Florida’s No-Fault Insurance
Because FL is a no-fault state, regardless of which party caused the accident, you will file a claim through your insurer under your Personal Injury Protection coverage. PIP insurance covers a portion of medical bills and lost wages. While this insurance can cover a portion of your medical bills, the coverage may not be enough if you sustained a life-changing injury.
If you meet the state’s serious injury threshold, you may be entitled to additional compensation. To pursue additional compensation for your accident-related losses, you can file a claim against the negligent driver’s insurance company, or you can file a claim against Uber or Lyft. Determining who should be held liable for your damages can be complicated, which is why it’s important to contact a Bonita Springs Uber and Lyft accident lawyer at Parker Waichman LLP as soon as possible.
Uber and Lyft Rideshare Insurance
For insurance purposes, the Uber or Lyft driver’s status falls into three categories. The driver’s status at the time of the accident determines whether Lyft or Uber’s insurance coverage applies and the coverage available.
Transporting a Passenger
Lyft and Uber provide the highest coverage in accidents where the rideshare driver is actively transporting a passenger. Each rideshare company offers up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage. If you were involved in a collision while you were riding in an Uber or Lyft vehicle, or your case was involved in an accident with a rideshare driver who was transporting a passenger, you can pursue a claim through the rideshare company’s insurance.
The Rideshare Driver is Logged into the App
If the Uber or Lyft driver was not transporting a passenger at the time of the car crash but was active on the app, you can still receive some insurance coverage through the rideshare company.
In this situation, companies offer the following coverage:
- $25,000 in property damage
- $50,000 per person in bodily injury coverage
- $100,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident
The Rideshare Driver is Not Logged into the App
If the rideshare driver is not logged into the app and they’re using their vehicle for personal reasons and you are involved in an accident with them, the rideshare company’s insurance policy will not apply. In this situation, you will need to pursue compensation through the driver’s auto insurance if you meet the serious injury threshold.
Understanding Rideshare Accident Liability
A rideshare driver is not considered an employee of the ridesharing company. Instead, these drivers are classified as independent contractors, which makes determining fault more challenging.
Factors that will determine liability include:
Cause of the Motor Vehicle Collision
If the rideshare driver was acting negligently and their negligence resulted in the accident and your injuries, they will be held liable.
Uber and Lyft’s Screening Process
If the rideshare driver had a concerning background history when they were hired, the ridesharing company can be held partially responsible.
If you’re not sure who should be held liable for your car crash, speak with an Uber and Lyft accident lawyer on our legal team as soon as possible. They can review your case and advise you of your legal options.
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