Understanding Ridesharing Accident Cases: Legal Insights and Advice
What are your rights in a ridesharing accident? Get expert legal advice on what to do if you’re injured while using a rideshare before you book your next trip.
A ridesharing accident often involves claims for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Florida state law requires drivers to carry insurance, but when a rideshare trip is active, the company’s larger policy usually pays for damages.
In 2024, Lyft reported serving 44 million riders across the U.S. and Canada, according to Lyft. The number shows how popular ridesharing has become in daily life. With so many trips taking place, the chances of accidents increase, which means more riders and drivers end up in disputes over liability and insurance coverage.
Understanding how these cases work helps you see what to expect if you are involved in one. Read on to understand your rights and options after a ridesharing accident.
What Are the Immediate Steps to Take After a Ridesharing Accident?
What you do in the first moments after a crash shapes your case. Call 911 so police and medical help come to the scene of the crash.
Once the police arrive, file an accident report so there’s a record of the crash. Be sure to get checked by the medical providers even if you’re not in pain. Some hidden injuries only show up hours later.
Once you’re safe, gather the driver’s license number, insurance details, and license plate. Additionally, do the following:
- Take photos of the scene and your injuries
- Save your trip details
- Ask witnesses for their contacts
- Report the crash through the rideshare app
- Contact a car accident lawyer for guidance
What Compensation Is Available After a Rideshare Crash?
When you’re hurt in a ridesharing accident, the law allows you to seek payment for your losses. The type of damages you can recover depends on the details of your case. Common forms of compensation include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
Filing an accident compensation claim helps you recover these costs and hold the right party accountable.
Recovering Compensation
If you’re hurt in a ridesharing accident, your first coverage usually comes from Personal Injury Protection. Under Florida Statute § 627.736, every driver must carry PIP. It pays part of your medical bills and lost wages.
If you have severe injuries, your costs are likely to go beyond PIP’s limit. In that case, the rideshare company’s larger insurance policy can step in to cover the extra losses.
When another driver is at fault, their insurance may be responsible for paying damages. Sorting out which policy applies can get complicated, but a lawyer can help you handle those complexities.
How Coverage Changes Depending on the Driver’s Status
The insurance that applies to your crash depends on the driver’s phase of the trip. In the first phase, when the driver isn’t using the app, only personal insurance applies in case of an accident.
When a driver is logged in and waiting for a ride, the rideshare company provides limited coverage if a crash occurs. The rideshare company’s full liability policy applies once you’re en route to the destination. Knowing your ridesharing legal rights allows you to pursue fair payment for damages.
The Role of a Lawyer in Ridesharing Accident Cases
A lawyer helps you cut through confusing insurance rules and fight for fair compensation after a crash. They also offer sound legal advice for riders and answer all your questions regarding the complex laws. An attorney also handles key tasks such as:
- Investigating fault
- Collecting evidence
- Negotiating with insurers
- Filing an accident claim in court
Does Uber Pay You if You Get Into an Accident?
Yes, Uber provides insurance, but the amount changes with the phase of the trip. A rideshare injury guide often explains that when a driver is online but waiting, coverage includes $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
Once a ride is active, protection increases and may include:
- Up to $1,000,000 for injuries and property damage
- Repair coverage for the driver’s car with a $2,500 deductible
- Added protection if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured
How Long Does an Uber Accident Settlement Take?
The time it takes to settle an Uber ridesharing accident depends on factors like how insurance companies respond and the strength of your evidence. In Florida, the statute of limitations gives you two years to file a claim. If your case involves complex medical care or contested liability, the process often requires more steps before compensation is resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average settlement for an Uber accident?
There isn’t a fixed average settlement for an Uber accident because every case is different. The amount depends on factors like:
- The severity of your injuries
- The cost of medical care
- How much income you lost
Insurance coverage also plays a major role, since Uber’s policy limits change based on the driver’s phase in the app. If you’re pursuing a claim, the value comes down to the evidence you present and how strongly your lawyer builds your case.
Can I sue Uber if I get into an accident?
Yes, you can sue Uber, but it usually happens when a fair settlement cannot be reached. Most cases are resolved through insurance, either under the driver’s policy or Uber’s coverage, depending on the phase of the trip.
When a lawsuit is filed, the process moves into court, where evidence, witness statements, and insurance records are reviewed. Having a lawyer on your side gives you the best chance to present a strong case and recover full compensation.
Why do rideshare drivers get in accidents?
Many rideshare crashes happen because of driver negligence. Common causes include distracted driving, speeding to complete more trips, and fatigue from long hours on the road.
Other risks come from ignoring traffic signals, failing to yield, or driving aggressively in busy areas. Poor vehicle maintenance also increases the chance of accidents. When negligence leads to a crash, passengers often face serious injuries and the need to pursue compensation.
Protecting Your Rights After a Ridesharing Accident
A ridesharing accident can leave you with medical bills, lost wages, and questions about who pays. Florida law requires PIP coverage, but severe injuries often push claims beyond those limits, making rideshare company insurance come into play.
At Felice Trial Attorneys, we’ve spent decades fighting for full and fair justice. We’ve also earned consistent 5-star reviews from clients who trust our results. Contact us today to protect your rights and secure the recovery you deserve.
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