What to do if you have been in an auto accident while taking an Uber or Lyft
Being involved in an auto accident is a stressful and overwhelming experience, but it can be even more confusing if you’re a passenger in a ride-sharing vehicle like Uber or Lyft. The complexities of who is responsible for the accident, the insurance coverage involved, and how to ensure that you receive compensation for your injuries can quickly become overwhelming. While most people are familiar with how to handle car accidents when they’re the driver, being a passenger in a ride-sharing service brings its own unique set of legal difficulties. This is where a skilled injury attorney from Barnes Cohen & Sullivan can make a significant difference in helping you navigate the situation and protect your rights. Please call us for a no pressure, free consultation for your injuries.
If you have just recently been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, there are a few steps you can take that will make it easier for your attorney to handle your case.
- At the scene, provide contact information but no other information to Uber or Lyft
Uber or Lyft may try to contact you after an accident. Or, the driver may contact them right away and request you speak to them. Provide them with only contact information, do not answer any questions about the accident until you have received medical attention and spoken to an attorney. It is okay to discuss the accident with law enforcement but be sure to only answer questions if you know them to be 100% correct.
- Be sure to get medical attention as soon as possible after the accident occurs.
In Florida, if you do not receive medical attention within fourteen (14) days, you can lose all Personal Injury Protection (PIP) claims.
- Get any information you can.
If there are witnesses, try to get their information if possible and get their details of the accident. Remember to get the driver’s name, insurance card, and license plate or the accident report from a law enforcement officer.
- Contact a Personal Injury Attorney.
Due to the driver being involved with Uber or Lyft, it is likely there may be some complexities regarding the accident and insurance companies. The driver may have their own policy but also be under a policy of the ride-share company. Our experienced legal team can navigate all complexities to take the stress away from you.
- How can a Personal Injury Attorney help me?
We have offices located in Florida & Georgia to be able to assist you during this time. Uber and Lyft have similar tiered policies for their drivers. According to Lyft, the coverage during an in-progress ride and the app is on,
- There is at least $1,000,000 for third-party auto liability coverage.
- First party coverages, which may include uninsured motorist coverage, underinsured motorist coverage, PIP, MedPay, and/or Occupational Accident coverage.
Lyft also states, “drivers are required to maintain personal auto coverage that meets the minimum state requirements”.
Uber has similar tiered policies for their drivers and differs depending on whether or not they are actively in a ride or waiting for one.
Conclusion: Why an injury Attorney is essential after an Uber or Lyft Accident
An accident while riding in an Uber or Lyft is a unique situation that requires thorough understanding of personal injury laws and specific insurance policies related to the ride-share service. By contacting Barnes Cohen & Sullivan, you can ensure that you are not left to navigate these difficulties on your own. We will help you understand your legal rights while you treat your injuries. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety, over 10,000 accidents in Florida involve rideshare vehicles annually. In Georiga, rideshare related auto accidents have been approximately 5,860.
Call us for a free consultation – (904) 396-5181