Manatee County Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers

Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services have become increasingly popular modes of transportation over the last decade, and rightfully so. They’re cheaper, and often, more efficient than traditional taxis. That said, rideshare accidents are not uncommon, and if you’re been injured in one, you should strongly consider speaking with the seasoned Manatee County Uber & Lyft accident lawyers here at Becker & Lindauer, LLC for assistance.

Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers | Here for Rideshare Accident Victims in Florida

Here at Becker & Lindauer, LLC, we believe that accident victims deserve a team of staunch legal advocates who can effectively fight for the compensation they may be entitled to. If you’ve been hurt in a rideshare accident due to no fault of your own, either as a passenger or another motorist, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Bradenton personal injury lawyers for help.

Causes of Uber & Lyft Accidents

Uber and Lyft accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, though they are, unfortunately, most often a result of driver negligence. Some examples of this are as follows:

• Driver Distraction: Rideshare drivers often use navigation apps, which can lead to distraction.
• Fatigue: Many Uber and Lyft drivers work long hours, increasing the risk of accidents due to fatigue.
• Driver Intoxication: Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is among the most common causes of auto accidents.
• Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Failure to maintain vehicles can lead to critical safety issues.
• Speeding and Reckless Driving: Some drivers might engage in unsafe driving practices to meet tight schedules.

Uber & Lyft’s Liability Coverage

Understanding the liability coverage provided by Uber and Lyft in Florida is critical for anyone involved in a rideshare accident, as well as their attorney. These companies have structured their insurance policies to offer different levels of coverage based on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. The three tiers of Uber and Lyft’s liability coverage are as follows.

Driver’s App is Off: If the Uber or Lyft driver’s app is turned off, they are considered off-duty. In such cases, any accident they are involved in is covered under their personal car insurance policy. It is important to understand that Uber and Lyft will not provide any coverage in these instances. Therefore, the liability falls entirely on the individual driver.

App On, No Passenger (Driver is Available): When the driver’s app is on, and they are available for a ride but have not yet accepted a ride request, Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage. This typically includes:

• Bodily injury coverage per person and per accident.
• Property damage coverage.

However, this coverage is secondary to the driver’s personal insurance, meaning it only kicks in after the personal insurance limits are exhausted.

Passenger Onboard or Ride Accepted: The most comprehensive coverage is provided when the driver has accepted a ride request or has a passenger in the vehicle. In such cases, Uber and Lyft offer up to $1 million in liability coverage per accident. This coverage is primary and includes:

• $1 million for bodily injuries and property damage per accident.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage.
• Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage up to the actual cash value of the car with a deductible.

This tiered insurance structure is designed to ensure that victims of rideshare accidents have access to adequate compensation, but navigating these policies can be complex. For example, disputes may arise regarding the driver’s status at the time of the accident, affecting the insurance coverage that applies.

Additionally, if the damages exceed the provided coverage, further legal action may be required to seek full compensation. That said, regardless of the circumstances of your accident, if you were injured due to no fault of your own, our seasoned Manatee County Uber accident lawyers are here to fight for you, every step of the way.

Contact Our Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers Today

The bottom line is that anyone who has been harmed in an Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare accident deserves a team of competent Uber & Lyft accident lawyers who can effectively fight for the full and fair compensation they deserve. Contact Becker & Lindauer, LLC to schedule your free initial consultation with our dedicated legal team today.