Since 2014, rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft have rapidly expanded in Florida as a convenient and cost-effective way to travel. However, despite their popularity, studies from UChicago’s Booth School of Business have flagged concerns about accidents, injuries, and deaths due to increased traffic on our roads associated with the growth of rideshare services.
If you were injured as a passenger while using a rideshare service or as another driver, our Jacksonville rideshare accident lawyers can help you to navigate the claim process. Our Florida personal injury lawyers can handle your entire case while you rest and recover.
Why Are Rideshare Accident Claims More Complex Than Other Auto Claims?
As rideshare services are still evolving, new legislation is required to protect consumers. As such, legal concerns can arise when determining who is liable in the event of the accident.
For example, is it the driver, the ride-sharing company, or both parties? Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this question, which is why it can be beneficial to speak to our rideshare injury attorneys, who can help you to determine your legal options for recovering compensation.
Liability Coverage Is Determined In the Small Print of Carefully Drafted Contracts
Rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors, meaning they must carry the appropriate insurance coverage while their vehicle is in business use and for personal use. However, the rideshare company must also provide insurance to cover accidents; but it only applies at specific periods as follows:
The Rideshare App Is Off
The driver’s personal auto insurance covers accidents when the app is off. Rideshare companies do not bear any responsibility for accidents caused when the app is off.
The Rideshare App Is On, And the Driver Is Waiting for a Ride Request
At this point, the rideshare company provides liability coverage for accidents caused by the driver. This coverage offers passengers, other motorists, pedestrians, or cyclists injured by their rideshare driver the following:
- $50,000 of bodily injury coverage per person up to a cap of $100,000 per accident if more than one person is injured.
- $25,000 in property damage liability coverage per accident.
The App Is On, And the Driver Has Accepted a Ride Request, Is on the Way to Pick Up a Customer, Or Is Driving the Passenger to Their Destination
The rideshare company’s insurance liability coverage increases to $ 1 million during this time.
Claiming Compensation Can Become an Uphill Struggle
While this may seem pretty straightforward, rideshare companies may seek to limit their exposure in accident claims as the onus is on you to prove who is at fault to hold them legally liable for your injuries. Rideshare drivers are considered to be independent contractors and not employees. As such, rideshare companies can use this distinction to their advantage, making the claim process more challenging without knowledge of the laws that apply in these cases.
You will also need to show the full financial impact of your injuries and how they affect your personal life and career. For example, if your injuries are serious, you will likely need ongoing medical care, and your ability to work could be affected. You should be compensated for every way the accident has impacted your life.
While some damages are easy to prove, like the cost of your medical treatment, others are more difficult to quantify, such as emotional pain and suffering. Our lawyers can help with every aspect of your claim, so you do not have to worry about dealing with insurers who only have their best interests in mind.
How Our Rideshare Attorneys Serving Jacksonville Can Help
From the moment you contact us, we begin fighting your corner. Starting the claim process is simple by arranging a free consultation with our team. If we can help, our lawyers take the reins, so you do not have to worry about investigating the accident, gathering and accessing evidence, proving fault, or negotiating a fair settlement with insurance companies.
Of course, you will always know what is happening with your claim, as we will check in with you to see how you are getting on and provide regular case updates. Plus, our client-focused service means we are always available to take your calls.
Compensation in Rideshare Accidents
Injuries caused by someone else’s negligence often affect people physically, emotionally, and financially. Time missed from work, expensive medical costs, and coping with such a stressful event can quickly take their toll, leaving little energy for fighting for the compensation you deserve. We can take on this legal responsibility so that you can focus on your recovery and well-being.
Compensation in rideshare accidents is determined by several important factors, such as:
- How the accident happened (who is liable?)
- Insurance policy limits (how much coverage is there?)
- Which insurance policies apply (who pays what?)
- The extent of your financial damages (how do I calculate every way the accident has – and may continue to affect me, and put that into a number?)
We take the time to listen to our clients to ensure we understand in detail how being injured has affected their lives. This means we can enter settlement negotiations from a strong position when we pursue damages related to the following:
- Medical bills and treatment costs
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Damaged property
- Wrongful death
On the flip side, the at-fault party will also build a case against you to reduce their financial risk. Due to this, it can be beneficial to work with a lawyer to even the legal playing field, with experienced and knowledgeable representation that will cut through the opposition’s barriers and fiercely pursue the compensation you deserve.
Schedule Your Free and Confidential Rideshare Accident Case Review Today
Managing a rideshare accident claim can be stressful and confusing to tackle alone, especially while recovering from your injuries. However, the team at GED lawyers is here to help you with that. With almost thirty years in practice and a focus on personal injury law, we are well-positioned to guide you through the legal process while managing every aspect of your claim.
Call for a free consultation with our team to learn more about how we can help you today.
