Florida roads and cities are crowded, and for the last couple of years, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of people using ridesharing services like Uber to get from point to point. But what happens if you are hurt by an Uber driver's actions? Whether you're actually taking the ride yourself or are hurt in another vehicle by someone driving an Uber, you do have rights that are worth understanding.
The Basics Of Fault
Under Florida law, anyone hurt in an accident of any kind has the right to seek restitution for their injuries if they can show that the accident was caused by the reckless or negligent actions of someone else.
This can include a wide range of things, but in an auto accident it could include: • Texting while driving
• Speeding
• Driving in the wrong direction
• Driving while intoxicated
• Failure to yield right of way
• And more
This law applies even if a driver was operating their vehicle for Uber or Lyft, and if you've been injured in an accident you should consult with an attorney to see what your rights are and ensure that you are able to get the financial restitution that you're owed.
Florida Ridesharing Law
Florida has recently passed a set of ridesharing laws that govern operators of vehicles driving for services like Uber or Lyft. Under the new regulations, Uber drivers must:
• Carry a minimum of $1 million of liability coverage
• Even if not on duty, must have $50,000 in coverage on any vehicle used for ridesharing
Those policies are supposed to cover bodily injury, property injury, and death benefits. And the type of coverage that is applied to an accident will depend upon what the driver was doing at the time of the accident - whether they were off duty, waiting to pick up their fare, transporting a passenger, or something else.
These insurance requirements help provide additional coverage and protection to those who are trusting ridesharing services. But, they can be confusing and complicated for those who aren't trained in law. And making things worse, the insurance companies and their lawyers will often try to avoid paying out anything - even if they clearly need to.
As such, trusting in an attorney is vital for anyone who has been hurt by an Uber or Lyft driver. Doing so will ensure that you get the most from your personal injury case and that you're able to get back on your feet and move on after an accident.
Why A Claim Matters
It's easy to assume that when you're hurt that the insurance companies will do their part to make things right. After all, that's what the insurance policies exist, right? But insurance companies are businesses, and they'll do all they can to avoid paying anything. When you're hurt, those initial insurance policies may not even provide the total sum that you need to get back on your feet.
When you file a personal injury claim, you're able to stand up to the insurance companies and get the compensation that you are owed. Your attorney will get you the respect of the other side and fight to make sure you receive what you deserve. And our team has decades of experience in doing just that. If you've been hurt in an accident caused by an Uber or Lyft driver, contact us today to set up your free initial consultation and learn more about your rights and how we may be able to help you.
