Rideshare Accident FAQs

Are rideshare and ride-hailing services the same thing?

Although they are used as synonyms, these services have subtle differences. In the case of rideshare, we are talking about rides that can be shared by other users, from a carpooling option offered by Uber, Lyft, or InDrive to lower the cost of the ride. Likewise, ride-hailing refers to completely private rides, an option also offered by these transportation service platforms.

What are the causes of Lyft and Uber crashes in Miami?

The main causes of accidents in cars hired by Lyft and Uber are the increasing traffic in the city, distracted or speedy driving, weather conditions, violation of traffic signs and regulations, and the use of poorly maintained vehicles.

What are my legal options if a rideshare driver does not have adequate insurance?

If the rideshare driver does not have good insurance, your legal options are still strong. In the case of a driver for Uber, Lyft, or some other such service, you can demand compensation for your injuries from the company itself. You can also file a direct lawsuit against the driver if the driver had the app turned off and was not taking an authorized trip. In states like Florida there are also strict laws that require these companies to maintain additional insurance to cover gaps in their own coverage, which guarantees you additional alternatives.

What happens when a rideshare accident involves multiple parties?

In these cases, the most challenging thing is to determine the different levels of responsibility of the parties involved since the proportion of the compensation you receive depends on that percentage of fault since, in Florida, there is a principle of pure comparative negligence. In situations with these characteristics, several insurance policies are involved, which also establish the amount of compensation and the possibility of filing multiple claims.

How are ridesharing accident claims different from ordinary automobile accidents?

Due to the involvement of dissimilar actors, these rideshare accident cases are more complex than ordinary crashes or collisions. They differ based on:

• Insurance coverage based on whether or not you are operating the app
• The involvement of multiple insurance policies
• The determination of liability that falls on multiple parties in ridesharing
• The specific regulations of rideshare companies.

Who pays for damages in an Uber or Lyft accident?

If the accident happened while the driver had the app off, the responsibility for covering damages falls entirely on that driver's personal insurance. In Florida, the law requires all drivers to carry a minimum coverage of $10,000 in personal injury protection and an equal amount in property damage. Meanwhile, if the crash took place when the app was on but there was not yet an assigned ride, the rideshare company offers a limited policy of $25,000 for property damage, up to $100,000 for bodily injury in the same accident, and $50,000 per person for personal injury as well. Finally, if the driver had an active trip, coverage is up to $1 million

How do you prove fault in a rideshare accident case?

To prove that the rideshare driver acted recklessly, it is necessary to show that their negligent behavior was the direct cause of the crash, the injuries you sustained, and their subsequent implications on your life, both from a monetary standpoint and from the impact on your health. In these circumstances, material evidence can be your best ally, as it includes photos, videos, medical and police reports, or witness statements of the accident that you can use to prove who was responsible for the incident. In the case of Uber or Lyft, the app's recordings and logs can also help you because, through that information, you can check if the driver was active, if he was following the route suggested by the GPS, or how fast he was driving.

What can I expect to receive from an Uber accident settlement?

The complexity of these accidents and the wide variety of possible parties involved make it impossible to determine the value of a financial settlement with Uber, as it depends on the severity of the injuries, the circumstances of the event, and the damages you suffered. This rideshare company has a coverage policy during active rides that amounts to one million dollars, however, before determining the value of the compensation the insurers are in charge of analyzing the evidence, the magnitude of the injuries, the medical expenses and the own characteristics of the driver and the user involved. They will also try to negotiate with your legal representatives to try to pay as little as possible.

Why hire a rideshare accident attorney?

With the help of a Florida rideshare liability lawyer, you can fully defend your rights and claim fair compensation. At Gallardo's, we have talented lawyers who know the various local regulations inside out, such as, for example, the Statute of Limitations, which states that after a car accident, including those involving Uber or Lyft, you have up to four years to file a lawsuit.