Can I Sue the Rideshare Company if I Was Injured in an Accident While Riding in One?
In today’s world, rideshare companies like Lyft and Uber have become the norm. Uber has approximately 91 million active users throughout the United States. Lyft has about 30 million riders across the country. It’s no surprise that Florida is one of the most popular tourist destinations throughout the country. With our beautiful temperatures, pristine beaches, and popular theme park attractions, Florida is the epicenter of vacations. Florida saw 63 million visitors in 2019. While the pandemic may have slowed down visitation, popularity of the Sunshine State remains intact.
This is a huge reason as to why popular rideshare services are so prevalent in Florida. About “14.5 percent of Uber trips in Florida are taken by out-of-state visitors.” Rideshare services have shown to be a cost-effective source of transportation. They enable people to get to and from multiple destinations without having to worry about renting a car, which require individuals to be at least 21-years old, with those under 25 being subjected to a surcharge called a “young rental fee.”
So what happens if you’re a passenger in one of these vehicles and get into an accident? What if you’re an out-of-state visitor? What if you’re a local? Learn more about what your options are below.
Can You Sue an Uber or Lyft Driver?
Can you sue an Uber or Lyft driver if they got into an accident while you were a passenger? The short answer: it depends. All drivers in Florida must carry a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection and property damage liability coverage. If you are involved in a rideshare accident, the next step is to file a claim. Uber, for example, carries $1 million liability insurance coverage. If your injuries meet the state’s “serious injury” standard, you may be able to file a claim against the company. Injuries that meet this “serious injury” standard must exceed $10,000 in damages and include:
- A significant or permanent loss of bodily function
- A significant or permanent disfigurement and/or scarring
- A permanent injury
There are certain elements that must be present to file a claim against Uber. For example, if you were injured in an accident and the Uber driver was not available to accept riders and therefore using their vehicle for personal use, you could file a claim with their insurance company or sue for damages, if you qualify. If you were injured in an accident and the Uber driver was logged on but without passengers, you may be able to pursue a claim with Uber depending on the severity of your injuries and the driver’s personal liability coverage.
What if I’m an Out-of-State Visitor?
It’s important to contact the rideshare company and a personal injury lawyer after an Uber or Lyft accident. A lawyer can help advocate for your rights on your behalf.
Contact a Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Rideshare Accident Case in Florida
Did you or a loved one sustain a serious injury as a result of an Uber or Lyft accident in Florida? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Lawlor, White & Murphey represent injured clients in Broward, Dade, and Palm Beach Counties, and throughout Florida. Call 954-525-2345 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 2211 Davie Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 as well as offices in Pembroke Pines, Weston, Coconut Creek, Pompano Beach, and Plantation.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.