Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident? Speak to a Rideshare Accident Lawyer Now: (850) 438-4899
In Pensacola, as with virtually all large American cities, Uber and Lyft vehicles are a common sight. Floridians use rideshare apps to go to work, get to the airport, or simply get home safely after an evening out. Sadly, rideshare vehicles are not immune to accidents and injuries. If you were injured in a vehicle operated by a rideshare driver, our Pensacola Uber accident attorneys at TWWHB are here to help.
Taylor Warren Weidner Hancock and Barnes is a personal injury law firm based in Pensacola, Florida, with an experienced legal team specializing in Florida car crash cases. We are a group of seasoned car accident attorneys who have successfully resolved countless rideshare accident cases. We know that rideshare accidents may present more complications than other types of motor vehicle accidents in determining liability and financial recovery. We stand ready to expertly advise on any rideshare accident claim,
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TWWHB: Florida's Rideshare Accident Attorneys
From car accidents to insurance disputes, TWWHB has set the standard for handling personal injury cases in Florida. Here's why TWWHB is the premier choice for motor vehicle accident representation:
Mastery of Insurance Law
Rideshare accidents often involve multiple insurance policies with complicated, fine-print exclusions and limitations. Our deep knowledge of insurance law and extensive experience dealing with adjusters reveal all applicable coverage to secure the compensation you deserve.
Client-Focused Advocacy
The impact of a rideshare accident extends well beyond the crash itself; medical costs, lost earnings, and the emotional toll on health can be profound. Our promise: to keep our clients informed while respecting their emotional capacity, guiding them through each step of recovery with compassion and understanding.
Rideshare Expertise
How do you prove that your Uber driver ran a red light? Will your personal auto insurance cover your medical bills? Do you still have insurance protection if you were waiting for a ride request? TWWHB knows the law and takes the time to fully investigate every case. We review alternate insurance policies, dashcam footage, and all possible evidence as it relates to your case.
If you've been injured in a rideshare accident, the Florida Uber accident lawyers at TWWHB can offer case evaluations that analyze every detail, from ride request through accident aftermath. We stand ready to help achieve the outcome your case deserves.
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Read More from TWWHB: What To Do If You Have Been Involved in an Uber/Lyft Accident
Frequently Asked Questions for Rideshare Accident Attorneys
Can I sue Uber or Lyft for an accident caused by one of their drivers?
As we have written previously, whether your rideshare driver was an independent contractor or company employee will determine if you can sue the company directly for your injuries. Establishing liability against rideshare companies can be a complicated process; we strongly recommend hiring an experienced insurance attorney to assist you.
The attorneys at TWWHB understand what it takes to build a case against a rideshare company. We never charge for an initial consultation, which can clarify issues involving liability.
What is HB 221?
Florida HB 221, signed into law in 2017, codified standards for rideshare driver hiring, insurance coverage, and vehicle safety requirements. The bill stipulates that drivers must carry third-party liability insurance, pass a background check process, and operate a vehicle that meets state insurance requirements.
The “Uber/Lyft Bill” requires minimum insurance coverage of $50,000 for death or bodily injury per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. When carrying a passenger or en route to do so, drivers must have at least $1 million in liability coverage. After an accident, your Uber or Lyft driver is required to provide proof of insurance to law enforcement at the scene.
What does “rideshare” refer to?
A “rideshare” is an arrangement in which drivers use their privately owned vehicles to provide rides to passengers who need transportation. While Uber and Lyft are the most prominent companies in this industry, other rideshare providers may be available locally. This phrase and laws related to it frequently apply to taxi and shuttle companies.
Read More from TWWHB: Uber/Lyft Accident Statistics in Florida
I was injured on the job as an Uber driver. Am I able to pursue compensation in Florida?
You may be eligible to pursue compensation, but your eligibility depends primarily on your employment classification and the specifics of the incident. If you were classified as an employee (e.g., hired by a company, under employer direction), job-related injuries are generally covered by workers' compensation. If you were an independent contractor (as with most app-based delivery platforms), workers' compensation typically does not apply.
If you are not covered by workers' comp, alternative options include pursuing a personal injury lawsuit if another party's negligence caused the injury. If another driver caused the injury, pursuing a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party is possible, regardless of employment classification.
Consult a Florida rideshare accident attorney to clarify your compensation options. Call TWWHB at (850) 438-4899 to discuss your personal injury claim.
I was partially at fault in my rideshare accident. What do I do?
Florida operates under a modified comparative negligence standard; this requires that fault be assigned to both parties before damages are awarded. This standard compares the drivers' behavior to determine who is responsible. You will be barred from recovery if you are more than 50% at fault for the accident.
