Jacksonville Rideshare Accident Attorney

Uber & Lyft Accidents in Duval County

With the increasing popularity of rideshare apps, like Uber and Lyft, more and more people are at risk of being involved in an accident with a rideshare driver. Unfortunately for victims, these types of collisions are extremely complicated when it comes to filing an injury claim and recovering compensation.

The good news is that the Jacksonville rideshare accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Ron Sholes, P.A. can help protect your rights and fight for the fair recovery you deserve. We understand the complexities inherent in Uber and Lyft accident claims and have a proven record of success in helping our clients get the compensation they deserved. If you were recently involved in an accident with a careless, reckless, or negligent rideshare driver, we encourage you to reach out to our firm right away to learn how we can help.

Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an attorney when you call (855) 933-3881. We are available 24/7.

Can You Sue Uber or Lyft for an Accident?

One of the reasons rideshare accident claims are more complex than standard car accident cases is that most major rideshare companies, including Uber and Lyft, classify their drivers as independent contractors, not employees. Because of this, rideshare companies are often exempt from liability in the event of a crash, meaning it can be exceedingly difficult to sue Uber or Lyft after an accident.

Additionally, because Florida is a no-fault state, most auto accident victims must turn to their own insurance providers for compensation. Your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance covers certain percentages of your medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who was at fault for the accident—but it does not cover any non-economic damages, like pain and suffering or reduced quality of life. You may be able to step outside the no-fault system and seek compensation for all of your losses if you can prove that your injuries are “serious,” as defined by Florida law.

However, all that being said, both Uber and Lyft do offer some coverage for people who are injured in accidents caused by their drivers. The exact amount of coverage available will depend on a variety of factors, including the driving period in which the accident happened.

What Coverage Does Uber & Lyft Offer?

As mentioned above, Uber and Lyft both offer insurance coverage for those injured in accidents with their drivers. For this coverage to apply, the rideshare driver must be at fault (at least partly) for the accident and they must have had the app turned on at the time of the accident. When Uber and Lyft drivers do not have the app turned on, neither rideshare company offers any coverage, and anyone who wishes to recover compensation must do so through their own no-fault insurance or by bringing a lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver.

Uber and Lyft both recognize the following driving periods and provide coverage accordingly:

• Period 1: When the rideshare driver has the app turned on but has not yet accepted a ride, this is recognized as “period 1.” Both Uber and Lyft offer limited coverage for bodily injury and property damage per person/per accident during period 1.
• Period 2: Period 2 begins when the rideshare driver has the app turned on and accepts a ride. In period 2, the passenger is not yet in the vehicle, but the driver is often on the way to pick them up. Uber and Lyft both offer up to $1 million in coverage during period 2.
• Period 3: Period 3 is when the rideshare driver has the app turned on, has accepted a ride, and has the passenger in the vehicle. During period 3, Uber and Lyft both offer up to $1 million in coverage.

These coverage amounts apply whether you were the passenger of the rideshare vehicle, a driver or occupant in another vehicle, a pedestrian, or a bicyclist. However, the process of bringing a claim for damages will depend on a large variety of circumstances. It is best to speak to an experienced attorney, like those at our firm, who knows how the process works and can help you pursue the best possible legal strategy for your specific situation.

What to Do If You Are Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident

Like any car accident, there are several important things to do after a crash involving a rideshare vehicle. Additionally, there are some specific steps you should take following the accident to protect your right to seek financial recovery.

Immediately after the accident, to the best of your ability, do the following:

• Assess yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 if you or anyone else needs emergency medical attention, and do not move anyone who appears seriously injured.
• Contact local police if the accident resulted in significant property damage or injury. Have law enforcement come to the scene of the accident and file an official police report.
• While waiting for paramedics and/or police to arrive, take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, your vehicle, etc. Talk to any witness and write down their contact information.
• Exchange information with the other people involved, including the Uber/Lyft driver and any other motorists, bicyclists, or pedestrians involved in the accident.

In the hours/days following the accident, make sure to take the following steps:

• Seek medical attention, even if you believe you were not injured or that your injuries are not serious. You could have previously unnoticed underlying injuries/trauma.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions; take all prescribed or recommended medications, attend follow-up appointments, etc.
• Notify your insurance company about the accident. Even if you do not believe you were to blame, you are required to tell your insurance provider about the crash.
• Avoid making any statements that could be construed as admitting fault for the accident when talking to insurance adjusters, law enforcement, etc.
• Report the accident to the appropriate rideshare company, whether it’s Uber, Lyft, or a third party. Often, you can report accidents online or through the appropriate app.
• Contact an attorney. This is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your rights and ensure that you do not lose your opportunity to recover compensation.

We strongly recommend that you contact a Jacksonville Uber and Lyft accident lawyer at our firm as soon as possible. It is best to speak to an attorney before talking to any insurance adjusters. An attorney at our firm can guide you through the process, including reporting the accident to your auto insurance provider and notifying the rideshare company about the crash.

Call Us Today to Learn More

A serious accident can change your life—but you do not have to face the consequences of someone else’s negligence on your own. Our team at the Law Offices of Ron Sholes, P.A. has over a century of combined experience that we are ready to put on your side. Our attorneys will fight tooth and nail for you, working tirelessly in their efforts to secure the maximum compensation you are owed.

Get in touch with our team at (855) 933-3881 to get started with a free case evaluation and consultation. There are no fees unless we win!