Professional drivers like those that operate taxies and rideshare providers are not exempt from car accidents simply because driving is their job. Accidents on the road can happen for any number of reasons. Sometimes even the most experienced and responsible drivers can find themselves in a distressing situation like a vehicular collision.

The use of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft has become very popular. First, these companies’ business model has allowed many people to use their own car to earn money. Drivers also can enjoy a flexible work schedule that they may not be able to get in another position. For riders, the technology makes getting a ride to and from different locations a breeze. In 2020, more than 93 million people used Uber services on a monthly basis.

The rise of rideshare services like Uber has led to a decrease in fatal traffic accidents and rates of car accidents overall. Also, these mobility providers have helped decrease the number of DUI incidents in various parts of the country. This is mostly because of how easy it is to get a ride, the motivation to get behind the wheel while inebriated has been reduced. Still, Uber drivers can get into accidents too. When this happens, car occupants that are injured in these events may be unsure what to do.

What Should You Do After an Uber Accident?

After any car accident, it is important for injured victims to see a medical provider have their injuries assessed, diagnosed, and treated. This is true for victims who are injured while riding in an Uber as well. Sometimes, a person in an Uber accident will suffer injuries but not realize them right away. Whiplash, for example, is a form of physical bodily harm that may not present itself right after an accident. Instead, it could take hours or a couple of days before the symptoms arise.

Once medical treatment has been administered and there is a plan for recovery put in place, a victim may be able to secure compensation for their harm. If you were injured in an Uber accident in Florida, the Jacksonville car accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Sheftall & Associates can examine your accident experience and provide you with direction on your options for compensation. The driver of the Uber you used, Uber the company, or another party could be liable for the incident and responsible for paying for your damages.

Florida’s Car Accident Liability Laws

Uber is required to have liability coverage so that if an accident takes place victims that suffered both property damages and physical bodily harm can be compensated. When an Uber driver gets the notification that there are passengers ready for a ride, and they begin to travel to meet those individuals the driver has $1,000,000 of liability insurance coverage. This $1 million worth of insurance coverage is also accessed while the Uber driver is taking his or her passengers to their location.

Uber drivers that are actively using their app to find riders but are not engaged with any are still covered. During these times, there is $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damages per accident. 

When an Uber driver is not on the app working to find riders or transporting riders, and an accident happens, then their own personal insurance coverage would apply. For drivers to lawfully operate their vehicles in Florida, it is necessary to have personal injury and liability coverage. Due to Florida’s no-fault liability system, if you are injured by another driver and your damages are $10,000 or less, then you would use your own insurance coverage to obtain compensation. But when your damages are severe and exceed the $10,000 amount, you can pursue a suit against the party that caused your accident for additional compensation.

Florida’s car accident liability laws may not apply if you were a passenger in an accident while riding in an Uber. Determining how to get the compensation you need after an Uber accident can be complicated, but the Jacksonville personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Sheftall & Associates can help. Calling Sheftall Law and meeting with an experienced attorney is one way to learn more about your rights and what course of action you can take to be fairly compensated.

What Damages Can Be Included in an Injury Claim?

In your Florida personal injury claim, you may include damages such as:

• Costs of hospitalization.
• Emergency room charges.
• Medical treatments and surgeries.
• Prescription medications.
• Prescribed medical equipment.
• Missed wages.
• Lifecare expenses.
• Pain and Suffering.

The damages listed above provide a sampling of what may be necessary to include in your injury claim. 

If you lost a loved one in an Uber accident, a Jacksonville wrongful death attorney will be able to advise you on what damages you are entitled to pursue. Damages such as loss of comfort, funeral and burial expenses, and loss of companionship are just a few. In cases where the Uber driver or other third party that was responsible for causing your accident was particularly reckless, it could be possible to also have punitive damages awarded to your case.

Speak to a Jacksonville Car Accident Attorney Today

Any car accident can be traumatic and result in devastating injuries. Victims that are injured or who have lost loved ones in these catastrophic events should understand what their rights are and how much their personal injury claim is worth. Correctly placing liability on the right parties is also critically important to filing a successful claim and obtaining compensation.

If you were injured in a car accident in Jacksonville, or the surrounding areas whether it was by another private party or while using a rideshare service, please call the Jacksonville injury lawyers at Sheftall Law for assistance with your personal injury claim. Working with an attorney increases your chances of obtaining the highest amount of compensation from your claim.

You can schedule a completely free, no-obligation consultation with one of the proficient and knowledgeable attorneys at Sheftall Law by calling 904-647-2296.