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Uber & Lyft Accident Attorney in St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg rideshare accident attorneys
Rideshare companies offer a useful service that helps reduce drunk driving accidents in many cities. However, the rise in Uber and Lyft has created some complications related to accidents and crashes. If you are involved in one of these collisions, it is important to understand your rights and options for recovering compensation. Our team of experienced St. Petersburg Uber and Lyft accident attorneys can offer support and representation for injury victims and their families.
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Why choose MattLaw
When selecting a lawyer to represent you in your Uber or Lyft accident case, you want someone with commitment and proven results. MattLaw has been fighting for injury victims for over 35 years. Founder Matt Powell is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law and Civil Practice Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and Board Certified by the Florida Bar as a specialist in Civil Trial Law. This certification is a tough process and a reliable standard for clients choosing an attorney. To achieve this certification, attorneys must:
- Have at least five years of legal practice
- Devote 50% or more of their practice to civil trial law for the last three years
- Serve as lead counsel in 15 or more contested cases
- Complete over 50 hours of continuing education in civil trial law in three years
- Undergo a peer review from fellow lawyers
- Pass a written exam
For more information about Matt Powell and the rest of the MattLaw team’s credentials, contact us to book a free consultation.
Frequently asked questions about Uber & Lyft accidents
I was in an Uber or Lyft that was involved in an accident; what should I do?
Following any type of car crash, your safety and health should be the number one priority. If you or anyone else in the collisions suffered injuries, call 911 to get emergency medical attention. You can also collect information from the rideshare driver and other people involved in the accident, but only if it is safe to do so. Remember to make sure the police arrive and create an accident report. Once you’ve taken these steps, seek out a personal injury attorney. Having a lawyer by your side helps with conversations with insurers who may wish to avoid making large payouts. Also, your attorney can start building your claim so that you can file a lawsuit if necessary.
How much insurance do Uber and Lyft drivers have?
If your rideshare driver is at fault for the accident, you must pursue a claim against them and Lyft or Uber. Both of these companies maintain $1 million policies, so if you suffer an injury, they will have the coverage available to compensate for most injuries. However, Uber and Lyft’s policies only apply when a driver is actively logged into the app. Rideshare drivers also use their vehicles for personal reasons. If you are in another vehicle that collides with a rideshare driver while they are off the clock, the Uber or Lyft policy will not apply. In those cases, you may need to work with the driver’s personal insurance provider.
How do I know which party is responsible for paying after a ridesharing accident?
If you are involved in a crash while in a rideshare as a passenger, your driver or another driver may be at fault. You will have to determine who is to blame in order to file your claim. It is also possible that more than one driver is at fault, in which case your claim might be against the Uber or Lyft driver and another motorist.
The circumstances are slightly different if you are a driver who is in a crash with a rideshare driver. In that case, you might also be at fault for the collision. In Florida, you can still recover for your damages if you are not more than 50% at fault. Determining the parties that are potentially at fault can be complicated. It’s best to discuss your claim with your St. Petersburg rideshare lawyer.
What if I was walking or biking when I was hit by an Uber or Lyft driver?
If the rideshare driver was logged into the app at the time of the accident, you should be able to file a claim and have the Uber or Lyft insurance policy apply. The insurance should cover third parties, including bicyclists and pedestrians. If they are not logged in and working at the time, the driver’s individual insurance should apply like it would for other drivers.
What if the driver who caused the accident with Uber or Lyft was uninsured or underinsured?
Uber and Lyft carry uninsured driver coverage. These policies are important because if a Lyft or Uber driver suffers injuries in a crash caused by an uninsured driver, they will need that policy to cover their own losses and injuries. Additionally, passengers in Uber or Lyft may need this coverage if they are in the vehicle when the uninsured driver causes a crash.
How will Florida’s PIP help me?
Florida’s Personal Injury Protection insurance covers medical treatments regardless of who is at fault in a crash, but only 80% of the total, up to $10,000. If you sustained more serious injuries, your options include settling with an insurance company or filing a personal injury case and taking the at-fault party to court. One thing to keep in mind is that you should not sign anything without first talking to an attorney. Insurers often make far lower offers than you might be able to collect, and signing an agreement can prevent you from pursuing the compensation you deserve.
How long do I have to file a claim after a rideshare accident in St. Petersburg?
In Florida, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Sometimes, these accidents end in fatal results, in which case families can file wrongful death claims. It’s important to note that the family must also file those claims within two years. Waiting too long can prevent your claim from moving forward.
Negligence claims in Uber or Lyft accidents in St. Petersburg
Successful car accident claims require proof of negligence. If you are seeking compensation from a driver who caused your injuries, whether a rideshare driver was at fault or another person on the road, you will have to provide evidence that they:
- Owed you a duty of reasonable care
- Violated their duty of care duty
- The violation caused your injuries
- You suffered injuries or damages
Rideshare drivers may cause an accident through certain dangerous behaviors, including:
- Distracted driving: Uber and Lyft drivers use an app to connect with passengers and find their drop-off and pickup locations. If they aren’t using the phone responsibly, they may cause an accident.
- Speeding: Rideshare drivers who can pick up more passengers can earn more. If a driver motivated to pick up as many people as possible starts speeding, they can cause severe accidents and injuries to their passengers and others on the road.
- Driving tired: Rideshare drivers moonlighting or just trying to work and earn as much as possible may suffer from fatigue while behind the wheel. Fatigued drivers can cause risks to themselves and everyone on the road. In fact, tired drivers make many of the same errors as motorists who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Violating traffic laws: Drivers who are in a rush may not just speed; they may also drive aggressively and even violate traffic signals to avoid spending too much time on any single ride.
- Poor vehicle maintenance: Rideshare services require a certain level of maintenance for the vehicles, but a driver may fail to properly care for their vehicle, increasing the chances of an accident.
Other drivers may also behave negligently and put everyone on the road, including rideshare drivers and their passengers, at risk. You can work with your attorney to find evidence that your driver or another driver behaved negligently, resulting in your injuries.
Recovering damages in an Uber or Lyft accident
If you file a claim against an Uber or Lyft driver, and that claim is successful, you will be able to collect damages. Damages are a form of compensation that covers your losses after you suffer injuries in a crash. You can collect for related expenses, including your:
- Medical costs, surgery bills, and other treatment
- Rehabilitation costs and disability support, if applicable
- Lost wages, including past and future income
You can also collect compensation for your pain and suffering and emotional damages as well. If a driver behaved extremely recklessly, you might have the opportunity to collect punitive damages, which punish the driver. However, these are only available in rare cases.
Generally, the more serious the injuries, the higher the damages. The only way to get a true idea of what might be available in your case is to schedule a consultation with an attorney.
Do you have a St. Petersburg Uber or Lyft accident lawyer near me?
Yes, MattLaw has offices in St. Petersburg and Tampa. We can make alternative arrangements if you cannot visit either of those offices.
St. Petersburg Office Address:
8351 Blind Pass Rd Unit C, St Pete Beach, FL 33706
Contact MattLaw for a free consultation
Rideshare accidents can lead to complicated considerations regarding insurance companies and who is at fault. At MattLaw, we’re ready to answer your questions and start pursuing compensation for your injuries. Schedule a free consultation with a St. Petersburg Uber and Lyft accident attorney today.