Claims Involving Taxi, Uber, And Lyft Driver Accidents

Nobody can deny the boom of ridesharing companies and their demand. This type of service is convenient, fast, and mainly reliable. The service is also relatively easy to access for people who are hustling in this gig economy and tend to earn extra cash to supplement their income.

Consider this: what happens when your trip takes an unexpected turn, and you’re involved in an accident? Knowing your rights and understanding how liability works in these situations is vital.

In Florida alone, over 330,000 car accidents have occurred this year. Tragically, more than 2,400 were fatal, and nearly 215,000 people suffered serious injuries. With such alarming numbers, it’s clear that accidents are not as rare as we’d like to think. If you find yourself in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle, acting quickly and understanding the legal process involved can make a significant difference. Here’s what you need to know about liability, your legal options, and how to protect yourself after being involved in an Uber, Lyft, or taxi accident.

Understanding Liability in Rideshare and Taxi Accidents

Rideshare accidents are treated differently than your standard auto crash. Liability typically depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. Here’s how it breaks down:

  • If the rideshare driver is off-duty, their personal auto insurance is responsible for paying damages.
  • When a driver is logged into the app but hasn’t picked up a passenger yet, the company provides contingent liability coverage, typically up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury.
  • If the driver is actively transporting a passenger, rideshare companies generally provide up to $1 million in liability coverage.
  • For taxi accidents, the liability is relatively straightforward, but you’re still dealing with commercial insurance policies, which can make the claims process challenging.

Whether you’re a passenger, other driver, or a pedestrian, identifying the responsible party in the car crash and understanding their particular insurance policy is essential.

Common Causes of Taxi and Rideshare Accidents

Accidents involving rideshare vehicles and taxis occur for various reasons, including:

  • Distracted driving
  • Using a phone while driving
  • Fatigue
  • Speeding and reckless driving
  • Flouting traffic rules
  • Vehicle maintenance issues

Steps to Take After a Taxi, Uber, or Lyft Accident

Here’s are the exact steps to take when you are in an accident while present in a ridesharing car:

  1. Check if anyone is injured. If possible, move immediately away from traffic to avoid any additional harm. If there are injuries, call 911 immediately.
  2. Collect as much evidence as possible. Use your phone to photograph the vehicles, their positions, license plates, and any visible damage or injuries. Capture traffic signs, road conditions, and anything else that may be relevant.
  3. Get the names, contact details, and insurance information of all parties involved.
  4. Notify the company through which you booked a ride, of the accident. Commonly, you should be able to report the incident via their app as well as file a police report. A formal record is crucial for your claim.
  5. Even if you feel okay, schedule a medical checkup as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as soft tissue damage or concussions, may not show symptoms immediately but could become worse over time.
  6. Navigating an accident claim can feel overwhelming, but Lipinski Law makes it easy. Think of us as Uber for attorneys; we help ensure that you get the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, property and punitive damages.

Florida follows a comparative negligence rule. This means that your compensation may be reduced if you’re found partially at fault. This makes it even more important to build a strong case with the help of an attorney who has handled similar cases.

Why You Need a Miami Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Rideshare accidents often involve dealing with multiple insurance companies, complex liability issues, reading through jargon, and legal processes that are unique to these cases. Whether you need an Uber accident lawyer in Miami, a Lyft accident lawyer in Miami, or a rideshare accident lawyer in Miami, Lipinski Law has you covered.

Our specialized team understands the stress and uncertainty that you may be feeling. Let us handle the paperwork, negotiations, and court proceedings so you can focus on healing.

Contact Lipinski Law, the trusted Miami rideshare accident lawyer, for a free consultation. We’ve helped countless clients navigate complex cases involving Uber accident lawyer claims, rideshare accident attorney representation, and Lyft accident lawyer needs, and we’re ready to help you too.

 

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