With rideshare services such as Lyft and Uber widely available, avoiding DUIs and accessing available transportation is easier than ever. Of course, as with every new innovation, it does have its own downsides. While most rideshare services vet their drivers to ensure safe driving, there are still bound to be car accidents. So what happens if your Uber or Lyft is in an accident in Florida? Continue reading to find out as we delve into the steps to take after an Uber accident, who is considered liable, and the Florida Liability Law for Uber Accidents.
Steps to Take If Your Uber Got into an Accident in Florida
- Safety First: Ensure everyone involved is safe and call 911 immediately if there are any injuries or if the accident is blocking roadways.
- Document Evidence: Do your due diligence to collect and document any evidence you can at the time of the accident. Take photos of vehicle damage, license plates, and any injuries sustained.
- Gather Information: Be sure you have the information of your Uber driver, any other drivers involved, and witnesses if there are any. This includes names, contact information, insurance information, and driver’s license.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, it is important to be properly evaluated by a medical professional to be sure. This is especially important if you would want to take advantage of PIP (Personal Injury Protection) as Florida requires you to see a doctor within 14 days of a car accident in order to use these benefits.
- Notify Uber: Use the Uber app or app of the rideshare service used to report the accident. Uber policy states they will contact both the passenger and driver after an incident.
- Consult a Florida Car Accident Lawyer: Especially if you’ve sustained injuries, it is crucial to understand your legal rights and seek potential compensation for any losses you’ve experienced due to the accident.
Does Uber Give You Money When You Are In an Accident?
If you were a passenger in an Uber involved in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Compensation for passengers involved in a car accident may cover medical costs incurred by an accident, including potential future medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Typically compensation would also cover damage done to the vehicle, but since in this case, you are a passenger, this does not apply. Uber holds a $1 million liability insurance policy that can cover passengers, drivers, and third parties depending on extenuating circumstances. It is important to know though that the coverage may not be applicable depending on the driver’s activity on the Uber app. The driver’s activity can fall into three different categories: not available, available but no passenger, and available and carrying a passenger.
Is Uber Liable for Accidents in Florida?
In Florida, Uber drivers are considered independent contractors, not employees. This distinction can sometimes complicate liability issues. However, if certain conditions are met, Uber’s insurance policy is applicable. The following conditions must be met for the insurance to apply:
- If the Uber driver is at fault, Uber’s liability insurance should cover up to $1 million in damages.
- If another driver is at fault and lacks sufficient insurance, Uber’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage might provide compensation.
- If the Uber driver is off-duty and not using the Uber app, their personal auto insurance becomes the primary.
Florida Liability Law and Uber Accidents
Florida follows a no-fault insurance system, which means that after most accidents, individuals turn to their personal injury protection (PIP) insurance for compensation, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. However, Uber passengers are an exception to this. If you were a passenger of an Uber that got into a car accident, you can directly claim against Uber’s $1 million insurance policy without first using PIP coverage.
Is Uber Injury Protection Worth It?
Uber provides injury protection for its drivers. This coverage can assist with medical expenses, disability payments, and even survivor benefits under extreme circumstances. However, it’s essential to know this is supplementary coverage and should not replace a comprehensive personal insurance policy.
Does Uber Protect its Drivers?
Uber’s $1 million insurance does provide protection for drivers when they are logged into the app and actively driving a passenger. Even with this, drivers should not solely rely on Uber's insurance. It is crucial for Uber drivers in Florida to know the nuances of this coverage to understand when it may not apply and consider an additional personal insurance policy in order to receive full coverage and fill any potential gaps.
