Rideshares have become more popular over the last few years. People are finding that companies such as Lyft provide a fast and convenient service when they need to get someplace. Whether it is a visitor exploring the area or a longtime resident calling a Lyft for a ride home after a night out on the town, thousands of people are traveling around Miami in rideshares. Unfortunately, passengers in Lyft rides are just as likely to be involved in a car accident as any other motorist.
If someone is hurt in a car crash, they can pursue compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. When that accident involves a Lyft driver, the lawsuit could be much more complicated. Prosper Shaked is a Miami Lyft accident lawyer with years of experience helping people injured in all types of vehicle accidents. If you or a loved one was injured as a passenger in a Lyft or while in another car struck by a Lyft, contact our law office immediately. Call Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA at (305) 694-2676 to schedule a free, confidential consultation.
How Lyft and Other Rideshare Companies Work
Rideshares function very much like traditional taxi services, with some notable differences. By using an app on their smartphone, people in need of a ride connect with a Lyft driver. The app provides information, including the driver’s name and picture and the type of car they are driving. It also tells the client the time of pick-up, the duration of the ride, and the estimated cost. Because the transaction is handled through the app, no actual physical money changes hand. The ease and convenience of the service have made Lyft very popular in Miami.
Common Reasons Lyft Accidents Occur on Miami Roads and Highways
Motorists, including Lyft drivers, are involved in car accidents throughout the Miami area for a variety of reasons. Unfortunately, many motorists fall victim to drunk driving, reckless driving, or distracted driving. Lyft drivers are not immune to these common causes. However, some of the business practices of rideshare companies likely contribute to the risk of an accident.
With several rideshare companies and hundreds of drivers competing for business, Lyft wants to provide its clients with the fastest service possible. “Forward dispatch” is one method Lyft employs to ensure their potential passengers are not waiting long. A Lyft driver will accept a new job before dropping their client at their destination. It is not uncommon for a Lyft driver to drive recklessly to their new job or to carelessly drop their current passenger off to save time.
Lyft drivers rely on their smartphone app more than the potential riders do. They use it to find new jobs, communicate with their potential clients, and they rely on the GPS to get them to their destinations. Any activity that diverts a driver’s focus endangers other motorists and pedestrians in the vicinity. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents across the nation and a distracted Lyft driver is no different from any other motorist.
Anything that compromises the mental and physical capabilities of a driver puts others at risk. Lyft drivers make more money if they complete more jobs. Often, a Lyft driver will be on the road for an extended period to maximize their earning potential. If they are exhausted, a Lyft driver is likely to make a critical mistake while driving.
Personal Injury Lawsuits Against Lyft Drivers in Miami
Lyft maintains that it is only a digital platform connecting drivers and riders. To limit liability, Lyft considers its drivers independent contractors and not employees. This relationship makes holding Lyft accountable through a personal injury claim for any damages incurred in an accident challenging. The majority of personal injury lawsuits will be filed against the Lyft driver. However, it is essential to speak with our seasoned Miami attorney as it could be possible to receive payment through Lyft’s insurance policy.
Lyft Liability Insurance for Car Accidents in Miami, FL
In nearly every Miami personal injury lawsuit arising from a car accident, the injured party sues the at-fault driver and their insurance company. This is the same if the at-fault motorist is a Lyft driver. If you are hurt in a car accident caused by a Lyft driver, our Miami lawyer will file a personal injury claim against the driver and their personal insurance. Holding Lyft responsible may not be possible, but their insurance policy might still cover a portion of the damages.
Florida law requires all drivers in Miami and throughout the state to carry a minimum policy of $10,000 for property damage and personal liability. Lyft drivers are required to carry additional insurance above the minimum.
Lyft carries additional insurance to cover damages if their driver’s insurance policy is insufficient to pay for all of the incurred costs. However, this coverage is limited. It only covers a Lyft driver while they are working, so any accident that occurs outside the scope of driving for Lyft is not covered.
The amount of money available to an injured party depends on how the driver was engaged at the time of the accident. If the accident occurred while the Lyft driver was engaged in a ride, then the amount of coverage available is $1 million for death and bodily injury.
Call Our Miami Lyft Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Prosper Shaked is an experienced Miami Lyft accident lawyer who provides professional and vigorous representation to his clients. If you were injured because of the reckless or negligent conduct of a Lyft driver, or another motorist, contact our office immediately. Call Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA at (305) 694-2676 to schedule a consultation to discuss your rights and options.