Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer in Daytona Beach

We've Recovered Hundreds of Millions for Our Clients

In the modern era, the advent of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft has revolutionized the way people travel, providing convenient and affordable transportation options. However, with the rise in popularity of these services, a new concern has emerged: rideshare accidents. Daytona Beach, FL, with its bustling tourism industry and active community, has seen its fair share of rideshare accidents. Navigating the complexities of determining liability, understanding insurance coverage, and seeking compensation after a rideshare accident can be overwhelming.

Determining liability in a car accident that involved an Uber, Lyft, or another form of ridesharing taxi has often proven difficult for the injured parties. If you have been in such an accident, you likely have a complicated case ahead of you in pursuit of compensation.

Rather than going it alone and spending countless hours trying to interpret liability law, place your faith in Politis & Matovina, P.A. and our Port Orange Uber accident attorneys.

Reasons people choose our injury law firm for legal guidance:

• Established in 1993
• Hundreds of Millions won for our clients
• Accepting cases nationwide
• 24/7 availability for client convenience

We have built a reputation for being a caring, considerate law firm that uses unique, personalized approaches to every case we accept. No one is given a cookie-cutter solution or seen just as a case number on our desk.

What To Do If You’ve Been Injured In A Rideshare Accident

If you've been injured in a rideshare accident in Daytona Beach, your safety and well-being should be the top priority. After ensuring your safety and seeking medical attention, the following steps are crucial:

• Gather Information: Collect contact and insurance information from all parties involved, including the rideshare driver and any witnesses.
• Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and relevant road signs. This evidence can be invaluable later.
• Report to the Rideshare Company: Notify Uber or Lyft about the accident. Both companies have protocols for handling accidents involving their drivers.
• Seek Legal Counsel: Consult with an experienced rideshare accident attorney to protect your rights and explore your legal options.

Establishing Liability in an Uber/Lyft Accident in FL

Rideshare accident claims are similar to normal car accident cases in that you must prove liability for your damages. Unlike other types of motor vehicle accident claims, however, establishing liability in these types of cases is often complicated. That’s because Uber and Lyft’s insurance only covers certain situations and, even within those situations, the amount you may be able to recover will depend on the circumstances involved.

Many people who regularly use Uber or Lyft to make an income believe that they are technically employees of the company, or at least contracted for work through the smartphone application. The companies have contested that ridesharing drivers are simply benefitting from the app but do not work for them directly. This uncertainty in the definition of employment also muddles liability should an accident occur.

For example: If you are struck by a pizza delivery driver completing a route, some liability will likely fall upon the driver’s parent company due to specialized business insurance. It would seem that the same rules should apply to Uber and Lyft drivers, but it may not be as straightforward.

In order to determine who is liable for a rideshare accident, you’ll need to uncover the following:

• Was the rideshare driver logged into the app when the accident occurred?
• Was the Uber/Lyft driver at fault for the accident?
• Did another motorist hit the rideshare vehicle you were in?
• Was the rideshare driver on his/her way to pick up a passenger?
• Does the Uber/Lyft driver’s own auto insurance cover your injuries/damages?

Both Uber and Lyft have similar insurance policies that go into effect as soon as a driver turns the app on. If a driver has not turned on the Uber/Lyft app and he/she then causes an accident, you cannot recover compensation from the rideshare company.

Possible Liable Parties in a Rideshare Accident

Use our extensive injury claim experience to find out who is liable:

• Your Uber or Lyft driver
• Another driver involved in the accident
• Parent companies – Uber, Lyft, etc.
• Another passenger in your vehicle

When pursuing a personal injury claim after a rideshare accident, it's crucial to identify the responsible party accurately. In some cases, the rideshare driver's negligence might be evident, such as speeding, distracted driving, or running a red light. In others, the accident may result from a combination of factors, making a thorough investigation essential. An experienced Port Orange rideshare accident attorney can help navigate this complexity and gather the necessary evidence to establish liability.

In some instances, multiple parties may be responsible for your injuries. When this is the case, we may need to file claims against all necessary parties. The end goal is reaching a maximized compensation on your behalf so no payments come directly out of your own pocket.

How Long Do You Have to File a Lawsuit After a Rideshare Accident in Daytona Beach?

In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits, including those arising from rideshare accidents, is generally four years from the date of the accident. However, it's advisable not to wait until the last minute to take legal action. Initiating the legal process as soon as possible allows for thorough investigations, preservation of evidence, and a stronger case overall.

How Much Can I Recover After an Uber/Lyft Accident?

Say you were a passenger in an Uber and the driver ran a red light, hitting another vehicle. As a result, you suffered severe whiplash, which resulted in extensive neck and shoulder pain. You went to the doctor for treatment, where you were x-rayed and given a prescription medication to help with the pain. Your medical bills and the cost of ongoing treatment soon exceeded thousands of dollars. In this instance, can you secure compensation from Uber for your medical bills?

In short, yes. Because the Uber driver had accepted a ride, Uber will cover up to $1 million in damages. However, this compensation only kicks in once the actual driver’s private auto insurance denies coverage. In other words, you will need to file a claim with the driver’s insurance provider first. That claim will most likely be denied because the driver was operating a vehicle for commercial purposes. Only then will you be able to pursue compensation directly from Uber.

Uber & Lyft Insurance Coverage

Both Uber and Lyft have insurance coverage for the following situations:

• Offline Mode: When the rideshare app is off, the driver is covered by their personal insurance only.
• App Online, No Ride Accepted: up to $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per person and up to $100,000 in total bodily injury coverage per accident, as well as $25,000 in property damage coverage
• App Online, En Route to Pickup: up to $1 million in liability coverage
• App Online, During a Ride: up to $1 million in liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

Whose Insurance Will Pay for Your Damages in a Rideshare Accident?

The question of whose insurance will pay for damages hinges on the specific circumstances of the accident. If another motorist caused the accident, their insurance would likely cover the damages. If the rideshare driver's negligence is established, their insurance, as well as the contingent liability coverage provided by Uber or Lyft, could come into play.

In cases where the at-fault party lacks sufficient insurance coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage within the rideshare company's policy can help bridge the gap. This is why it's important to hire a legal team to thoroughly investigate and get legal expertise to maximize compensation options.

When Should You Contact a Lawyer After a Rideshare Accident?

Contacting a lawyer after a rideshare accident in Daytona Beach should be a priority, especially if injuries or significant property damage are involved. Experienced rideshare accident attorneys, such as Politis & Matovina, P.A., can provide immediate guidance on the best course of action and help protect your rights.

Early legal involvement can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Your attorney will work to gather evidence, communicate with insurance companies, assess liability, and negotiate for fair compensation. Additionally, if the case progresses to litigation, having a knowledgeable attorney by your side is essential for a successful outcome.

Start Your Case with a Complimentary Consultation

Waiting too long to file an injury claim after being hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident may be a significant detriment to your chances of recovering full compensation. Not only do you risk the expiration of Florida’s statute of limitations law, but you may also give the liable party time to twist the truth and try to pin accountability on you.

Our Port Orange Uber and Lyft accident lawyers offer free case evaluations to all prospective clients, allowing you to get more information about your rights as an injured party and who might be liable for your damages without paying anything first.