle, and thus, do not have PIP insurance. If this reflects your circumstances, the PIP insurance of Uber or Lyft may apply to you.
As you can see, navigating a claim as a passenger in a rideshare accident can be incredibly difficult. That is why it’s imperative to connect with an experienced attorney with the Finizio Law Group to explore your legal options. Our team understands how difficult these circumstances can be to navigate, which is why we will do everything possible to help you through this complicated time. Contact us today to learn more.
