Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have transformed transportation, offering convenience with just a few taps on a smartphone. However, as more people rely on these services, the number of accidents involving rideshare vehicles has increased. If you’ve been injured in an accident where the rideshare driver was at fault, understanding liability and your legal options is essential. A Hollywood rideshare lawyer, such as Attorney Big Al from Hurt123, can help you navigate the complexities of these cases.
Who Is Responsible When a Rideshare Driver Is at Fault?
Determining liability in a rideshare accident can be tricky. Although rideshare drivers use their personal vehicles, they operate under different insurance coverage than regular drivers, depending on their status within the app. Here’s a breakdown of how liability typically works when the rideshare driver is at fault:
1. Driver Not Logged into the App
If the driver was not logged into the rideshare app at the time of the accident, they are considered an ordinary driver. In this scenario, their personal auto insurance would be responsible for covering damages, just as it would be in any regular car accident. Victims would need to pursue a claim through the driver’s personal insurance policy.
2. Driver Logged In, Waiting for a Ride Request
When the rideshare driver is logged into the app but hasn’t accepted a ride yet, their personal insurance might not cover the accident since they are technically using the vehicle for commercial purposes. However, both Uber and Lyft provide contingent liability coverage in this situation, which typically covers up to:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 for property damage
In this case, if the rideshare driver is at fault, you may be able to pursue compensation through this contingent insurance policy provided by the rideshare company.
3. Driver En Route to Pick Up a Passenger or During a Ride
When the driver is en route to pick up a passenger or is actively transporting a passenger, Uber and Lyft offer much more robust coverage. In this scenario, if the driver is responsible for the accident, you can seek compensation through the rideshare company’s insurance, which includes up to:
- $1 million for bodily injury and property damage
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (if the other driver involved has little to no insurance)
This larger coverage is designed to protect passengers and others involved in an accident while the driver is actively engaged in providing a rideshare service.
What Legal Options Are Available to You?
If you’re injured in a rideshare accident where the driver is at fault, you have several legal options. Here’s what you can do to ensure your rights are protected and you receive fair compensation:
1. File a Claim with the Rideshare Company’s Insurance
As mentioned earlier, if the driver was actively engaged in the rideshare service, you can pursue a claim through the rideshare company’s insurance. This will cover both your medical expenses and property damage. However, dealing with large insurance companies can be challenging, especially when they try to minimize their payout.
2. File a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If the insurance settlement offer is insufficient or denied, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit. A lawsuit can help you recover damages beyond just medical expenses and vehicle repairs. You may also be able to obtain compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress caused by the accident.
An experienced Hollywood rideshare lawyer can handle negotiations with insurance companies, file legal claims on your behalf, and represent you in court if necessary.
3. Comparative Fault in Florida
Florida follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that if you were partially responsible for the accident, your compensation might be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found to be 20% at fault for the accident, your compensation would be reduced by 20%. This makes it crucial to have a skilled Hollywood rideshare lawyer who can help minimize your liability and ensure you pursue fair compensation.
Why You Need a Hollywood Rideshare Lawyer
Rideshare accidents involve more complicated legal considerations than a standard car accident, particularly when determining liability and dealing with insurance companies. A knowledgeable Hollywood rideshare lawyer like Attorney Big Al from Hurt123 can help you:
- Investigate the accident and determine who is at fault
- Negotiate with rideshare companies and their insurance providers to secure fair compensation
- File a personal injury lawsuit if necessary to recover damages
Don’t navigate this complex legal process alone. With the right legal representation, you can focus on healing while your Hollywood rideshare lawyer fights for your rights and fair compensation.
Contact Hurt123 for Legal Help
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in Hollywood, Florida, and the driver was at fault, you don’t have to face the legal system alone. Contact Hurt123 today to schedule a free consultation with Attorney Big Al. Let an experienced Hollywood rideshare lawyer handle the complexities of your case, so you can focus on recovery.
By knowing your legal options and working with a trusted Hollywood rideshare lawyer, you can ensure that you are protected after a rideshare accident in Hollywood, Florida.
