Uber did not begin operating in Tampa until 2014 and in 2016, I wrote a blog post about how rideshare claims (Uber and Lyft claims) were different than other accident claims. Since then the law and the insurance claims have changed dramatically. Moreover, since 2014, rideshare services (specifically Uber and Lyft) have increased in popularity year after year, to the point that taxis are almost non-existent.
Residents and tourists alike use Uber and Lyft because it is convenient and affordable. Unfortunately, Uber drivers are no more immune to being involved in a crash than any other motorist on the road. In fact, Uber and Lyft drivers are more prone to auto accidents because they are on the road more than the average commuter.
After an accident, injured individuals can file a claim for compensation, but these claims are incredibly complex due to the ridesharing component of them. A Tampa Uber (Lyft) auto accident lawyer can help you navigate the process so you secure the fair settlement you deserve.
Tampa Uber Accident Attorney Helps Other Drivers Hit by an Uber
There are different auto insurance provisions that may apply if you were a motorist on the road that was hit by an Uber driver. Florida is a no-fault auto insurance state, which means that you must first file a claim with your own insurer applying the no-fault provisions of your policy. If you sustained a permanent injury or exhausted the limits of your own personal injury protection (PIP) policy, you can then file an insurance claim against the third party bodily injury or, if there is no bodily injury (or enough bodily injury), your Uninsured Motorist policy.
Who Do You File A Claim Against If Struck By an Uber Driver?
The third party you file a claim with will depend on what the Uber driver was doing at the time of the crash. If the driver was not logged into the Uber or Lyft app, you will have to file a claim with their own personal insurer. If the Uber driver was logged in but was not carrying a passenger, Uber will provide up to $50,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person and up to $100,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident. In this instance, Uber will also provide up to $25,000 in property damage liability coverage per accident.
If the Uber driver had the app turned on and was on their way to pick up a passenger, or had a passenger in their car, Uber will provide up to $1 million for each type of coverage per accident.
Your Options If the Rideshare Driver was Not Using the App
An off-duty driver will not receive coverage from Lyft or Uber’s insurance policies. As such, an accident with an off-duty driver will involve the driver’s personal insurance coverage.
Rideshare accident attorney Martin Hernandez can help you navigate the process.
Our Tampa Uber and Lyft Accident Attorneys Helps Injured Passengers
Uber and Lyft have implemented similar insurance policies for when their drivers are involved in accidents. These coverages vary depending on the circumstances of your accident with the rideshare driver.
These coverages will be applicable whether you were injured as an Uber or Lyft passenger, a pedestrian, another driver, or a cyclist.
It is not only other motorists on the road that become injured in Uber accidents. Passengers do, as well. If you were injured as a passenger, you also have many options for filing a claim. If you carry your own auto insurance, you may be able to file a claim with them. When another driver was negligent, and not your Uber driver, you can also file a claim with the at-fault insurance company.
If the Uber driver was at fault, you can file a claim directly against Uber. Under this coverage, you can claim up to $1 million in bodily injury coverage, as well as property damage if anything of your belongings, such as a smartphone, was damaged during the crash.
Our Tampa Uber Accident Attorney Can Help You Claim Full Damages
You may be eligible for many different types of coverage after an Uber accident, but you should not deal with the insurance company on your own. The Martin J Hernandez Law Firm, Tampa’s Uber and Lyft rideshare accident attorney will negotiate with them on your behalf.
Call us today at 813-755-9500 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to obtain the experienced legal representation you need.
