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Hailing a ride on a rideshare application such as Uber or Lyft is a convenient transportation alternative for people without a vehicle, who are in town just visiting, or who simply want to not worry about getting behind the wheel after a night of partying.
Hailing a ride on a rideshare application such as Uber or Lyft is a convenient transportation alternative for people without a vehicle, who are in town just visiting, or who simply want to not worry about getting behind the wheel after a night of partying.Rideshare services are popular in and around the Fort Lauderdale area, but with more rideshare drivers taking to the roadways, there is an increase in motor vehicle accidents involving these vehicles, which can leave victims unsure of their rights and options for recovery of their losses.
Can You Get Compensation for Your Losses if You Are in a Rideshare Accident?
Compensation for rideshare accident victims can be complicated. While a rideshare accident is like any other motor vehicle accident, in many instances, the role of rideshare companies and their insurance coverage can play a role in the amount of compensation available to you depending on the facts and circumstances of the accident.
Compensation Will Depend on Which Party You Are in the Accident
Your ability to seek compensation after a rideshare accident will depend on who is at fault for the accident and what insurance coverage is available. While rideshare companies provide insurance coverage for certain accidents, the coverage is not valid for every type of accident with a rideshare vehicle. In some cases, it may be the personal vehicle insurance of the rideshare driver that applies or the insurance of another driver involved in the accident that may be at fault.
The Rideshare Driver
The Rideshare DriverIf you are the rideshare driver in a Fort Lauderdale rideshare accident that is the fault of another party, you may be eligible for compensation for your losses through the at-fault party’s insurance and possibly the rideshare service insurance depending on the stage of the ride you were in at the time of the crash.
Driver or Passenger in Another Vehicle
If you are an occupant of another vehicle that is in a crash with a negligent rideshare driver, you may be able to file a claim with the rideshare driver’s personal insurance, rideshare insurance, or through your own insurance depending on the circumstances leading to the accident and whether the rideshare driver has valid coverage or the rideshare insurance applies to your case.
The Rideshare Passenger
As an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare passenger, if you sustain injuries in an accident during your rideshare ride, you may have several options for recovery depending on who is at fault and the extent of your damages. It is likely that you will be eligible to pursue a claim through the rideshare company’s insurance or if another driver is to blame for the accident, the vehicle liability insurance of the other driver.
The Damages Available to a Rideshare Accident Victim in Florida
As the victim of a rideshare accident, the type and amount of damages the law entitles you to collect will vary depending on the severity of the injuries you suffer in the rideshare crash, how those injuries affect your life, and any additional losses you sustain during the accident. Rideshare accident damages can include economic losses and non-economic losses. The cost of a rideshare collision can become quickly overwhelming as medical bills begin to accumulate and you are forced to miss work or are unable to maintain the productivity levels you did before the accident.
A rideshare accident attorney in Fort Lauderdale can help you determine what damages you are eligible for in your case, which may include:
- The expenses related to your medical care
- The loss of income and future income that may result because of the crash
- Pain and suffering due to the injuries and accident
- Damage to personal property in the rideshare collision
Rideshare Companies and the Insurance Coverage They Provide
Companies such as Lyft and Uber provide liability insurance coverage for passengers and drivers in certain situations. Not all accidents will fall under the insurance coverage policy’s terms. When Uber or Lyft insurance coverage applies will be determined by the stage of the rideshare the accident occurs in:
- When the rideshare application is shut off. There is no coverage and the personal insurance of the rideshare driver will apply.
- When the rideshare application is on but there is no ride request underway. In this stage, there is limited coverage for losses, including $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.
- When the rideshare application is on and the driver is on the way to pick up or drop off a passenger. In this situation, there is up to $1 million in third-party auto liability coverage.
Do You Need a Ridesharing Accident Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale for Your Case?
Once you become aware that you are in a rideshare accident, you must immediately begin the process of contacting a rideshare accident attorney in Fort Lauderdale. Rideshare accidents have many intricacies that can influence if and how you can seek compensation for your losses. Proving fault and damages is not a straightforward process and a rideshare accident attorney can help you protect your rights from the beginning of the case.
When looking for an attorney to represent you, make certain you find one that has experience with rideshare crashes. An attorney’s knowledge and background in dealing with rideshare accidents can help your case avoid unnecessary delays and complications.
A Fort Lauderdale rideshare accident lawyer can help you with the following:
- Discovering liability and applicable insurance coverage
- Gathering evidence
- Calculating your damages
- Collecting information and records from witnesses, providers, and experts
- Negotiating a settlement with an insurance company
- Preparing your case if a lawsuit is needed
Contact a Fort Lauderdale Ridesharing Accident Attorney for Help
After a rideshare accident in Fort Lauderdale, contact an experienced attorney at Eltringham Law Group for a free case evaluation to discuss the accident and what compensation you may be eligible for under the law.
