Lutz Uber & Lyft Accident Attorney
Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have become a convenient and affordable way for people in Lutz, Florida, to get around town. Whether avoiding the hassle of parking or seeking a safer alternative to driving after a night out, rideshare apps offer significant benefits. These services may even reduce the number of drunk drivers on the road by giving people a dependable way to travel to and from social events.
However, ridesharing also presents new challenges when it comes to road safety. The increase in traffic, fatigued or inexperienced drivers, and other factors contribute to a heightened risk of accidents. If you’ve been injured in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle in Lutz, the legal and insurance issues can quickly become complex. At Moore Law, we have extensive experience handling rideshare accident claims and are here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact our office to speak with a Lutz Uber & Lyft accident attorney who can analyze your case and let you know how we can help.
How Rideshare Driving Increases the Risk of Accidents
Although Uber and Lyft offer valuable transportation services, their business model introduces unique risks that can actually increase the incidence of car accidents:
- Increased traffic: As rideshare services replace public transportation options, more cars are on the road at any given time.
- Fatigue: Some drivers spend long hours on the road in their rideshare capacity, or they drive for Uber or Lyft after finishing their regular job, increasing the risk of drowsy driving.
- Distracted driving: Rideshare drivers often rely heavily on GPS navigation, which may take their attention away from the road. Many also juggle multiple apps simultaneously to maximize earnings, further dividing their focus.
- Vehicle maintenance: Unlike traditional taxis, Uber and Lyft vehicles are privately owned, and drivers are solely responsible for maintaining their cars. There is no formal oversight to ensure the safety of brakes, tires, or other essential components.
These issues create additional hazards for rideshare passengers, other drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.
Insurance Coverage for Rideshare Drivers in Florida
Florida law requires Uber and Lyft drivers to carry specific levels of insurance coverage depending on their activity at the time of the crash. If you’ve been injured in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft, determining which insurance applies will depend on the driver’s status at the time of the crash. The way it works is as follows:
- Logged out of the app: When not logged into a rideshare app, drivers are treated like any other motorist. They must carry the state minimum of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. While bodily injury liability insurance is not mandatory for private drivers in Florida, Uber and Lyft typically require their drivers to have it.
- Logged into the app but without a passenger: When drivers are online and waiting for a ride request, they must have 50/100/25 coverage, either personally or in combination with insurance provided by the transportation network company (TNC). 50/100/25 equates to $50,000 in bodily injury liability per person and $100,000 in bodily injury liability per accident, plus $25,000 in property damage liability.
- Transporting a passenger or matching with a rider: During this period, Uber and Lyft both cover their drivers with a $1 million liability insurance policy, including injuries and property damage.
Common Rideshare Accident Scenarios in Lutz
Rideshare accidents can occur under a variety of circumstances. As a passenger, if your Uber or Lyft driver causes an accident, you may be entitled to compensation through their rideshare insurance. If you are hit by a rideshare driver as another motorist, the insurance coverage available will depend on whether the driver was logged into the app. Conversely, if another driver hits you while you are working as a rideshare driver, you may be able to make a claim against their insurance. Additionally, Uber and Lyft provide uninsured motorist coverage and contingent collision insurance for active drivers.
Pedestrians and bicyclists struck by rideshare drivers may face similar insurance challenges, depending on the driver’s status during the accident. These scenarios can become particularly complicated if the fault is shared between multiple parties. Florida’s comparative fault law allows injury victims to recover prorated compensation from the negligent driver even if they were somewhat negligent themselves, provided they are not more than fifty percent to blame.
Why You Need an Experienced Attorney
Rideshare accident claims often involve multiple insurance policies and legal complexities. An experienced attorney can help you determine liability, navigate the claims process, and fight for the full compensation you deserve by proving the other driver’s liability and fighting back against comparative negligence allegations. Your lawyer will also pursue the maximum compensation available, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. With over 30 years of experience handling car accident claims for plaintiffs and defendants, attorney Eric Moore knows how much your claim is worth and won’t settle for less.
Contact a Lutz Uber & Lyft Rideshare Accident Attorney at Moore Law Today
At Moore Law, we understand the unique challenges of rideshare accident cases. With over 30 years of experience handling auto accident claims, our team is dedicated to pursuing the best outcome for our clients. We work aggressively with insurance companies to ensure our clients receive the compensation they need to recover fully. If you or a loved one has been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Lutz, call Moore Law at 813-510-5400 for a free consultation. There’s no fee unless we recover compensation for you.
