Uber and Lyft drivers are a godsend in cities, allowing you the flexibility of reaching your destinations quickly without the hassle of renting cars or evening owning a car yourself. But what if your driver gets into an accident in Florida? Are you liable for any damages or your own medical bills? Sifting through this information can seem like a lot, which is why Gordon Law is here for you.
First Steps
It’s always crucial to seek medical attention after any kind of accident, no matter how minor. Making sure you are okay medically will save you time and struggles later on, as many symptoms can appear weeks after a car accident. Even a simple fender bender can sustain whiplash in some people, thus it’s important to know if you sustained any injuries and what the long-term prognosis will be. You may feel fine right after the accident, but that can potentially change within hours or even a week afterwards. The next step you should take is to at least seek counsel with a Uber or Notary Public lawyer to make sure you are going about the process correctly. You don’t want to cover anything on your own that should be the responsibility of the Uber or Lyft driver, and having a lawyer at your side can help you get a better compensation than going it alone.
Accidents and Liability
Be aware that Florida is one of a handful of states to have a “no-fault” car insurance statute. Under this statute, Florida law requires all Florida drivers to carry personal injury and liability insurance for their vehicles. The “no-fault” clause means that the first $10,000 of medical bills is paid through your personal auto insurance. There are exceptions in the case of being a passenger in an Uber or Lyft, however, so it’s best to speak with legal counsel on your next steps to take in case you were seriously injured.
For all ride-share companies like Uber and Lyft, they are required to carry liability insurance to cover any bodily injuries or potential property damage. Uber, for example, has a $1 million liability insurance policy for any eligible passengers, motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorcycle drivers. But, this insurance is used only when the Uber or Lyft drivers are actively on their app and have passengers in their vehicle. If the Uber or Lyft drivers are driving around for personal use and get into an accident, then it’s up to their individual, personal insurance companies to help with the damages, not the corporations. Only the driver’s personal insurance will be covering the policy when an Uber or Lyft driver was using their vehicle for personal use, whether you were a passenger or not.
Seeking Compensation
If you are a passenger in an active Uber or Lyft vehicle and there is an accident, then you may be entitled to compensation. The accident was most likely the fault of the driver, either not checking traffic correctly or potentially on their phone for their work app. Either way, if you suffer injuries from this accident, and have medical bills, hospitalization and/or emergency room expenses, it’s best to seek legal counsel as well, as you will need assistance in paying these bills and nothing should be falling onto your shoulders. A lawyer can assess your injuries and the accident report, along with your prognosis in case there is continued medical costs involved down the road.
Contact Us
If you were involved in an Uber or Lyft car accident, it’s time to speak with lawyers who will fight for you every step of the way. Gordon Law has been serving Floridians for years in getting the compensation you deserve. Call us today!
