UBER & LYFT ACCIDENTS IN CORAL SPRINGS

Proven Rideshare Accident Attorneys Fighting for Your Rights!

Rideshare applications have revolutionized the transportation industry, and have become widely used throughout Florida and the nation. These apps, including services like Uber and Lyft, promise users a safe ride in exchange for their money. Because they involve motor vehicles driven by regular citizens who do not hold special certifications and which still travel public roads and highways, however, the risks for preventable accidents remains.

Can You Sue Uber or Lyft if You Get In An Accident?

Because personal injury law protects the rights of victims who suffer harm in preventable car wrecks, riders, motorists, and others harmed in accidents involving an Uber or Lyft have the right to seek a financial recovery of their damages, including their medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Given the unique nature of rideshare applications, however, there are unique challenges to handling these claims, especially when it comes to insurance coverage and liability.

Our Coral Springs Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Adam Baron have spent over 30 years fighting for the injured to effectively protect the rights of victims harmed in all types of car accidents, including those involving Uber and Lyft. By leveraging our experience, insight, and resources, we are able to effectively handle the challenges these cases present and fight for the full and fair compensation our clients deserve.

Who Is Responsible for an Uber or Lyft Accident?

• Independent contractors – Most drivers for rideshare apps are classified as independent contractors rather than employees. This means that the services may be quick to deny liability when they believe at-fault drivers were not actively “working” for the company at the time of a wreck.
• Untrained drivers – It doesn’t take much to become an Uber or Lyft driver, as these services do not require special training or licenses. Nearly anyone can become a driver with minimal qualifications, which could present unique dangers to passengers and others on the road.
• Distraction – Because Uber and Lyft drivers need to use smart phone applications to work and accept fares, there is always the risk of distracted driving. In fact, using a cell phone is considered one of the most dangerous forms of driver distraction.

Apart from these issues and risks, there are also unique concerns when it comes to insurance coverage. Rideshare services do have commercial insurance policies, but whether or not they are available to victims harmed in accidents involving an Uber or Lyft will depend on the nature of the accident.

• During a fare – Uber and Lyft drivers are typically covered by commercial insurance policies while they are actively transporting a fare, or in route to pick up a rider. For example, Uber drivers are covered by a $1 million liability policy at these times, and that policy includes third party liability with drivers who may be uninsured or underinsured. If you are a passenger in an Uber or Lyft, or a motorist or pedestrian injured by an Uber or Lyft performing a trip, you will likely be covered by the commercial insurance policy.
• When the app the on – There are times when Uber or Lyft drivers may have their rideshare applications on, but are not actively performing a trip or transporting a passenger. When drivers are in between fares, rideshare applications may adjust insurance policy coverage. For example, injuries may be covered by a driver’s personal insurance and / or a service’s contingent liability coverage, which has lower policy limits.
• When the app is off – Most rideshare applications do not consider an Uber or Lyft driver to be working when they have their smart phone applications turned off. Should these drivers cause accidents that injure others, victims will need to seek compensation through the driver’s personal insurance.

Due to the unique insurance coverage policies, rideshare accidents need to be meticulously investigated in order to determine how injured victims can pursue a recovery of their damages. Whether coverage is provided through the company’s commercial insurance, a driver’s personal insurance, or even a victim’s own insurance policy (including uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage), our legal team explores all available options in order to fight for the maximum compensation possible.