Liability in Miami Uber and Lyft Accidents

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have made getting around Miami more convenient, but Uber and Lyft accidents can unfortunately leave you with serious injuries and more questions than answers. If you’ve been hurt in a Miami rideshare crash, you might be wondering who’s responsible for your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. Determining liability in Miami Uber and Lyft accidents can be complicated, but you don’t have to go through this process alone. The Miami Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada are here to help you understand your rights and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Unlike traditional car accidents, rideshare crashes involve unique legal and insurance challenges. Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. This distinction allows the companies to avoid certain responsibilities, which can make pursuing a claim more complex. Additionally, rideshare accidents often involve multiple insurance policies, including:

• The rideshare company’s commercial insurance policy
• The driver’s personal auto insurance
• Policies covering other involved vehicles

Understanding which policy applies to your situation depends on the specifics of the accident, such as whether the driver was actively transporting a passenger or waiting for a ride request.

Uber and Lyft both provide liability coverage for their drivers, but the extent of this coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. There are three different statuses:

1. The Driver Is Not Logged into the App

If the Uber or Lyft driver wasn’t logged into the app when the accident occurred, the company’s insurance doesn’t apply. In this case, the driver’s personal auto insurance is typically responsible for covering damages.

2. The Driver Is Logged In, Waiting for a Ride Request

When a driver is logged into the app but hasn’t yet accepted a ride, Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage:

• Up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury
• Up to $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
• Up to $25,000 for property damage

If your damages exceed these amounts, you may need to pursue a claim against the driver’s personal insurance.

3. The Driver Is En Route to Pick Up a Passenger or Transporting a Rider

Once the driver has accepted a ride request or is actively transporting a passenger, Uber and Lyft provide $1 million in liability coverage. This coverage is intended to cover injuries to passengers, pedestrians, or occupants of other vehicles.

While this might seem straightforward, rideshare companies (and their insurance companies) often look for ways to minimize payouts or avoid liability altogether. That’s why it’s essential to have someone advocating for your rights, like the attorneys at Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada.

In some cases, Uber or Lyft drivers may not be responsible for the accident. If another driver caused the crash, their insurance should cover your damages. However, if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, Uber and Lyft’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may apply, depending on the circumstances.

These situations can get complicated quickly, especially if multiple parties share fault for the accident. An experienced attorney can help identify the responsible parties and determine which insurance policies apply to your claim.

If you’ve been involved in an accident with an Uber driver, taking the right steps promptly can not only protect your health but also strengthen your claim:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Your health should be your top priority. Even if you feel okay, get checked out by a doctor to rule out hidden injuries.
2. Report the Accident: Call the police to report the crash and make sure a report is filed. Be sure to note whether the driver was using a rideshare app at the time of the accident.
3. Document the Scene: Take photos of the vehicles, your injuries, and anything else that might be relevant. If there are witnesses, get their contact information.
4. Notify the Rideshare Company: Report the accident to Uber or Lyft through their app. Keep records of any communications you have with the company.
5. Consult an Attorney: Rideshare accident claims can be complicated, especially when multiple insurance companies are involved. The Miami Uber and Lyft accident attorneys at Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada can help you successfully navigate the process and fight for the maximum compensation you need and deserve.

Dealing with the aftermath of an Uber or Lyft accident can be overwhelming. You’re likely juggling medical appointments, vehicle repairs, and mounting expenses, all while trying to recover from your injuries. At Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, we’re dedicated to helping accident victims in Miami get the compensation they deserve and need for their injuries. If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Miami, don’t wait to seek help. Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada is here to fight for the compensation you need to recover and move forward with your life. We do not get paid unless and until a financial recovery is secured for you. To schedule your free consultation, call us at 305-448-8585 or complete our secure online contact form today.