Tampa Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Rideshare accidents are becoming increasingly common. As the number of Uber and Lyft drivers on Florida’s roads grows, so too does the number of accidents involving rideshare vehicles. If you have been injured in one of these accidents in Florida, you have clear legal rights, and you should speak with a rideshare accident lawyer as soon as possible.

The grounds for filing a claim after a rideshare accident in Florida are the same as those for filing a claim after any other vehicle collision. If you have any reason to suspect that the Uber or Lyft driver was to blame, you should speak with an attorney. Likewise, if you were injured while riding in an Uber or Lyft vehicle and you suspect that another driver was to blame, you should speak with an attorney in this scenario as well.

Some examples of potential grounds to file a claim after an Uber accident or Lyft accident include:

• Distracted driving (i.e., attempting to follow GPS directions to an unfamiliar location)
• Driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs
• Fatigued driving (i.e., if a rideshare driver is driving late at night or after getting off from another job)
• Running a red light, running a stop sign, or failing to yield the right of way
• Speeding, tailgating, passing dangerously, and other forms of aggressive or reckless driving

Along with these (and other) types of driver negligence, rideshare accident victims in Florida can also potentially pursue claims on other grounds. For example, road maintenance issues and vehicle defects can cause (or contribute to causing) accidents in many cases; and, if a rideshare company fails to properly screen drivers in accordance with Florida’s rideshare law, the rideshare company could potentially be liable as well.

As with other types of car accidents, recovering your losses after a rideshare accident usually involves dealing with the insurance companies. But, determining whose insurance company is liable after a rideshare accident is a bit more complicated. This is one of several reasons why it is important to have an experienced rideshare accident lawyer on your side.

Let’s say you were injured in an accident that was the rideshare driver’s fault. In this scenario, there are four primary options for filing a claim:

1. The Rideshare Driver was Providing a Ride or En Route to Pick Up a Passenger
   If the rideshare driver was either (i) providing a ride, or (ii) on the way to pick up a passenger who had requested a ride, then the rideshare company’s insurance policy applies. Under Florida law, rideshare companies must have at least $1 million in liability insurance coverage for these types of accidents.
2. The Rideshare Driver was Logged in and Waiting for a Ride Request
   If the rideshare driver was logged in but still waiting to receive a ride request, the rideshare company’s insurance policy still applies. However, the required coverage is less. In this scenario, the rideshare company must provide liability coverage of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident.
3. The Rideshare Driver wasn’t Logged in and You Suffered Significant or Permanent Injuries
   If the rideshare driver wasn’t logged in at the time of the accident, then Florida’s ordinary “no fault” auto insurance law applies. This means that if you suffered “significant” or “permanent” injuries in the crash (as defined by Florida law), you can file a claim with the rideshare driver’s insurance company.
4. The Rideshare Driver wasn’t Logged in and Your Injuries Aren’t Significant or Permanent
   If the rideshare driver wasn’t logged in and your injuries do not qualify as “significant” or “permanent,” then you may be limited to seeking coverage under your own auto insurance policy (if you have coverage). But, before you assume this is the case—or make any other assumptions that could jeopardize your financial recovery—we strongly recommend that you speak with one of our rideshare accident attorneys.

A majority of rideshare accident claims settle through the insurance companies, settlement amounts depend on your injuries and damages. When you have a claim after a rideshare accident in Florida, your losses are unique to you. Your injuries, medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering are just some of the factors that will determine how much you may be entitled to recover.

Are you wondering, “How do I choose a rideshare lawyer near me?” If so, here are five reasons to choose the lawyers at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk:

• Our Experience – We have been representing accident victims and families in Tampa and the surrounding areas for more than 30 years.
• Our Focus – We focus our practice exclusively on helping accident victims and families recover just compensation for their accident-related losses.
• Our Results – As a result of our focus and experience, we have been able to recover hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients.
• Our Reviews and Testimonials – We are proud of the hundreds of 5-star reviews and testimonials we have received from satisfied clients.
• Our Commitment to Your Recovery – Above all, when you choose our rideshare accident attorneys to represent you, you can be confident that we are 100% committed to your recovery.

Also, we have obtained a Best Law Firm rating from U.S. News & World Report, and you can trust our ridesharing car accident lawyers to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

If you need help after a rideshare accident in Florida, we encourage you to contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. To speak with a rideshare accident lawyer near you in Tampa as soon as possible, call 866-921-3219 or tell us how we can reach you online now.