Boca Raton Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have completely changed the way we seek transportation in our day-to-day lives. In 2018, Uber gave an astounding 1.3 billion rides, while Lyft reached its 1 billion rides milestone in September of the same year. These ridesharing apps are a viable and convenient alternative to taking a taxi but using them is not without risks.

Like any other situation involving a car, there’s always the potential to experience a crash. When you’re in a Lyft or Uber, it may not be clear what your rights are if you’re injured. Your responsibilities may also be unclear if an Uber or Lyft driver hits you. This is when an Uber or Lyft accident lawyer can be of service.

When you’re injured in an accident with an Uber or Lyft in Boca Raton, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses if you can show that the Uber or Lyft driver was at fault. At Baker Legal Team, attorney Robert Baker has the resources you need to investigate all the facts of your crash so you can hold Uber and Lyft accountable for your injuries.

Uber and Lyft accidents are more complicated than others due to the involvement of multiple parties; it may be possible to hold more than one individual or entity liable for the collision. There are also complex policies regarding insurance coverage that your attorney can navigate to ensure you secure the fair compensation you need for your injuries. After an Uber or Lyft accident, don’t hesitate to contact Baker Legal Team for quality legal counsel.

Uber & Lyft Insurance Policies

Uber and Lyft are examples of companies that fall under “transportation network companies” in Florida. Transportation network companies (TNCs) in Florida must retain insurance coverage for their drivers and passengers. Drivers must also have their own car insurance policies to cover them when they’re not engaged in a ride. The amount of insurance coverage available to you in a crash depends on the driver’s status when using the app.

• When the driver is logged onto the Uber or Lyft app but is not in the process of picking up a passenger, Uber and Lyft provide coverage of $50,000 per person or $100,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 per accident for property damage.
• When the driver is on the way to pick up a passenger or is transporting a passenger, Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage. This may cover the passenger of the Uber or Lyft, a pedestrian or bicyclist, or the occupant or driver of another vehicle.

The amount of coverage you may have available all depends on what stage of the ride you were in when the accident occurred. With the help of a Boca Raton Uber and Lyft accident lawyer, it may be possible to receive compensation for accident-related losses that may impact you financially for years to come.

Is it Safe to Ride an Uber or Lyft in Boca Raton?

As TNCs, Uber and Lyft are required by the State of Florida to conduct background checks on drivers. Currently, Uber and Lyft drivers are considered contractors in Florida, rather than employees; however, a new law recently passed in California requires drivers to be reclassified as employees, which may change how these tech giants hire drivers and respond to car accident claims.

By law, Uber and Lyft must review the driving and criminal histories of their drivers. They may not hire anyone who has had a conviction for any of the following offenses within the last five years:

• Any felony offense
• DUI
• Hit-and-run
• Fleeing or eluding police
• Driving with a suspended or revoked license
• Indecent exposure

While having this law in palace provides some peace of mind, it may not be clear how Lyft and Uber screen drivers considering they are not technically employees. This may lead to less thorough -- and reliable --background checks.

Are Car Accidents More Likely to Occur in an Uber or Lyft?

Riding in an Uber or Lyft may make you more vulnerable to a crash for various reasons, including:

• Drivers rely on GPS systems that may provide a distraction from the road.
• Drivers may not have much driving experience prior to joining Lyft or Uber.
• Drivers may not be familiar with the area in which they are driving their passengers.

If you are hurt in a crash while riding in an Uber or Lyft, or an Uber or Lyft driver struck you, or you were the passenger in a vehicle struck by an Uber or Lyft, you have rights regarding these matters that a rideshare accident lawyer in Boca Raton can help you understand.

Damages You May Recover after an Uber or Lyft Accident

After a forceful collision, it is not uncommon to require medical attention and miss time from work to recover. In very unfortunate cases, victims of car accidents may sustain permanent injuries. Depending on the facts of your case and the severity of your injuries, it may be possible to recover financial compensation for:

• All medical expenses related to the accident, including the costs of long-term care
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage

Don’t hesitate to get started on your claim. Due to the statute of limitations in Florida, you have just four years from the date of the accident to pursue legal action against Uber and Lyft.

Stand Up to Big Tech with a Boca Raton Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Attorney Robert Baker is a Board-Certified civil trial lawyer in Boca Raton who is passionate about helping people recover physically, emotionally, and financially from accidents caused by the negligence of others. He has more than 30 years of experience representing people in the field of personal injury law. Only a handful of personal injury lawyers in Florida have received this status by the Florida Bar for their competency and experience.

For a free, no obligation consultation, call 561-320-0000 or complete our contact form.