Have you been hurt in a crash as an Uber car accident passenger in Florida? As a passenger hurt in an Uber wreck, Lyft wreck, or other ride-sharing crash, you may be eligible for compensation. Your odds of receiving proper Lyft or Uber accident compensation will be greater if you take the right steps in the aftermath of a collision.
Steps to Take After a Rideshare Crash in Florida
Take the following steps in the immediate aftermath of a Florida Uber or Lyft crash:
- Check yourself for injuries.
- Address injuries if they require immediate attention.
- Move to a safe spot.
- Make sure no one else involved in the crash needs assistance.
- Remain at the scene and report the crash to 911 if no one else has (as reporting the crash may be a legal requirement).
- Exchange contact information and insurance information with all others involved in the wreck, even if you doubt their insurance is responsible for providing compensation.
- Don’t say you’re unharmed or “okay” if anyone asks about your injuries, as you might have injuries you don’t know about yet.
- Get the names and contact information of the police.
- See a doctor on the day of the crash, even if you don’t notice any symptoms of injury.
Keep copies of your medical records and bills. They may serve as evidence later when you pursue compensation.
Types of Uber Accident Compensation That May be Available in Florida
Many factors can influence the types of compensation and the amount of compensation you might be eligible to receive after a Florida rideshare crash. The losses you might seek compensation for may primarily be economic losses. These are losses that have exact dollar values. For example, your medical expenses qualify as an economic loss.
If you have grounds to file a lawsuit, you might also be able to seek compensation for non-economic losses. These are intangible losses that aren’t quantifiable in exact dollar amounts. For instance, you might seek compensation for any long-term pain you must endure as a result of your injuries.
Consider keeping a pain journal after your crash. This is a daily log in which you describe the way physical discomfort resulting from your injuries affects you throughout your day. Maintaining such a log could help you document the severity of your injuries.
Insurance Claims for Uber Accidents in Florida
The legal process for Uber accidents in Florida (and other types of Florida rideshare crashes) can be somewhat complex if you sustain injuries as an Uber car accident passenger. Technically, the rideshare company’s insurance policy should cover your losses. When rideshare drivers have passengers, they are working for the company, and thus, the company’s insurance is responsible for compensating crash victims.
You may file an insurance claim after a crash to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other such losses. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may also seek compensation for the cost of ongoing medical care, loss of earning capacity, and more.
Adding up all your losses to determine how much compensation you deserve may involve gathering substantial documentation and even assigning dollar values to losses like pain and suffering. A legal professional may assist you with this task if necessary.
Florida Rideshare Laws to Be Aware Of
Florida law establishes various requirements and regulations for rideshare companies that may apply to your case. For instance, if a rideshare driver is using the app but hasn’t accepted a passenger via the app yet, a driver or the company for whom they are driving must have the following insurance:
- Automobile liability coverage of at least $50,000 for death and bodily injury per person
- Liability coverage of at least $100,000 for death and bodily injury per incident
- Coverage of at least $25,000 for property damage
- Personal injury protection coverage meeting the minimum requirements under Florida law
- Uninsured and underinsured coverage meeting the requirements under Florida law
The law also requires rideshare companies to provide certain identifying details about its drivers and their vehicles (such as license plate numbers). You may retrieve this information from the app if you lose the information or forget to exchange it at the scene of the crash.
What Not to Do After a Florida Uber or Lyft Wreck
Avoiding certain behaviors in days, weeks, and months after a rideshare crash in Florida can help you improve your chances of securing the compensation for which you’re eligible. Things you shouldn’t do while a case is pending include:
- Discussing the case with anyone – You should discuss the case with your attorney if you’ve hired one. You may also have to discuss it with other involved parties, such as insurance claims adjusters and doctors. However, you should minimize discussions of the case with others. Any statements that get back to the insurance company might harm your case.
- Using social media – Definitely don’t post about your case on social media. Doing so is unwise even after you’ve received a settlement. Be aware, posting on social media in general could jeopardize your case. For instance, you might say your injuries prevent you from engaging in certain physical activities. If social media pictures show you engaging in such activities, an insurance company could justify offering a lower settlement.
How Long Do You Have to File an Uber Accident Lawsuit in Florida?
The insurance company might not offer the settlement you deserve. Or, they might claim they’re not responsible for providing compensation.
An injured Uber car accident passenger may file a lawsuit in these circumstances. Be aware Florida’s statute of limitations requires you to file a lawsuit within two years of the date of the crash. Act fast to avoid waiving your right to compensation.
Contact a Florida Uber/Lyft Accident Lawyer
Reviewing your case with a Florida Uber or Lyft accident attorney is among the smartest steps you can take as an injured passenger. At Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers, an attorney can explain your legal rights and provide the representation you deserve. Get started today by contacting us online or calling us at (619) 233-5020 for a free case review.
