Uber or Lyft perform around an average of one million rides per day within the United States. With these many passengers traveling through ridesharing services, it is inevitable that a passenger could become a victim of a car accident. Fortunately, a passenger has options to seek compensation after an accident. If you or a family member was injured while traveling with Uber or Lyft, you should contact an experienced Miami Uber accident attorney today. Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA understands the trauma of being injured in a car accident, and we are here to fight for you. Our firm is here to discuss what to do when your Uber or Lyft is involved in a car accident in Florida.
Steps to Take When Your Uber or Lyft Causes an Accident
If your Uber or Lyft was involved in a car accident in Miami, your first priority should be to seek emergency medical services for yourself and any other person injured in the crash. You should also summon law enforcement to investigate the crash. Uber and Lyft drivers do not receive any specialized training before becoming drivers, meaning they are just as likely to cause a car accident as any other motorist.
Once you have sought medical assistance and called law enforcement, you should take the following steps to preserve your case.
Gather Evidence
You should then begin gathering evidence for how the accident occurred. For example, if the driver of your Uber sped through a red light and collided with a vehicle, this would be valuable evidence that can help prove liability. There are other factors that should be documented that can help prove who is liable for the car accident:
- The estimated speed of the driver
- The weather at the time of the accident
- Whether the driver was distracted by their phone or some other item
Uber and Lyft provide information about your driver when you schedule a ride. This information can help you submit a claim to the company in the event of an accident. If you believe that the other motorist may have been responsible for the car accident, you should request information about the driver including their name, make and model of their vehicle, license plate, and their insurance carrier.
Request a Copy of The Police Report
In a car accident where this is property damage, or a person was injured, law enforcement is required to make a report of the incident. Once law enforcement arrives to investigate the scene of the accident, you should request how to receive a copy of the report once their investigation has concluded.
Report the Accident to Uber/Lyft
As mentioned, Uber and Lyft have options on their respective applications to report an incident that occurred during a ride. Not only should you report the accident to the company that caused your injuries, but you should also speak with an experienced Miami personal injury lawyer about your case.
A representative from Uber or Lyft will likely contact you to discuss the accident. When this happens, the representative could be looking for a way to minimize your claim and avoid liability for the accident. That is why it is important to retain a lawyer that can speak on your behalf to ensure your best interests are relayed.
File a Claim for Compensation
Uber and Lyft have practically identical insurance coverage for when one of their drivers causes an accident. The conditions to receive compensation after an Uber and Lyft car accident may vary depending on the circumstances. For example, if a driver causes an accident while en route to a passenger or when transporting a passenger, a passenger would be eligible to receive the full $1 million coverage provided for an accident.
However, if a driver caused an accident while their app was not on or when they had not accepted a ride, this can change the compensation provided for an accident.
If you believe that your Uber or Lyft driver was responsible for your injuries during a car accident, you should speak with an experienced attorney to explore your legal options. Do not delay in pursuing your case as it is subject to the statute of limitations.
Work with an Experienced Florida Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Car Accident
If you or a family member was a victim of a car accident due to an Uber or Lyft driver, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer today. Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA is dedicated to providing our clients with the unique legal representation they need for their injury claims. To schedule a free case evaluation to discuss your accident, contact Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA at (305) 694-2676.