If you file a lawsuit to recover damages, the responsibility falls on you to prove that the rideshare driver's negligence was the main cause of the accident. In Florida, under the modified comparative negligence law, Uber or Lyft can present evidence indicating that you were partially accountable, potentially decreasing the amount of compensation awarded. Given this consideration, always speak with a rideshare accident law firm to maximize your compensation.
Read More: How Comparative Negligence Impacts Liability in an Uber or Lyft Accident
What are the standards for being a rideshare driver in Florida?
According to HB 221, Uber and Lyft are now required to conduct comprehensive background checks on their drivers. Disqualifications include:
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felony within the past five years,
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three or more moving violations within three years, or
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misdemeanors such as DUI, reckless driving, hit-and-run, fleeing law enforcement, violent offenses, sexual battery, or indecent exposure within the past five years.
Additional grounds include driving with a suspended license in the past three years, being listed on a sex offender registry, or lacking a valid driver's license, insurance, or vehicle registration. Both companies also enforce a zero-tolerance policy on drug or alcohol use and discriminatory actions.
Uber Driver Requirement Information
Lyft Driver Requirement Information
The personal injury attorneys at TWWHB can help resolve your rideshare accident claim. Call (850) 438-4899 for a free case consultation.
I suffered an injury while in a rideshare vehicle. What happens now?
If you've been involved in a collision with a rideshare vehicle such as Uber or Lyft, try to stay composed and wait to provide a statement to emergency responders and the police before leaving the scene. Always seek prompt medical attention after a rideshare accident, even if your injuries appear minor; delaying medical care can give insurance companies or opposing counsel grounds to dispute your injury claim.
You should also consult with a rideshare accident attorney to go over your case and options for financial compensation. To speak with a rideshare lawyer at TWWHB, call (850) 438-4899.
What do I do after a rideshare accident?
Stay safe. Immediately after a rideshare accident, call 911 and provide responders with a clear account of your injuries and the accident location; emergency help will be dispatched. Remain at the scene until first responders dismiss you. Avoid apologizing or admitting blame; any statement can impact your claim.
Gather evidence. Take photos or videos of any vehicle damage, as well as license and insurance information, and statements from witnesses if possible. This documentation may be more valuable than the police report when seeking compensation. Photograph all visible injuries right away and in the days following, as some symptoms may develop over time.
See a doctor. Seek prompt medical evaluation, even if you feel fine, to ensure injuries are identified and treated; acting quickly also strengthens your compensation claim.
Consult an attorney. Before providing detailed accounts to police or insurance companies, consider consulting a rideshare accident attorney for guidance. (You may wish to save our number, (850) 438-4899, in your phone as “Car Accident Lawyer”.)
Who is responsible for paying medical bills resulting from a rideshare accident in Florida?
In Florida, medical bills after a rideshare accident are usually paid first through the injured party's Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, which covers up to $10,000 in medical expenses no matter who was at fault for the collision. This no-fault coverage is mandatory for all Florida drivers and applies whether you were a passenger, a rideshare driver, or an occupant of another vehicle.
If injuries exceed what PIP covers, and your injuries are severe, you may then pursue additional compensation through a liability claim against the at-fault party. This could be the rideshare company, its driver, or another motorist involved in the crash. Who is ultimately responsible depends on several factors, including the rideshare driver's app status at the time of the accident and who was negligent.
If the rideshare driver was transporting a passenger or en route to pick one up, Uber or Lyft's $1 million liability policy may cover medical costs. If another driver caused the accident, their insurance would be the primary source for compensation. In cases involving severe injuries or disputed liability, legal action may be necessary to recover the full scope of damages not addressed by no-fault PIP or basic insurance coverage. Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may also apply.
In any case, you have the right to consult with a rideshare accident attorney before agreeing to any settlement. Call TWWHB at (850) 438-4899 to discuss your claim.
Read more from TWWHB: Uber/Lyft Liability Insurance and How It Works
Are Florida Uber drivers required to carry commercial auto insurance?
While Florida law requires Uber drivers to maintain auto insurance beyond their standard personal auto policies, it does not require full commercial auto insurance. For this reason, and others, we recommend carrying uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM insurance) to protect your expenses if standard insurance is not sufficient.
Read More from TWWHB: Are You Uber-Insured?
Rideshare accident claims are complex, as they encompass a wide range of factors, from corporate policy to dashcam footage. TWWHB's seasoned Florida rideshare accident attorneys know how to tackle the maze of rideshare information requests and legal barriers that emerge in these cases. Call us today for a free consultation on your rideshare accident case.