Boca Raton Uber Accident Lawyer
The rapid growth of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have made it easier than ever for South Florida residents and tourists to obtain a ride at any time of the day through their smartphone. Such convenience is difficult to beat. But what happens if you are in an accident while using a rideshare service? Do you sue your driver, or is the rideshare company itself responsible for your medical bills and other accident-related damages?
The Boca Raton Uber accident lawyers at Steinberg Law can walk you through the process of dealing with a personal injury claim following such an incident. We understand the complex web of laws and regulations governing rideshare companies in Florida. And we will make every effort to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
How Florida Regulates Transportation Network Companies
Although most people refer to Uber and Lyft as “rideshare” companies, Florida law classifies them as “Transportation Network Companies” or TNCs. A TNC must follow certain standards when it comes to screening drivers, vehicle safety, and insurance. Indeed, it is the rules governing TNC insurance that come into play when there is an accident involving a rideshare vehicle.
What complicates matters is that just about all Uber and Lyft drivers use their personal vehicles–as opposed to a vehicle owned by the TNC itself–to provide customer rides. So the scope of a TNCs liability for an accident generally depends on the driver’s “status” at the time of the crash. Here is a brief rundown of how this works:
- The App Is Off: If an Uber or Lyft driver is not logged in to their driver app–and thus not available to accept rides–the TNC is not liable for any accident involving the driver. Instead, the driver’s personal liability coverage, as well as the no-fault insurance of any other party involved in an accident, would apply.
- The Driver Is Available: Once a driver logs into their TNC’s driver app and is “available” to accept rides, that is when the TNCs commercial insurance coverage kicks in. If the driver causes an accident during this time, but before there is a paying customer in the vehicle, the TNCs liability insurance covers at least $50,000 in death or bodily injury to one person (or $100,000 per accident), and $25,000 in property damage.
- There Is a Passenger: Once an Uber or Lyft passenger is in the car and a ride is underway, the TNCs insurance requirements increases to $1 million for death, bodily injury, and property damage in the event of an accident.
Contact Steinberg Law Today
In addition to a rideshare driver and TNC, there may be other drivers or third parties who are legally responsible for injuries sustained by an Uber or Lyft passenger. That is why it is important to seek prompt legal advice from a skilled Boca Raton Uber accident lawyer who can review your case and explain your options for seeking compensation. Contact Steinberg Law today to schedule a consultation.
