Who is Responsible in an accident involving a Uber or Lyft driver?
Ride sharing services have gained popularity within the past few years, as people request the services for day to day travel or special occasions. As ride sharing companies grow and acquire more drivers and passengers, there has been an increase in the number of accidents involving Uber and Lyft drivers. Auto accidents involving ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft can be complicated and unique because of the changing landscape of the laws that regulate such businesses. Passengers are typically concerned about who is responsible? Whose insurance should be contacted? etc. Due to the increasing number and frequency of accidents across the US, Uber and Lyft adopted insurance coverage for drivers that begins once they have accepted and picked up a passenger. Under Florida’s general automobile insurance law, all drivers in the state are required to carry a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 in property damage liability (PDL) coverage. The Uber / Lyft Bill, also known as CS/HB 221 imposes additional requirements for ridesharing drivers both while “logged on to the digital network but not engaged in a prearranged ride,” and while “engaged in a prearranged ride.”
What to do after being in an accident while riding with Uber or Lyft?
It is important to note that if you’re an injured passenger in the car with the driver, your personal auto policy probably would not provide coverage for an injury in this case because private-passenger auto insurance policies were not intended to provide coverage for injuries incurred while the vehicle was engaged in a commercial enterprise. However, the rideshare insurance will, more than likely, cover your injuries.
In any case, whenever you are involved in a car accident make sure you get as much information as you can about the crash. If you were a passenger, you should get the information for your driver, as well as any other drivers involved in the crash. Make sure to get the following information:
- Your Lyft/Uber driver’s name, address, and phone number (some of which may be available in the app)
- The other driver’s name, address, and phone number
- The personal insurance information for your Lyft/Uber driver
- Any insurance information you can get regarding Lyft/Uber’s own insurance
- The other driver’s insurance information
- Vehicle information (registration number, make, model, and license plate numbers) for any cars involved
- Names, addresses, and phone numbers of any witnesses
- Take pictures and notes regarding any injuries or vehicle damages
If you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft accident, you may be wondering what you should do next. If you were injured, you may have medical expenses, you may be out of work because of your injuries, or could be suffering from the pain. In any case, you may want to consider taking your case to an experienced personal injury attorney. Contact Darfoor Law Firm. Our firm has extensive experience in representing personal injury victims. Give us a call today at 1-833-DARFOOR for a free consultation regarding your rights under Florida law.
For more information on accidents with Uber or Lyft drivers, or if you have any questions or suggestions please contact our facebook page. We look forward to receiving your feedback. https://www.facebook.com/darfoorlaw
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