It seems like everyone uses Uber or Lyft these days to get around in a more convenient manner. After all, the ridesharing company’s focus is to provide dependable and readily available transportation whether you are coming to or from work, the airport, or even your favorite bar. However, some individuals do not get the Uber experience that they were hoping for, but instead end up in accidents that cause them to suffer injuries. Many are unsure of what they can do to protect their rights after they’ve been injured or know what their rights are in general.
Uber’s Insurance Coverage Depends on the Circumstances
If an Uber driver causes your accident in Florida, then you could sue the driver and their insurance company for your injuries. Fortunately, Uber maintains insurance on behalf of its drivers. However, the insurance coverage that applies in your case depends on the Uber driver’s status.
When the Driver Is Offline, Personal Insurance Coverage Applies
If the Uber driver is offline and their app is off, then the driver’s personal insurance company’s coverage will apply. Florida drivers only have to maintain $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 for property damage liability (PDL). Basically, PIP pays for things like your own injuries and hospital bills regardless of who caused the crash, whereas PDL covers other people’s property damage. Notably, Florida does not require you to have bodily injury liability protection – which covers the injury or death to another – unless you are registered as a taxi. Uber is apparently not a taxi company.
When the Driver Is Available & Waiting for A Ride Request, Uber Coverage Comes into Play
If the Uber driver is online and is waiting for a ride request when the accident happens, then Uber’s third-party liability insurance kicks in and covers $50,000 in bodily injury per person, $100,000 in bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 in property damage per accident.
Uber Coverage Applies During Trips & When the Driver is En Route to Pick Someone Up
Finally, if the accident occurs while you are a passenger – or if an Uber driver injures you while driving someone else on a trip – then Uber provides $1,000,000 in third party liability coverage which will pay for bodily injury and property damage. Also, in this situation Uber offers uninsured or underinsured motorist bodily injury insurance which covers situations where the at-fault Uber driver does not have sufficient insurance.
Suing Drivers for Negligence
In Florida, a driver has a duty to drive safely and abide by motor vehicle laws to protect against the risk of harming you. Negligence is where a driver does not use the amount of care that a reasonable driver would use in a given situation, and this lack of care results in your injury. However, while the driver could be liable, this does not necessarily mean that Uber will be too. Specifically, Florida employers are typically liable for their employees’ negligence that occurs in the course and scope of their employment. Since Uber doesn’t classify its drivers as employees, this can potentially insulate Uber from liability in a personal injury lawsuit.
Also, it is possible that your Uber accident was caused by another bad driver rather than the Uber driver. In that case, you could bring a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. In fact, anyone causing your Uber accident can become liable for your injuries.
Contact our Florida Uber Accident Attorneys
If you have been injured in an accident involving an Uber driver in Florida, it’s essential that you seek medical attention first and then consider consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney who is well versed with ridesharing accident cases. At The Watson Firm, PLLC, our attorneys know how to hold ridesharing companies, their drivers, and insurance companies accountable and make them appropriately compensate you for your pain and suffering, medical bills, lost income, and more. Call (850) 403-4779 to consult with experienced counsel who can assist you with your case today, or fill out our online form.