Ridesharing services often advertise that they make driving safer because people can use them rather than drive while intoxicated. However, the American Journal of Epidemiology (AJE) published a study that found no association between the availability of rideshare programs and the subsequent number of drunk driving fatalities.
While rideshare programs do provide certain benefits, they do not come without risks. There is no indication that rideshare drivers are any safer than a typical motorist. It often only takes a vehicle and a driver’s license for a person to be hired as a rideshare driver. Accident victims may quickly learn that claims can become complex if it involves a negligent rideshare driver. Rideshare drivers who get injured in accidents may also have difficulty receiving fair compensation for their damages.
If you were involved in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle, contact a Fort Lauderdale ridesharing accident lawyer from Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers for help. Call us at (954) 476-1000 for a free consultation.
Rideshare Drivers Must Have TNC Auto Insurance Coverage
The Florida Statutes § 627.748 requires rideshare drivers to obtain special auto insurance that identifies them as a transportation network company (TNC). This type of insurance covers rideshare drivers when they are:
- While they are logged into the rideshare app waiting to accept a prearranged ride
- Driving to a passenger after accepting a prearranged ride
- Actively transporting a passenger
Rideshare Programs May Offer Insurance Coverage
Uber and Lyft are two of the most prominent rideshare companies. These companies have similar insurance policies that may cover the driver, occupants, and others harmed in an accident caused by a rideshare driver, depending on when the accident occurred.
These policies are:
When the Rideshare App Is Off and Inactive
If the rideshare app is off, the driving activity is considered to be personal in nature, so no insurance coverage from the rideshare company is implicated. Both Uber and Lyft require drivers to have their own insurance policies during these times.
When the Rideshare Is On and the Driver Is Waiting for a Ride Request
If the driver is actively using the app and waiting for a ride request and gets in an accident that puts them at fault, the rideshare company generally has liability insurance in the following amounts:
- $50,000 for injuries per person
- $100,000 for injuries per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
However, this coverage is typically only available if the driver’s personal insurance does not provide equal or greater coverage.
When the Driver Accepts a Ride Request or When the Passenger Is in the Vehicle
From the instant that a driver accepts a ride request and begins traveling to pick up a passenger, the rideshare program’s insurance covers the situation. This coverage continues until the passenger exits the vehicle. During this period, both Uber and Lyft have at least $1 million in liability coverage for the damages that another driver, passengers, or pedestrians sustain.
Additionally, both programs provide uninsured or underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage. This covers situations where the other motorist does not have any insurance or has insufficient coverage to provide for the full extent of their damages.
Be sure to reach out to a law firm if you need help with your claim. At Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers, we can help you learn more about your legal options when pursuing compensation from an at-fault rideshare driver and their employer. Call (954) 476-1000 to speak with a team member from our Fort Lauderdale office.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident
Injury victims may be forced to go through obstacles if insurance companies deny their rideshare accident claims and try to escape liability. Even rideshare employees who get injured while working may not have their claims expedited. Therefore, it is important that you take steps to protect your claim.
After seeking medical attention, keep all medical records and bills that you receive. As soon as you can, try to write down what you remember about the accident, including what happened in the immediate moments leading up to it. Be sure that you keep a record of the rideshare transaction and get contact information about the rideshare driver and other drivers involved in the accident.
An insurance agent (or multiple, depending on the accident’s circumstances) may try to contact you and get you to give them a recorded statement. However, you have the right to refuse to provide a statement. You may also choose to refer them to your Fort Lauderdale ridesharing accident lawyer.
How Our Fort Lauderdale Ridesharing Accident Lawyers Can Help
A Fort Lauderdale ridesharing accident lawyer can help your claim by:
- Identifying the party who is responsible for your accident, such as the rideshare driver, another driver, or the rideshare program
- Reviewing all applicable insurance policies
- Handling all communications with the insurance company
- Fighting for fair compensation for your claim
- Consulting with you on whether a settlement is a fair offer
- Providing legal representation in court, if necessary
Contact Our Personal Injury Firm Today
If you or your loved one was injured in a rideshare accident, contact Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers for help. We can handle all legal aspects of your claim while you focus on your recovery. Because we provide a free consultation and do not charge any attorney’s fees unless and until we recover compensation for your claim, you have nothing to lose by reaching out to us to learn more about your legal rights and options. Call us today at (954) 476-1000 to get started.
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