What To Do If You’re Injured In A Florida Rideshare Accident

As rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft take on an ever-increasing number of passengers across Florida, it is inevitable that an increasing number of accidents will involve rideshare drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and other vehicles. This article will help accident victims better understand the unique circumstances of rideshare accidents, especially when it comes to making personal injury claims for harm suffered during accidents.

Keep reading to learn more about…

• What you should do immediately after an accident with or in a rideshare vehicle in Florida.
• Your rights as a Lyft, Uber, or other rideshare passenger in Florida.
• Three key reasons (and one example) why hiring a personal injury lawyer with rideshare experience is important.

What Should I Do Immediately After A Rideshare Accident In Florida?

Despite the seemingly unique situation, the steps you take after a rideshare accident are much like those in any other car accident. Here’s what you should do:

1. Check For Injuries & Call For Help: First, make sure you and everyone in the vehicle are safe. If anyone is injured, call an ambulance immediately. Even if no one appears to be seriously hurt, you should still call the police and fire rescue. Their reports will be crucial later when pursuing compensation.
2. Gather Information: Get the contact and insurance details from all drivers involved. Take pictures of everything—the vehicles, the drivers, insurance cards (if available), the accident scene, and any visible injuries.
3. Report The Accident Through The Rideshare App: If you were a passenger in a rideshare vehicle, or if you were the rideshare driver, report the accident through the rideshare app (Uber, Lyft, etc.).
4. Confirm Rideshare Status: If the other driver was driving for a rideshare service, ask if they were actively using the app at the time of the accident. This detail matters because it can affect which insurance policies apply to your claim.

For example, if they had a rideshare sign (like an Uber or Lyft light) visible in the car, it’s helpful to ask whether they were on a trip or waiting for one, as this can determine whether their rideshare company’s insurance will cover the damages.

Attorney Luke Moreau is an dedicated Florida personal injury lawyer who has pioneered ways to help rideshare accident victims obtain the compensation they need. He has handled negotiations with insurance companies on behalf of rideshare passengers, drivers, and victims – and hopes that by sharing these lessons, he can help more people obtain the funds and medical care they deserve.

Have you been injured in a rideshare accident in Florida? Contact The Law Offices of Luke T. Moreau, ESQ. today to schedule an initial consultation.

Call For A Free Consultation - (954) 466-2185

What Are My Rights As A Passenger Or Driver In An Uber Or Lyft Accident In Florida?

A few years ago, Uber and Lyft provided more extensive coverage for passengers and drivers involved in accidents. These companies carried significant uninsured motorist coverage to protect against injuries caused by other drivers who lacked insurance or had insufficient coverage. However, that is no longer the case.

Currently, Uber and Lyft still offer liability coverage to protect individuals injured by their drivers. If you’re hit by a rideshare driver, there is a large liability insurance policy—typically up to $1 million—that can cover your damages.

However, if you’re a passenger or driver in a rideshare vehicle and are injured by another driver, your rights are now no different from those of anyone in a regular car accident. The uninsured motorist coverage that rideshare companies used to provide has been significantly reduced or eliminated. This means you’ll have to rely on the at-fault driver’s insurance or your own auto insurance for coverage in these situations.

The rideshare companies made these cuts as part of cost-saving measures, leaving passengers and drivers with less protection than before. So, if you’re involved in an accident while using Uber or Lyft, your compensation options are more limited, and it’s important to work with an attorney to ensure your rights are fully protected.

How Do I File An Insurance Claim After A Rideshare Accident In Florida?

If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident, whether as a driver or passenger, here’s how to file an insurance claim:

1. Report The Accident Through The App: If you were the driver or passenger in the rideshare vehicle, you can report the accident directly through the Uber or Lyft app. Both apps have built-in options for reporting accidents and starting the claims process.
2. Use the Rideshare Company’s Website: If you were involved in an accident with a rideshare driver (but were not in the rideshare vehicle), you can go to the Uber or Lyft website. Both companies have forms you can fill out to report the accident and initiate the claim process.
3. Involve Your Attorney: If you’re working with an attorney, notify them that the accident involved a rideshare vehicle. Whether you were the driver, passenger, or another party involved in the accident, your attorney will handle the claims process and deal with the insurance companies on your behalf.

How Can I Pay For Healthcare Costs In The Aftermath Of A Rideshare Accident In Palm Beach County, FL?

After a rideshare accident, dealing with medical bills can be overwhelming, but there are ways to protect your savings and still get the care you need:

• Use Your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage: If you have your own auto insurance, it includes Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which will cover 80% of your medical bills up to $10,000. If you don’t have a car or your own insurance, the rideshare company’s PIP coverage may apply, allowing you to use their policy to pay for your medical expenses.
• Consider A Letter Of Protection (LOP): Many medical providers who specialize in treating accident victims will agree to treat you if you sign a letter of protection (LOP). This is an agreement that your medical bills will be paid out of any settlement or verdict you receive. This way, you can get the treatment you need without paying upfront, and the bills are deferred until your case is resolved.

Attorney Luke Moreau is an dedicated Florida personal injury lawyer who has pioneered ways to help rideshare accident victims obtain the compensation they need. He has handled negotiations with insurance companies on behalf of rideshare passengers, drivers, and victims – and hopes that by sharing these lessons, he can help more people obtain the funds and medical care they deserve.

Have you been injured in a rideshare accident in Florida? Contact The Law Offices of Luke T. Moreau, ESQ. today to schedule an initial consultation.

Call For A Free Consultation - (954) 466-2185

Why Is It Important To Consult With A Personal Injury Attorney Near Me After A Rideshare Accident In Florida?

Consulting a personal injury attorney after a rideshare accident is crucial because we bring the knowledge and experience needed to shape the outcome of your case.

Rideshare accident attorneys are familiar with the claims process and the different types of insurance coverage involved, such as PIP, liability, and uninsured motorist coverage. This is particularly important after an Uber or Lyft accident, which not all attorneys may know how to handle.

It’s also important to keep in mind that insurance companies rarely take claims seriously if you’re not represented by a lawyer. Without legal representation, they may offer extremely low settlements, delay responding, or even ignore your claim entirely.

Insurance adjusters know that without an attorney advocating for you and the option to file a lawsuit, your leverage is limited. With a lawyer, however, you have the power to compel the insurance company to act fairly.

Beyond just securing a fair settlement or court verdict, a personal injury attorney can also help by negotiating reductions in your medical bills, which is key when those bills must be paid from your settlement.

For example, in one case our firm handled, I was able to reduce a $57,000 Medicaid lien to just $2,800, even though the total recovery was only $25,000. As a result, my client was able to walk away with money in their pocket instead of coming out of the case, still burdened by medical debt.

Injured In A Florida Rideshare Accident? Give Us A Call.

For more information on Uber/Lyft Accidents In Palm Beach & Miami-Dade Counties, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (954) 466-2185 today.