Palatka Rideshare Accident Attorney

Uber & Lyft Accidents in Putnam County

If you were injured in an accident with an Uber, Lyft, or similar rideshare vehicle, you face several challenges in recovering compensation. Unlike typical Florida car accident claims, rideshare accident cases often involve a number of unique complexities, from going outside the state’s no-fault system to filing a claim against the at-fault driver to suing Uber or Lyft directly.

It’s important that you have an experienced and aggressive attorney on your side. At the Law Offices of Ron Sholes, P.A., our team has more than a century of combined legal experience and a proven track record of success. Our Palatka rideshare accident lawyers understand the challenges you are up against—and we know how to fight for the maximum compensation you are owed.

Injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Putnam County? Contact the Law Offices of Ron Sholes, P.A. today at (855) 933-3881 to learn how we can help. Your initial consultation is free!

Who Is Liable for an Uber or Lyft Accident?

The issue of liability is an important—albeit complex—one in rideshare accident claims. If your injuries do not meet Florida’s definition of “serious injuries,” you can turn to your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage and recover compensation for specific damages through the state’s no-fault system, regardless of fault. However, PIP is limited. It only covers up to 80% of your medical bills and 60% of your lost wages; it does not cover any non-economic damages, and it maxes out at $10,000. This means that if your medical bills exceed $10,000 or if your injuries meet the “serious injury” threshold, you will need to step outside the no-fault system to recover compensation for all of your damages.

In standard car accident claims, this means suing the at-fault driver directly. However, if you attempt to bring a personal injury claim against an Uber or Lyft driver, your claim will likely be denied. This is because most private auto insurance policies do not cover drivers who are driving in a commercial capacity. This is where things become even more complicated.

Because most rideshare companies, including Uber and Lyft, classify their drivers as independent contractors, they are largely protected from liability in the event of an accident. As a result, you could have a difficult time suing Uber or Lyft directly for damages, as they may argue that they are not responsible for the conduct of their drivers.

Recovering Compensation Through Uber & Lyft’s Insurance Coverage

Although Uber and Lyft are shielded from liability in many instances, both companies do offer some insurance coverage for those injured in accidents caused by their drivers. The amount of coverage available depends on the circumstances of the accident.

Uber and Lyft offer the following coverage in the following circumstances:

• When the rideshare driver has the app turned on but has not accepted a ride, Uber and Lyft offer $25,000/$50,000 in bodily injury coverage per person/accident
• When the rideshare driver has the app turned on and has accepted a ride but doesn’t have the passenger in the car yet, Uber and Lyft offer up to $1 million in coverage
• When the rideshare driver has the app turned on, has accepted a ride, and has the passenger in the car, Uber and Lyft offer up to $1 million in coverage

This coverage applies whether you were riding in the Uber/Lyft, were the driver or occupant of another vehicle, or were otherwise involved in the accident (as a pedestrian, bicyclist, etc.).

Why You Need a Rideshare Accident Attorney

Although you are not required by law to have an attorney, working with a skilled legal team drastically improves your chances of a favorable outcome. The Palatka Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at our firm understand how the process works, as well as the many nuances inherent in rideshare accident claims. We have the experience and resources to take on major rideshare companies and their defense teams, and we are ready to do everything we can to help you maximize your recovery.

When you choose the Law Offices of Ron Sholes, P.A., we will handle every aspect of your case so that you can simply focus on healing and moving forward with your life. We provide personalized legal support and consistent communication throughout the entire legal process. Our firm also offers contingency fees, meaning you will never pay any out-of-pocket expenses and we only collect attorneys’ fees if and when we win your case.

Your time to file a claim is limited! Don’t wait to contact us at (855) 933-3881 and request a free, no-obligation consultation with an attorney with a member of our team.