Legal claims for accidents involving rideshare vehicles can be more complex than those involving ordinary passenger cars. If you sustained serious injuries in a crash involving an Uber or Lyft, a DeLand rideshare accident lawyer could help you pursue the compensation you need to move forward.
At The Florida Firm, our attorneys have a long record of achieving excellent results for our clients, including numerous verdicts and settlements exceeding $1 million. When working with our team, you can expect highly skilled advocacy and attentive care throughout the process of your claim.
How a Rideshare Driver’s Status Determines Liability
Filing a claim for a rideshare accident is initially the same as any other insurance claim. You submit your claim to the insurer that carries your personal injury protection (PIP), and this covers your losses, including medical expenses and lost wages, up to your coverage limits, regardless of who caused the crash.
If the rideshare driver had not logged in to the rideshare app at the time of the collision, your claim will proceed like any other claim. If you sustained a serious injury, and your PIP is not sufficient to cover your losses, you could claim against the rideshare driver‘s personal insurance policy. However, you must be able to prove that their negligence led to the crash and caused your injuries.
Liability may extend to the rideshare company if the driver had logged into the app and was working at the time the accident happened. Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies vigorously defend claims made against them, even when their driver is clearly at fault. Our skilled Deland attorneys understand the defenses that rideshare companies use and could fight on your behalf to secure fair compensation for your accident.
Rideshare Passenger Claims
If you sustained your injuries as a passenger of a rideshare vehicle, filing an insurance claim is a little different. If you have PIP coverage, you must still submit your claim to your insurer. However, if you do not have PIP, Florida Statute § 627.748 requires the rideshare company to provide it as part of their commercial policy. In this instance, you will need to file against the rideshare company’s policy, and you only need to prove that you were a paying passenger at the time of the accident to make a claim.
As with any compensation claim, you will need to prove your economic and non-economic damages by providing evidence such as:
- Receipts and invoices
- Employment records
- Tax returns
- Photographs and videos
- Medical and pharmacy records
- Personal journals
- Testimony from friends and family
Our personal injury attorneys could help you compile the relevant evidence to support your claim following a rideshare accident in DeLand.
What Should You Do After a Rideshare Crash?
Rideshare vehicle crash claims can be complicated. Taking steps to compile evidence as soon as possible after a rideshare accident in Deland can make it easier for our attorneys to pursue and prove your claim. Actions you can take include:
- Reporting the accident through the rideshare app and taking screenshots of your notifications if you are a rideshare passenger
- Noting the exact time and location of the accident and calling 911 to report it, regardless of whether you are a passenger or another involved party
- Taking photos and videos of the scene and collecting the contact information of witnesses, where possible
- Accepting ambulance transport, if offered, or asking someone else to take you to a hospital or urgent care center for an immediate medical evaluation
You should not delay getting a medical screening even if you feel well, and do not tell anyone at the scene that you are unhurt. Many traumatic injuries do not produce immediate symptoms, so a prompt examination is essential to identify potential injuries and begin treatment.
Consult a DeLand Attorney After a Rideshare Vehicle Crash
Pursuing an injury claim following a car accident can be challenging, but more so when a rideshare company is involved. Therefore, it is important to work with a DeLand rideshare accident lawyer who understands the company’s obligations and will fight for your rights.
At The Florida Firm, our team is committed to ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your injuries. We are trusted by other attorneys and law firms to fight against rideshare companies and hold them to account. The best part is you pay nothing unless we win, so contact us today to schedule a consultation.