Uber Accident Injury Attorneys in Coral Springs, FL Represent Rideshare Accident Victims in Broward County and Throughout Florida
Filing an accident claim if you have been involved in an accident with Uber or Lyft is very different from filing a standard vehicle accident claim. Both Uber and Lyft are rideshare companies that do not own their vehicles. Neither company hires their own drivers, either. Uber drivers are not employees of Uber; Lyft drivers are not employees of Lyft. Sound confusing? Let our Coral Springs Uber accident lawyers help. At Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A., our premier Uber Accident injury attorneys in Coral Springs, FL has extensive experience handling Uber and Lyft accident claims, skillfully navigating the complexities of rideshare accident claims to recover full and fair compensation for accident victims in Coral Springs and across south Florida.
Why Filing An Uber Or Lyft Accident Claim Is Different Than Filing A Standard Motor Vehicle Accident Claim
Individuals who are injured in accidents caused by another person’s negligent actions are protected under personal injury law, which provides a mechanism for injured victims to recover compensation for their injuries. The injured party files a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. However, in situations where an individual is injured in an accident with an Uber or Lyft, the process of filing a personal injury claim against the driver is much more complicated.
If you are in an accident and it is determined that the Uber or Lyft driver is responsible for the accident, the first step would be to file a claim against the rideshare driver. But because the Uber or Lyft driver is working and earning money while driving the car, their standard personal car insurance policy will deny the claim. Personal car insurance policies specifically state that the coverage is only provided when the vehicle is being operated for personal use.
Uber and Lyft do provide insurance coverage, but the coverage varies depending upon the circumstances surrounding the accident and may not apply in your given situation. Here are three rideshare accident scenarios which illustrate why filing a claim against Uber or Lyft is complicated:
- Accident Scenario 1 with an Uber or Lyft:
While driving, you get into an accident with an Uber or Lyft but the driver is not transporting a passenger when the accident occurs. Because the insurance coverage provided by Uber or Lyft depends upon when the accident took place, and in this case the rideshare driver was not logged into the rideshare app, then Uber and Lyft do not provide any coverage. So instead you must file a claim against the Uber or Lyft driver’s personal car insurance policy. If you suffered any serious injuries in the accident, the driver’s insurance policy may fall short of the necessary coverage.
- Accident Scenario 2 with an Uber or Lyft:
You are a passenger in an Uber or Lyft and your vehicle is involved in an accident with an uninsured driver. You are injured and file a claim. Uber or Lyft reviews your claim but they decide that — in your situation — the contingency clause on car accidents and liability coverage does not apply. So you will be responsible for your medical expenses.
- Accident Scenario 3 with an Uber or Lyft:
While driving, you get into an accident with an Uber or Lyft while they are transporting a passenger. This accident scenario requires filing claims against three different entities: your own car insurance company, the Uber or Lyft driver’s personal car insurance company, and the Uber or Lyft corporate insurance company. This then involves negotiating three settlement offers and working with three different insurance adjusters.
Florida’s Legal Deadline For Filing Uber And Lyft Accident Claims in Coral Springs
Statutes of limitations set legal time limits on a person’s right to file a claim in the state’s civil court system. Statutes of limitations vary from state to state, and depend upon the type of claim that is being filed. In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims — including Uber and Lyft accident claims — is four years from the time of the accident.
Coral Springs Uber Accident Lawyers Successfully Recover Damages For Accident Victims
Drivers for Uber and Lyft are considered independent contractors. And because the drivers do not work for the companies, and the cars are not owned by the companies, filing an accident claim involving an Uber or Lyft can be challenging and confusing.
At Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A., our Coral Springs Uber accident lawyers successfully recover damages for Uber and Lyft accident victims. To schedule a free case evaluation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys, contact our office.
About Coral Springs, Florida
Situated in Broward County, Coral Springs, Florida is located approximately about 20 miles northwest of Fort Lauderdale. Its close proximity to Fort Lauderdale and Miami offers Coral Springs residents numerous opportunities for employment with a convenient commute. The warmer temperatures of South Florida draw a large number of visitors to Coral Springs in both the winter and spring. This influx of tourists increases the frequency of Uber and Lyft use throughout the community, which, in turn, contributes to a greater number of accidents in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions About Uber And Lyft Accidents In Coral Springs, Florida
If you have been in an Uber or Lyft accident, the first action to take is to report the accident to the police. Law enforcement officers will then alert emergency responders, who will provide medical care to anyone injured in the accident. Next, obtain the contact information from the rideshare driver, any passengers, and others at the scene of the accident. Document the scene with your phone camera — take photos of the vehicles, damage to the vehicles, vehicle positions in the roadway, road conditions, and any traffic signs. Lastly, take photos of your physical injuries.
One of the most common causes of accidents involving Uber and Lyft is distracted driving. Uber and Lyft drivers must use cell phones to locate passengers, and then to navigate to their specified destinations. Some of the other causes of Uber and Lyft accidents include driver inexperience, speeding, and driving while fatigued.