If you suffered injuries in an Uber accident, you may be entitled to compensation. However, whether you were the Uber driver, passenger, or the driver of another vehicle, Uber’s insurer or another party’s insurer might not be willing to pay you all that you deserve.
A Port St. Lucie Uber accident lawyer may be able to help you recover the compensation you need to cover your losses. The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine offers a complimentary case review.
Who Is At Fault In An Uber Accident In Port St. Lucie?
As in any other type of motor vehicle accident, it is critical to determine which driver was at fault. All drivers have a responsibility to drive safely, follow traffic rules, and consider weather and road conditions. Drivers who disregard these responsibilities and cause an accident may prove negligent and may be held liable for the accident.
Here are some examples of negligent driving:
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Ignoring traffic signals
- Speeding
- Driving while intoxicated
- Texting while driving
After an accident, the police and insurance companies may investigate. We may also independently investigate the accident to determine if negligence caused or contributed to it.
Your Steps After An Uber Accident in Florida
What should you do after an accident involving an Uber in Port St. Lucie? Our team can recommend steps for you to take following your collision. Make sure that you:
- Report the accident to the police
- Share your contact information with other drivers
- Get contact details from witnesses
- Take pictures of your injuries, vehicle damage, and the scene of the accident
- Seek medical care if you sustained an injury
You can also reach out to a car accident lawyer serving Port St. Lucie to secure professional legal assistance. A lawyer can walk you through each step to building a claim. Find out more by reaching out to us today.
We can answer your questions and provide you with support while you deal with insurance agents and representatives from Uber. We use our experience to assist you.
What Accident Victims Should Know About Uber
Uber’s Insurance Policy
Uber provides a $1 million insurance policy for passengers and other parties injured in an accident. However, this does not apply in every case.
Uber Drivers Are Independent Contractors
Uber drivers are independent contractors, not employees. Because it classifies its drivers as independent contractors, you cannot hold Uber vicariously liable for any injuries its driver causes. Uber has used this argument to avoid paying damages in the past.
Uber May Put Up a Fight
Crash victims often find themselves attempting to scale an unsurmountable mountain. This is especially true after an Uber rideshare accident as both insurers and rideshare companies are notorious for attempting to shirk responsibility for injuries and other losses.
A Port St. Lucie personal injury lawyer can make sure the insurance company does not take advantage of you and that you receive the compensation you deserve for your losses.
Recovering Compensation for an Uber Accident
As e mentioned above, Uber’s $1 million policy is not always active. Below, we discuss three different situations and the policy that covers any injuries that occur.
Uber Driver Has App On, Waiting for a Rider Request
In this case, Uber covers any injuries or losses a third party (e.g., a passenger, the driver of another vehicle, a pedestrian, etc.) sustains in an accident caused by the Uber driver. However, the $1 million policy does not apply in this case. Instead, the following policy will cover your losses:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 for property damage
Uber Driver Has Matched With a Rider, on the Way to Pick Up Rider
If an Uber driver causes an accident on the way to pick up a passenger, Uber’s $1 million policy kicks in to cover any injuries that result. It is available to any third parties who sustain injuries and losses.
There Is a Passenger in the Car
In this case, the $1 million policy also kicks in, available to third parties.
Coverage for Uber Drivers
Because Florida is a no-fault state, all drivers must have personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, also known as no-fault insurance. If you suffered injuries while driving an Uber, you would turn to your PIP coverage to pay your medical bills and cover any other losses. If you suffer injuries in an accident caused by another driver, you can turn to that driver’s insurance company for coverage.
Uber also provides uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage if another driver causes a collision and is uninsured or flees the scene.
The process of recovering damages after an Uber accident can be complicated, especially if you try to handle things on your own. If you have a serious injury from an Uber accident, you could receive compensation for all of your medical expenses and more. But before you begin your claim, it is smart to get a personal injury attorney on your side to fight for the maximum compensation possible.
Accidents Caused By Another Driver
If another driver caused the accident, the accident process proceeds as usual. The passenger and driver of the Uber can file claims with the at-fault driver’s liability coverage and obtain compensation for their damages.
Recoverable Compensation After an Uber Accident
What you can recover after an Uber wreck differs depending on the severity of your injuries and how they affect your life. However, common damages obtained after Port St. Lucie Uber wrecks include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Miscellaneous expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
- The costs of hiring help around the house
- Lost enjoyment of life
When you work with the Anidjar & Levine team, we will determine the value of your claim and fight tooth and nail to obtain it for you. We will protect your claim from the insurance company’s attempts to devalue or deny your claim and stand against the insurer in court, if necessary.
How a Rideshare Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Our tam can help you in many ways if you were hurt in an Uber accident. Here are some things we can do for you:
- Investigate your accident
- Recommend a healthcare provider and help you schedule an appointment
- Update you on the progress of your case
- File an insurance claim for you and submit supporting documents
- Negotiate a settlement with the other driver’s insurance provider
- File a lawsuit on your behalf
File Your Rideshare Accident Lawsuit Before Florida’s Deadline
Florida limits the amount of time you have to take legal action against the driver who caused your accident. The following laws may affect your case:
- Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a) sets the statute of limitations for personal injury at four years. This means you have four years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.
- Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(d) sets the statute of limitations for wrongful death at two years. This means you have two years from the date your loved one passed away to file a lawsuit.
In general, once the statute of limitations has passed, you have no legal recourse against the at-fault driver. After an Uber accident in Port St. Lucie, a lawyer from our team can explain how these deadlines affect your case.
Talk to an Uber Accident Lawyer in Port St. Lucie, FL
If another party caused you to suffer injuries in an Uber accident, Florida law allows you to hold the negligent party liable for the damages they caused. Our priority is to recover the maximum compensation possible for our clients. If you are injured and feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do next, the last thing you want to do is deal with an insurance claim. That is why we handle it for you.
We have years of experience helping accident victims get the compensation they deserve. We will protect your rights and make sure the insurance company does not take advantage of you. Contact the personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today for a free case evaluation.
We Can Help.
