Tampa Bay is one of the top rideshare markets in the state and has seen an explosion in rideshare activity over the past decade. However, rideshare companies don’t offer much in training, and virtually anyone can be a driver. The result is an increased risk to motorists and pedestrians from negligent rideshare drivers.
If you have been injured due to an Uber or Lyft driver, you need to speak to a car accident lawyer in Tampa immediately. The rules for filing an insurance claim after a rideshare accident may be different from the rules for typical car accidents, but a lawyer can handle your unique situation.
With over four decades of combined legal experience, the team at Blakeley Law Firm is more than equipped to hold negligent rideshare drivers accountable. Contact us today to speak to a rideshare accident lawyer in Tampa.
Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Tampa
Pretty much anyone with a car and a driver’s license can become a rideshare driver, so many inexperienced drivers take up the job. The result is that many rideshare drivers will create an increased risk of accidents through negligent behaviors.
- Driver fatigue. Rideshare drivers may work long hours to make as much money as they can and suffer from fatigue.
- Unfamiliar locations. Rideshare drivers must navigate unfamiliar locations, which can increase the chances of an accident.
- Dangerous pickups/drop-offs. Rideshare drivers may stop and let passengers off at dangerous locations, such as curbs, intersections, and medians.
- Distracted driving. Rideshare drivers must put up with several distractions in their vehicles, like GPS navigation and looking for passengers.
If you have been injured by a negligent rideshare driver, a Tampa personal injury lawyer from Blakeley Law Firm can help hold them accountable under the law.
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Rideshare Companies Offer Conditional Liability Coverage
When you get into an accident with a rideshare driver, there are a few different things that can happen with insurance coverage, depending on when the accident happened. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft offer liability coverage for their drivers, but it’s only active when the driver is on duty.
When the app is off, the active coverage is the driver’s personal auto liability policy, just like in a typical car accident. When the app is on but the driver hasn’t yet accepted a ride, rideshare companies typically offer limited liability coverage equal to state mandatory minimums.
When the driver has accepted a ride or is en route to a passenger, enhanced liability limits for bodily injury and property damage kick in. For instance, both Uber and Lyft offer $1 million in liability coverage when passengers are in the vehicle.
Note that rideshare coverage is often secondary, so you’ll likely have to file a claim with the driver’s personal auto insurance first, then file with the rideshare company’s policy if your claim is rejected.
Can I Sue the Rideshare Company Directly?
Rideshare drivers are not employees of their respective companies, so the rules about vicarious liability don’t apply. This means you typically cannot sue a rideshare company for the negligence of one of its drivers.
However, you could potentially sue the rideshare company if it engaged in negligent business practices that contributed to the crash. For instance, if a rideshare company knew about a driver’s history of DUIs and didn’t take action, they could be liable if the driver hurt someone in a crash.
Compensation From a Rideshare Accident Lawsuit
We aim to be as comprehensive as possible when seeking your financial compensation. To that end, a rideshare accident lawyer in Tampa can pursue money for any of your injury-related losses, including the following:
- Medical bills. A settlement for a rideshare accident will contain money to cover your emergency medical bills and continuing medical expenses.
- Lost work income. You can also claim the value of lost income from missing work, as well as your reduced earning capacity from disability.
- Miscellaneous injury expenses. We can also pursue compensation for one-time and miscellaneous injury expenses, like housekeeping or transportation.
- Non-economic losses. Florida also recognizes your right to recover financial compensation for your pain and suffering, emotional distress, and mental anguish.
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Time Limit for Filing a Rideshare Accident Lawsuit
The statute of limitations for car accident claims in Florida gives you a maximum of two years to file a lawsuit for injuries after a rideshare accident. This time limit has a few exceptions, such as when the victim is a minor. However, in almost all other situations, you’ll only have two years from the accident date to file.
The statute of limitations is strict and inflexible, so missing it is a death knell for your case. If you try to file after two years, the courts will summarily reject your claim. The best option is to start as soon as possible to minimize payment timelines and the risk of delays.
Contact a Rideshare Accident Lawyer Today
Pursuing a rideshare claim can be a massive headache and an exercise in frustration, but there are options for assistance. A personal injury lawyer from Blakeley Law Firm can help you navigate the fallout of a rideshare accident and find the compensation you need to secure your health and well-being. Let us show you why countless clients have chosen us for legal representation.
Contact our offices online or call us today to speak to a rideshare accident lawyer in Tampa.
