Boynton Beach Uber Accident Lawyer
Rideshare services like Uber promote themselves as a safer alternative to driving drunk or using less convenient public transportation. But you can still be seriously injured while riding in an Uber vehicle. If this does happen, you are likely to have a number of questions regarding who is financially responsible for your medical bills and other accident-related medical losses. The Boynton Beach Uber accident lawyers at Steinberg Law can help answer those questions and represent you in any related legal matters.
Understanding Uber’s Responsibility for Accidents
Florida law classifies Uber and similar services as “Transportation Network Companies” (TNCs). A TNC must follow certain state regulations with respect to screening drivers, vehicle safety standards, and perhaps most importantly insurance. In fact, Florida requires Uber to provide up to $1 million in coverage for personal injury and property damage caused by its drivers’ negligence.
There are, however, several critical caveats. That $1 million only applies once an Uber driver is:
- logged on to the Uber app;
- has accepted a ride; and/or
- has a passenger in their vehicle.
This means that if your Uber driver gets into an accident while you are in the car, Uber’s insurance policy will provide up to $1 million in coverage for your medical bills, lost income, and other damages, such as your pain and suffering.
But what about other accident scenarios involving an Uber driver. Say you are a pedestrian struck by an Uber driver. What happens then? If the driver meets the qualifications listed above, then Uber’s $1 million policy still applies. However, if the driver is simply logged in to the Uber app and “available” to accept rides–but has yet to accept one–then Florida only requires Uber provide up to $50,000 per person (or $100,000) in personal injury coverage, and an additional $25,000 in property damage coverage.
Furthermore, an Uber driver not logged into the app at all is personally liable for any auto accident. Uber is not required to provide any coverage in these situations. So if your accident occurred while an Uber driver was “off duty,” then Uber itself is not on the hook for your injuries. You will instead need to turn to your own Florida Personal Injury Protection coverage or pursue a personal injury claim against the negligent driver and their insurance company if you meet Florida’s “serious injury” threshold.
Contact Steinberg Law Today
Just because Uber carries insurance for their drivers, that does not mean they will automatically pay your accident-related claim without putting up a fight. Uber and its lawyers can deny liability, dispute coverage, or otherwise downplay the severity of your injuries in order to reduce their own liability. Remember, Uber is a for-profit business and its first priority will always be its own bottom line.
So if you have been injured in a collision involving a rideshare vehicle, it is best to speak with a Boynton Beach Uber accident lawyer as soon as possible. Contact Steinberg Law today to schedule a consultation.
