Clearwater Rideshare Accidents: How To Protect Your Rights After a Crash
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are a daily part of life for many people in Pinellas County. While they offer a convenient way to get around, rideshare accidents are common and raise legal questions about liability.
Figuring out who is responsible and which insurance policy applies can be far more complicated than it looks. Our experienced Clearwater auto accident attorney explains what you need to know about getting compensation and how to protect your rights in a claim after a crash.
Liability for Pinellas County Rideshare Accidents
Relying on companies such as Uber or Lyft is convenient and helps reduce drunk driving risks. However, with the number of drivers on the road, the risk of ridesharing accidents in Pinellas County increases. Even if the driver was obviously at fault, determining liability is often a challenge.
Under the Florida Statutes, rideshare driver activity is divided into three distinct phases, each with different insurance requirements and implications for your claim:
- When the app is off, only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies.
- If the app is on but they haven’t accepted a passenger, the rideshare company’s insurer covers up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury, with a max of $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
- Once a ride is accepted or a passenger is in the vehicle, Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in coverage.
The $1 million policy protects not only the rideshare driver’s passengers but also other motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists injured in a Pinellas County crash caused by an Uber or Lyft driver. However, ridesharing companies and their insurers routinely deny and dispute these claims.
What to Do After a Pinellas County Rideshare Accident
Uber, Lyft, and other Pinellas County ridesharing companies have teams of insurers and legal representatives working to protect them against liability for crashes. To protect your rights in a claim, take these steps:
- Report the accident to the police and make sure they complete an accident report.
- Get the driver’s name, the company they work for, and their driver’s license, vehicle, and insurance information.
- Take photos at the scene and get contact information for any witnesses.
- Request medical attention, regardless of the seeming severity of your injuries.
- Notify Uber or Lyft through the app and request a copy of the trip record, which can help establish which insurance phase applied at the time of the crash.
If contacted by the company or its insurer, get professional legal help before giving any recorded statements or signing any documents.
Request a Consultation With Our Experienced Clearwater Auto Accident Attorney
Ridesharing accidents in Clearwater are common and can cause serious injuries to motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists involved. For trusted legal help navigating the often complex claims process, contact The Reep Law Firm.
We represent injured victims throughout Pinellas County, fighting to get them the maximum amount needed to cover their medical care and other costs. Reach out today to request a consultation with our experienced Clearwater auto accident attorney.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699/0627/Sections/0627.748.html
