If you are in a car accident of any type, you could be seriously injured and have medical bills, other expenses, and long-term effects. However, the situation could be even more complicated when you get into an accident involving a ride-share driver.
Why Uber and Lyft Ride-share Accidents are Different
The biggest difference with ride-share drivers is that they are not employees of the ride-share company; they are independent contractors. Therefore, determining fault and who must be responsible for compensation can be tricky.
Another issue is that Lyft and Uber have strict criteria about when the driver is considered “on the clock.” If there is a passenger in the car, it is clear they are working, but things get cloudier when waiting for or driving to pick up a passenger. If the driver was not transporting anyone at the time of the accident, these ride-share companies could deny any liability. Both Lyft and Uber perform the task of matching drivers with passengers, and that is it. To sidestep liability, they maintain that drivers operate like taxi drivers who own their own cabs, and they simply connect drivers with passengers.
Each ride-share driver must carry their own insurance policy to cover damages caused by an accident. Lyft and Uber both also carry $1 million policies to cover any overage that they must cover. Ride-share drivers do not hold commercial driver’s licenses, nor do they have CDL insurance.
Florida is a No-Fault State
Florida is a no-fault state, meaning that regardless of who caused the accident, drivers must first rely on their own insurance to pay for property damage and injuries. Then once that money is exhausted, they can make a claim against the other party’s insurance company.
Even if you receive payment for your medical bills, your life may never be the same if you are seriously injured. Getting compensated for pain and suffering or lost wages can be difficult unless you proceed legally against the company.
What to Do After a Ride-share Accident?
If you were in a ride-share accident and sustained substantial injuries or property damage, you may need help.
Contact your personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your case. The faster you act, the better. These types of situations can be complex to resolve, and time is of the essence.
Contact Baron, Herskowitz, and Cohen today for help. We want to get you the compensation you deserve for the pain and suffering you have endured.
