Rideshare Accident Attorneys in Orlando Representing Clients Injured in an Accident Involving an Uber or Lyft Driver

Rideshare companies have grown considerably in the last decade, so much so that they’ve replaced taxis and public transportation in many people’s daily routines. But with that rise in popularity comes more rideshare vehicles on the road, making the potential of an accident involving an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare vehicle far more likely.

It’s important to know the differences between an accident involving two drivers and one involving a rideshare or commercial driver. The differences can affect your claim and determine the parties you need to deal with if you have been injured.

What Steps Should You Take if You are Involved in a Rideshare Accident?

If you are involved in a rideshare accident, there are five steps you should take right away to protect yourself. These five steps can make the difference between a smooth and easy claims process and a complicated nightmare that makes getting any kind of decent settlement difficult.

1. Report the Accident to the Police

After an accident, you need an official record to document the incident. Often, people with injuries make the mistake of not getting an official report, which then means there is nothing official verifying what happened. Don’t risk that possibility; contact the police immediately after your accident and get an accident report.

2. Report the Accident to the Rideshare Company

Contacting Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare company that employed the driver is just as important as contacting the police. The process is fairly easy in most cases, with rideshare services frequently providing a reporting link within their app. This is an important step so you can collect from the rideshare company’s insurance policy.

However, it’s important to be careful what you say if a rideshare representative wants to speak with you. It’s best to refer them to your accident attorney.

3. Gather Information at the Scene

If you’re physically able, you should start capturing as much photographic evidence as you can at the scene. The scene can change quickly, so you want to preserve as much as possible at the time of the accident, including photographs of the vehicles involved and the surrounding area, as well as gathering contact information from eyewitnesses. This information can be valuable during the claims process.

4. See a Medical Professional

You need to see a doctor right away after your accident. Even if you feel like you haven’t been seriously hurt, you should still see a doctor. It could be because you’re in shock or your adrenaline is working overtime. As soon as that feeling passes, you’ll start to notice symptoms, but by then it may be too late to get them properly documented. Seeking medical help right away prevents the insurance company from claiming that you weren’t injured in an attempt to pay you less on your claim.

5. Contact our Experienced Rideshare Accident Attorneys

After an accident, everything happens fast, and it can be confusing. You’re trying to deal with your losses and seek your recovery, but you still have to live your life in between all of the forms and questions and doctor visits. That’s why you need to speak to a skilled and experienced rideshare accident attorney who can explain the process, help you organize your documents, and make sure insurance companies don’t shortchange you.

How Is Liability Determined in a Rideshare Accident?

Liability in a rideshare accident involves establishing a few key facts that will determine who is at fault and who will be liable for any damages. The potential categories of liability for the rideshare company are:

• If the rideshare app is off or the driver is not logged in to the rideshare app, then the rideshare company is likely not liable because the driver is not considered to be working for the company at that time. In these cases, the driver would be using their own personal insurance coverage.
• If the rideshare app is active and the driver is waiting for a rider, then there is potential for liability from the rideshare company. In this case, the injured party would contact the driver’s personal insurance first, following up with the rideshare company’s insurance if the driver’s personal insurance does not cover them.
• If the driver is on their way to pick up a passenger or is actively transporting someone, then the rideshare company’s insurance policy should potentially cover any injury claims.

Can You Sue the Rideshare Company After an Accident?

In Florida, there is what is called a “no-fault” insurance law which generally means the first $10,000 in medical claims will come from your own personal insurance, no matter who is at fault.

However, there are exceptions in the cases of permanent injury, significant disfigurement or scarring,  serious and permanent loss of body function, or if your medical bills exceed $10,000. These kinds of injuries would exceed the state’s serious injury standard, and you could then sue the rideshare company.

How Can a Rideshare Accident Attorney Help You?

Just like any case involving an insurance company, an accident involving a rideshare company becomes even more complicated because you are now dealing with a business in addition to the insurer. Insurance companies work hard to pay out as little as possible to injury victims, and often the only way to make them pay you what you deserve is to hire an experienced attorney who knows their tricks and can hold them accountable.

The case against a rideshare driver for your injuries is simply too serious to be left in the hands of someone with minimal experience. However, as straight-forward you might think your case is, there is simply no way to know what you don’t know and that could harm you and your family. The good news is you don’t have to navigate the complexities of your case alone.

Why You Need RTRLAW for Your Rideshare Accident Case

Since our founding in 1988, RTRLAW has represented tens of thousands of clients in Florida and recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. Let RTRLAW help you today.

Our attorneys are available to meet with you over the phone, by video conference, at our Orlando office, or at one of our 6 convenient offices in Florida. If you can’t come to us, we can come to you – even if you’re in the hospital, or we can take care of all the paperwork electronically via email and text for your convenience.

Pay Nothing Unless We Win Your Case

RTRLAW works on a contingency basis, meaning you won’t pay us anything unless we win your case and recover money for you.

Our legal team is committed to helping you and compassionate when it comes to your case. We know what is at stake and will focus on getting you the compensation you deserve so you can move on.

Contact us or chat, call or text us today at 407-343-5152 in Orlando or toll free at 1-833-HIRE-RTR for a free no-obligation case review. RTRLAW is located right in the heart of downtown Orlando. We are compassionate and caring to our clients and committed to helping Central Florida roadways become safer. We look forward to talking with you soon.