Bradenton Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Ridesharing apps continue to gain in popularity all over the country. While these apps are popular with the millions of tourists who visit Florida every year, many local people use rideshare apps instead of keeping a car for the occasional need. Unfortunately, drivers hired through services like Uber and Lyft are not any more careful drivers than anyone else on the road. You are still at risk of getting into an accident — whether you are driving or are a passenger in a rideshare vehicle. Rideshare accidents can be complicated to pursue. It would be best to speak with an experienced Bradenton rideshare car accident lawyer to understand your legal options.
What to Know About Uber & Lyft Accidents in Florida
Uber and Lyft are two of the most widely used rideshare services across the country. Determining whose coverage applies in a rideshare accident can be complicated. Both of these companies require their drivers to carry personal liability insurance. Drivers are not employees; they are independent contractors. That is what sets them apart from other services, such as taxi cabs. Uber and Lyft want to reduce or eliminate their liability, which is why drivers are classified as independent contractors.
Florida law acknowledges that rideshare drivers are different than other transportation service companies. That means the law doesn’t see them as common carriers, which are held to a higher standard. Examples of common carriers include trains, buses, cruise ships, etc.
Why Rideshare Accidents Are Complicated
Who pays for your damages depends on what the rideshare driver was doing at the time of the accident and whose vehicle you were in. If a rideshare driver is not signed into the app, their primary insurance is likely the first recovery source. If the driver is signed in but has not accepted a fare, their primary insurance probably still applies again. However, rideshare companies might extend coverage in this situation if the driver’s carrier denies the claim or their limits are exhausted. When the rideshare driver is signed into the app, has a passenger, or is on their way to pick someone up, Uber or Lyft should provide coverage. They have liability policies of up to one million dollars that can help pay for your damages.
All drivers are required to carry personal injury protection insurance or PIP in Florida. That means no matter what, you can get some or all of your medical bills covered through your own policy. Minimum limits for PIP in Florida are $10,000.
Potential Recoverable Damages in a Rideshare Accident
At The Cahill Law Firm, our Bradenton rideshare accident lawyers can help you recover the compensation you deserve. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you might be able to collect compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disability and disfigurement
- Depression and anxiety
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In some cases, it may be necessary to hire industry experts to make sure your case is valued correctly. Our goal is to help you recover the maximum compensation possible.
Contact a Bradenton Rideshare Accident Lawyer
If you need assistance after a rideshare accident in Florida, let our Bradenton rideshare accident lawyers help. Contact The Cahill Law Firm today to schedule an initial consultation. We have years of experience assisting Florida clients to get the compensation they deserve after a rideshare car accident. Let us put our skills and expertise to work for you.
