Tampa Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer
Although they are only about a decade old, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have fully integrated themselves into the daily lives of many Tampa residents. Indeed, it is hard to beat the convenience of calling up a ride on your smartphone and leaving the driving to someone else. Of course, even a rideshare driver can get into an auto accident, and if so, where does that leave you in terms of obtaining compensation for your injuries?
The legal issues surrounding rideshare accidents are complicated by a number of factors. An experienced Tampa Uber & Lyft accident lawyer can help you in sorting through these issues and holding the appropriate people accountable. Florin Gray is a dedicated team of Florida personal injury lawyers who represent clients who have been seriously injured in a wide variety of auto accidents, including those involving rideshare vehicles. We will put our expertise to work for you in helping you through a difficult period following an accident.
Florida Laws Require Rideshare Companies to Insure Passengers, Third Parties in Many Cases
Unlike traditional taxicab and transportation companies, Uber and Lyft drivers are usually not classified as “employees” of the rideshare companies. Rather, they are independent contractors who use their own vehicles to provide rides to customers. This means that in most cases you cannot sue Uber or Lyft under traditional rules of vicarious liability if a rideshare accident’s negligence leads to an accident.
That is not to say that Uber and Lyft do not have some financial responsibility for an accident. Florida law requires Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies to provide a minimum of $1 million in liability insurance to cover accidents that occur when a driver is actually transporting a passenger or en route to pick up a scheduled ride. This coverage applies not only to the Uber or Lyft passengers, but also third parties who may be injured by the rideshare driver. For instance, if an Uber driver is on their way to pick up a fare and hits a pedestrian, that pedestrian could seek compensation from Uber’s $1 million liability policy.
But the rules are different if an Uber driver is simply logged into the app and waiting for a ride to be scheduled. In this scenario, Uber or Lyft’s policy only provides much more limited liability coverage, usually no more than $50,000. And rideshare companies are not required to provide any insurance coverage for drivers who are logged out of their app completely.
It is also important to note that if you are injured as an Uber or Lyft passenger, another driver may be liable for your accident. Say your Lyft was hit by a drunk driver. In that situation you could take legal action against the drunk driver the same as any other auto accident.
Uber or Lyft Driver Injured You on the Way? Call Florin Gray
As you can see, the laws and regulations governing rideshare accidents can get quite involved. That is why it is always a good idea to work with an experienced Tampa Uber and Lyft accident lawyer. Contact Florin Gray today to schedule a free consultation.
