What If I Was Hit by an Uber or Lyft in Sarasota?

There are a lot of ridesharing companies in Florida, such as Uber and Lyft, and they provide a service many enjoy. After all, ridesharing apps are a convenient option for individuals who do not have a car and want an alternative to public transportation. In other situations, car owners choose to use an Uber or Lyft because they want to sidestep the hassle of finding a parking spot in a congested area or to be safe while attending events involving the consumption of alcohol.

Unfortunately, any moving vehicle can be involved in an accident, and this is true of rideshare vehicles belonging to any app like Uber or Lyft as well. Because there can be confusion on which insurance company will be paying for your injury expenses, the company’s insurance or the driver’s personal auto insurance, it is beneficial to connect with a Sarasota car accident lawyer after a rideshare accident to discuss your options.

Reasons for Accidents and What to Do Afterward

Lyft and Uber drivers can be involved in collisions for a variety of reasons. For example, they may be in an unfamiliar area and find themselves focused on their GPS app rather than the road. They may be tired because they are trying to make as much money as they can so they choose to drive more even when they are tired and should be resting.

After a Florida ridesharing accident, collect all of the following information:

• The names of all drivers involved, including the Lyft or Uber drivers.
• Contact information of all parties involved, including witnesses and other passengers.
• Insurance policy information.
• The make, model, and license plate of every vehicle.
• Take pictures of all injuries and property damage.

Collecting information after any accident is recommended, and this is particularly true with ridesharing accidents as multiple insurance companies may be involved. When insurance negotiations are complex, having as much evidence as possible can be extremely helpful in securing the highest compensation amount possible.

Tell the Insurance Companies, You’re Going to Hale

When an individual is driving for Uber, Lyft, or another ridesharing app, they are not an employee of the company. The drivers are independent contractors who use their own personal vehicles. This is one of the many reasons that insurance negotiations can be confusing and complex. For instance, if an Uber driver is not working and is in an accident, the company will argue their personal insurance coverage should cover expenses. However, the driver may say they were waiting for a passenger, so they were technically working and the company’s insurance should cover your damages such as expensive medical bills.

An experienced attorney can establish who is responsible for paying the medical expenses connected to your injuries, whether that is the driver’s insurance or the company’s insurance. A skilled Sarasota car accident lawyer can help do this anywhere in Florida.

Are you a pedestrian that was struck in Florida by an Uber or Lyft, or were you in a vehicular accident with a rideshare vehicle? Talk to the experienced Sarasota attorneys at Hale Law. Some crashes lead to complex insurance negotiations. Our experienced attorneys will work to secure the maximum compensation amount for you. Because our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, there are no fees or costs if we are unable to recover compensation. For a free consultation, call us anytime at 941-735-4529.