Plantation Rideshare Accident Lawyers Handling Claims Against Uber and Lyft
If you were injured in a crash involving a rideshare driver, we can help you maximize the value of your claim
Many people in Plantation and throughout Broward County use rideshare services like Lyft and Uber. They trust the driver to get them to their destination safely. But when a driver is negligent, a car accident can result that can seriously hurt people.
What are your rights in that situation? It can get confusing. That’s why you need an experienced Plantation, FL rideshare accident attorney who understands the unique legal challenges involved with these types of crashes.
If you were hurt in a Lyft or Uber accident, an attorney from Feingold Posner Draizin can help you navigate the legal process to recover the financial compensation you deserve.
How Lyft and Uber accidents happen
The setup of rideshare companies such as Lyft and Uber can lead to negligent driving habits:
- Drivers focus on the app to respond to ride requests. It takes one or both eyes off the road when they are in the middle of driving. They may also pick up their phone to accept a ride request or communicate with a passenger en route to pickup.
- Rideshare drivers are often in unfamiliar settings at night and do not know where they are going. They are distracted trying to get directions from the app, which causes them to focus less on the road.
- Drivers will often “deadhead” in high-volume areas, driving around when waiting for a ride request. They may congregate in areas that are already busy. Then, when they accept a ride request, they will quickly turn around and pull out into traffic.
- Many are driving as a second job and may be fatigued.
Rideshare drivers can also be negligent, just like other drivers. As experienced Uber accident lawyers, we’ve seen rideshare drivers who have ignored speed limits, driven aggressively on busy roads, or failed to take proper precautions when making a turn.
Who pays compensation after a Lyft or Uber accident?
All rideshare drivers are required to have car insurance. Lyft and Uber also provide additional coverage, but only in certain situations:
- App off – If the driver is not logged into the app, Lyft or Uber’s insurance does not provide any coverage. The driver’s personal auto insurance will be the only coverage in effect.
- App on, waiting for a ride request – When the driver is logged into the app and is available to accept ride requests but has not yet accepted any, the service provides liability coverage for any accident that is the driver’s fault. It usually includes $50,000 in bodily injury per person, $100,000 in bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 in property damage per accident.
- Ride accepted to passenger drop-off – From the moment a driver accepts a ride request until the passenger is dropped off, Lyft or Uber’s insurance policy is in effect. This policy includes $1 million third-party liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury, and contingent collision insurance (with a deductible).
If you suffered an injury in a Lyft or Uber crash, it sounds like you should be covered. Unfortunately, it’s not always that simple.
Insurance companies will always try to pay you less
The fact is, they are not on your side. Lyft and Uber, as well as their insurance providers, routinely try to minimize or deny claims for compensation after a crash. They do this in many ways:
- Driver status disputes – These companies may deny claims if it seems unclear whether the driver was logged into the app or had accepted a ride.
- Policy exclusions – The companies might point to specific exclusions in their insurance policies that they claim apply to the circumstances of the accident.
- Failure to notify promptly – Lyft and Uber require drivers to report any accidents in a timely manner. Failure to report an accident soon after it occurs can be used by these companies as a reason to deny coverage.
- Incomplete documentation – Lyft and Uber may deny claims if they find that the documentation provided is incomplete or insufficient.
- Questioning the extent of injuries – The insurance company may challenge the severity or cause of reported injuries and damages.
Insurance companies handle accident claims every day. They have the advantage in these situations, and they know it. They also have lawyers working to help them save money. You need an attorney who knows how to fight back.
We used to work for the insurance companies, so we know their tricks
All of our attorneys have experience representing insurance companies in personal injury claims. We know how they operate. We know the strategies and tactics they use after a rideshare accident to limit your compensation. More importantly, we know how to build strong cases they must take seriously.
Our firm investigates your Lyft or Uber accident to get the facts and establish liability. We gather evidence such as video footage, carefully review accident reports and other documentation, and interview witnesses. We’ll also determine the total damages you suffered and fight for full and fair compensation.
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare crash, you may not be sure what to do next. Talk to a Plantation Uber accident lawyer and put your mind at ease. Learn about your legal options and get answers to your questions. Contact us to schedule a free consultation. When you call us, you get us.