Pensacola Rideshare Accident Lawyers

Uber & Lyft Accidents in Florida 

The increase in availability of Ubers, Lyfts, and other rideshare vehicles has made it more convenient than ever to get around. However, it does not come without a cost. According to a study from the University of Chicago and Rice University, the introduction of ridesharing services has been connected with a 3% increase in traffic fatalities nationwide.

While they must have “good” driving records to work for these companies, rideshare drivers do not receive any special training. As such, they are just as likely to cause an accident as anyone else on the road. Unfortunately for victims, the process of recovering compensation after a rideshare accident is far more complicated than it is for most standard car accidents. 

If you or someone you love was involved in a rideshare accident in Pensacola or any of the surrounding areas, it is important that you contact an attorney with experience handling these claims as soon as possible. At the Law Office of J.J. Talbott, we have helped countless victims of rideshare accidents successfully fight for fair compensation. Our legal team has the experience, resources, and skills to not only protect your rights but also effectively advocate for your recovery.

To schedule an initial consultation with one of our Pensacola rideshare accident lawyers, call (850) 695-8331 or reach us online using our secure contact form.

Who Is at Fault for a Rideshare Accident? 

Just like in other car accidents, the fault for an Uber or Lyft accident nearly always lies with the person who caused the crash. This could be the rideshare driver, another driver on the road, or even a negligent bicyclist or pedestrian. In some cases, fault may be shared between multiple parties. 

Because Florida is a no-fault state, fault is not always relevant. If the accident did not result in serious injuries, victims can seek compensation for certain covered losses through their no-fault, or PIP, insurance. However, PIP does not cover the full extent of one’s damages after a car accident, especially when injuries are severe. 

To make matters worse, it can be extremely difficult to successfully bring a claim against the rideshare driver’s personal auto insurance provider. Most personal auto insurance policies do not cover commercial driving, and the claim will likely be denied. The next step would be bringing a claim against the rideshare company. 

Can You Sue Uber or Lyft After a Crash? 

It is possible, though difficult, to sue Uber or Lyft after an accident caused by one of their drivers. Even if you can prove that you suffered “serious injuries” (as defined by the state) and that the Uber or Lyft driver was at fault, these companies purposefully make it hard for people to bring legal action against them. One of the ways they do this is by limiting their liability by classifying drivers as “independent contractors,” rather than employees. However, this does not mean that you are entirely out of luck.

Both Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage for accidents involving their drivers that occur under the following circumstances:

• When the rideshare driver has the app turned on and is actively waiting for—but has not yet accepted—a ride request 
• When the rideshare driver has the app turned on, has accepted a ride request, and is on the way to pick up the passenger 
• When the rideshare driver has the app turned on, has accepted a ride request, and is actively transporting the passenger 

In the first two situations (known as driving periods 1 and 2, respectively), Uber and Lyft offer limited coverage to those injured in accidents caused by their drivers. When a rideshare driver is actively completing a ride request, known as driving period 3, Uber and Lyft both offer up to $1 million in insurance coverage. 

If you were injured in an accident with an Uber or Lyft during any of these driving periods, you could be entitled to compensation from the rideshare company under its applicable policy. We strongly recommend that you contact the experienced attorneys at our firm for help with your claim. 

What Damages Can Be Recovered? 

Just like any other car accident, a rideshare accident can have devastating consequences. Victims may experience life-altering injuries, as well as serious physical, emotional, and financial hardships. Collectively, these losses are known as “damages.” 

The exact damages you can recover in your rideshare accident claim depend on the specific details of your case. If you did not suffer an injury that meets the state’s definition of a “serious injury,” you may only be able to recover compensation through your PIP coverage. This limits your recovery to certain damages, including medical expenses and lost wages. 

However, in other instances, you could be entitled to compensation for all of your damages, which may include the following:

• Past, current, and future medical expenses 
• Past, current, and future lost income/wages
• Past, current, and future pain and suffering 
• Lost or diminished earning capacity 
• Lost or diminished quality/enjoyment of life 
• Miscellaneous out-of-pocket expenses 
• Emotional distress and anguish 

The Law Office of J.J. Talbott team can review your case and determine the types of damages you may be entitled to receive in your rideshare accident claim. Reach out to our Pensacola Uber and Lyft accident attorneys today to learn more.