Tampa Uber & Lyft Accident Attorney
It looks like the concept of ridesharing apps – and companies like Uber and Lyft – are here to stay. These options offer convenient, affordable and comfortable ways to get around Tampa for people without cars of their own or who want to avoid the hassle of driving and parking. Rideshare services can also theoretically cut down on the number of drunk drivers on the road; partiers can plan from the start to leave their cars at home and take an Uber to and from their evening destination.
Despite all the benefits, this new form of transportation and technology poses increased risks for auto accidents as well. For one, there is more traffic on the road as people forgo public transportation in favor of catching an Uber instead. Also, drivers for Uber and Lyft might spend extra hours on the road “deadheading” as they hope to pick up fares by driving around town. Some drivers spend all day on the road, while others log into the app after putting in a full shift at their day job. Either way, rideshare drivers are at risk of fatigue and drowsy driving – well-known dangerous driving behaviors.
Also, while Florida law does put some criteria in place to protect passengers from known drunk drivers or criminal offenders, the skill and experience of a rideshare driver can vary greatly from trip to trip. The responsibility for maintaining the tires, brakes and other critical components are also squarely on the shoulders of the vehicle owners, with no regulation or oversight from the government, despite the commercial nature of their driving.
Finally, rideshare drivers have more to deal with than other drivers on the road. They have to keep an eye out for the passengers in their cars; they may rely more heavily on GPS navigation and be unfamiliar with the neighborhoods they are driving in; and some drivers log into Uber and Lyft simultaneously to maximize their income, meaning they could be dealing with ride requests on one app while transporting passengers for the other.
All of these factors combine to increase the risk of getting into a crash with an Uber or Lyft driver. What happens if you do get hurt in an accident with a rideshare driver? What if you are the rideshare driver yourself, or a passenger in a rideshare who gets hurt in a collision? Florida law has special requirements in these circumstances. If you get hurt in a car crash in Tampa involving Uber or Lyft, call Moore Law to discuss the ins and outs of any potential claims you may have. Our Tampa Uber & Lyft accident attorney is knowledgeable and experienced in many forms of personal injury and auto accidents, and our dedicated team is prepared to help you get significant compensation for your injuries after a rideshare crash.
Rideshare Drivers Carry Extra Auto Insurance in Florida
Florida law is specific about car insurance requirements for Uber and Lyft drivers. These requirements must be met by the driver, the transportation network company (TNC), or some combination of the two. The requirements are as follows:
Uber and Lyft don’t have any responsibility for a rideshare driver who is not currently logged into the app. Like other drivers, rideshare drivers must carry at least $10,000 in no-fault coverage, also known as Personal Injury Protection or PIP. Rideshare drivers can also carry bodily injury liability insurance, and it is wise to do so. Although this coverage is not mandated by Florida law, Uber and Lyft usually require their drivers to purchase it.
For drivers who are logged into the app at the time of a crash, the driver must be covered with 50/100/25 liability insurance. This coverage pays up to $50,000 in bodily injury liability to a person injured by the driver or up to $100,000 if multiple people are injured in the same crash. The policy also provides up to $25,000 to cover property damage.
If the accident occurs when the driver is actually transporting a passenger or has matched with a rider, the insurance coverage increases to $1 million.
If you are hit by a negligent rideshare driver as a pedestrian, bicyclist or other driver, your options for recovering compensation depend on the serious nature of your injuries and the driver’s status at the time of the accident. The same applies if you are a passenger in a Uber or Lyft, and the driver causes a crash that injures you. If both drivers were partially at fault, the situation gets especially complicated. Make sure you hire an experienced auto accident attorney to represent you and make sure you pursue the right party for a successful claim.
If you are a rideshare driver hit by another driver, we can help you make a claim against the at-fault driver. Also, note that your TNC provides uninsured motorist coverage as well as contingent comprehensive and collision coverage to supplement your personal policy.
Injured in a Rideshare Car Accident in Tampa? Don’t Settle for Less. Get Moore.
Accidents involving a rideshare driver who was logged into the app or matched with a rider add additional layers of complexity to what may already be a complicated crash situation. Get an experienced attorney on your side who can advise you and represent you in your case.
Tampa rideshare accident attorney Eric Moore has over 25 years of experience as an auto accident lawyer. Moore Law is aggressive with the insurance companies and compassionate with clients to help ensure client satisfaction and positive results. Call 813-510-5400 for a free consultation, and get started today on your road to recovery.
