What happens if your Uber driver gets in a crash?

Riding with Uber or Lyft offers convenience, but accidents can still happen. As a passenger, you may worry about what happens if your driver causes a crash in Miami. This guide explains the risks, your options for compensation, and how an attorney can help protect your rights after an Uber or Lyft accident.

The Soffer Firm has been voted Super Lawyers “Rising Star” and “National Trial Lawyers – Top 40 Under 40” multiple years in a row because of how hard we work for our clients. We don’t get paid unless you get paid, and we have recovered millions for our clients.

Our Miami Uber Accident Attorneys will help you through the legal process and ensure you receive the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us now at (786) 788-7344.

Understanding liability in a rideshare crash

Rideshare drivers must carry insurance, but coverage can get complicated when crashes occur. 

Here’s Uber’s insurance for rideshares works:

1. Offline or the Driver app is off

1. Your chosen personal insurance company and coverages apply

2. Available or waiting for a ride request – Uber maintains the following auto insurance on your behalf in case of a covered accident:

1. Third-party liability if your personal auto insurance doesn’t apply

1. $50,000 in bodily injury per person

2. $100,000 in bodily injury per accident

3. $25,000 in property damage per accident

3. En route to pick up riders and during trips

1. Uber maintains the following auto insurance on your behalf in case of a covered accident:

1. $1,000,000 third-party liability

2. Contingent comprehensive and collision

1. Up to the actual cash value of the car with a $2,500 deductible 

Unfortunately, serious injuries often exceed these standard liability limits. Without enough coverage, you can get stuck paying medical bills and lost income out of pocket. You lawyer can also help if you were on a bike hit by an uber or if you have a child in a booster seat, as either of these situations changes the potential outcome.

Why you need a Miami rideshare accident attorney

An attorney levels the playing field against rideshare insurance companies. Your lawyer’s representation can help in several key ways after an Uber or Lyft crash:

• Maximize compensation: An attorney thoroughly investigates your accident to prove the rideshare driver’s fault. This builds leverage to negotiate a larger settlement covering all damages. Especially if you were hit while riding a motorcycle or driving in another car.

• Navigate insurance disputes: Multiple policies may apply, including the driver’s personal coverage and underinsured motorist coverage. An attorney intricately handles negotiations across all available policies.

• File a lawsuit if needed: If the insurance company won’t offer fair compensation, a lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf. This legal advocacy puts pressure on rideshare companies to make things right.

• Handle communication: Your attorney deals with insurers directly so you can focus on recovery. This removes the stress of repeating your story to investigate claims.

Without an attorney’s help, accident victims often leave money on the table dealing with insurance alone. The proper knowledge can significantly increase your financial recovery. 

Steps to take after a Miami Uber or Lyft crash

Knowing what to do after an accident will help protect your rights:

• Seek medical attention: Get evaluated by a doctor even if you don’t notice pain right away. Injuries like whiplash can develop over hours or days.

• Report the accident: Alert Uber or Lyft immediately through their apps. Prompt reporting creates a record you were a passenger involved in a crash. Under Section 316.065, Florida Statutes, you must report the accident in Florida in certain situations.

• Gather evidence: Take photos of vehicle damage, injuries, and the scene. Obtain a police report, plus the driver’s name, contact, and insurance information.

• Consult an attorney: Connect with a rideshare accident lawyer in Miami right away. Legal advice helps maximize your claim.

• Keep records: Maintain documentation related to your injuries, missed work, medical treatment, and other expenses. This provides proof of damages for insurance negotiations.

What compensation can I recover after my Uber or Lyft driver causes an accident in Miami?

You may claim compensation for a range of losses if your driver’s negligence caused your injuries:

• Medical expenses, both current and future treatment costs

• Lost income from missing work during recovery

• Reduced earning capacity if injuries are permanent

• Property damages like reimbursement for a totaled vehicle

• Pain and suffering damages

An attorney will fight to cover all these categories. Without proper legal help, insurance companies may try denying certain damages they are obligated to pay.

Miami Uber & Lyft accident lawyer FAQs

Handling the aftermath of rideshare crashes involves a lot of uncertainties. Here are some common questions accident victims have:

• Do I have to pay legal fees upfront?

No. Personal injury lawyers work on contingency, meaning they only collect if they win your case.

• How long do I have to file a claim in Florida?

Florida imposes a two-year deadline to file injury lawsuits, so it’s important to act fast.

• Can I still get a settlement if I was partially at fault?

Yes, Florida follows comparative negligence rules. Your compensation gets reduced by your percentage of fault.

• What if my Uber driver didn’t have enough insurance?

Underinsured motorist coverage through your own auto policy may help pay for uncompensated damages.

• Could I have a claim even if I wasn’t a passenger?

Potentially, if you sustained injuries as a pedestrian or another driver. An attorney can evaluate liability.

Get the best injury legal help for your case after a Miami rideshare accident

The Soffer Firm has been voted Super Lawyers “Rising Star” and “National Trial Lawyers – Top 40 Under 40” multiple years in a row because of how hard we work for our clients. We don’t get paid unless you get paid, and we have recovered millions for our clients.

Our Miami Uber Accident Attorneys will help you through the legal process and ensure you receive the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us now at (786) 788-7344.