Rideshare companies have solved many dilemmas: how to avoid expensive car ownership, how to minimize our carbon footprint, and how to prevent drunk driving.
However, Lyft vehicles are not immune to car accidents. If you suffered injuries in a collision with a rideshare vehicle, whether as a motorist, passenger, or pedestrian, you may be able to secure compensation for your damages.
A Gainesville ridehshare accident lawyer from the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can work to resolve your personal injury case. To learn more about your rights, call our team today.
What to Do if You Are in a Rideshare Accident
If you have been in an accident with a rideshare vehicle, you may be confused about what to do next. First, you should seek medical attention for your injuries. Keep all records regarding your diagnosis, medications, and follow-up procedures, as they can be used to assert the severity of your injuries.
Next, you should report the accident to the proper authorities. According to Florida Statute § 316.066, you are required to file a crash report if a collision resulted in any injuries, deaths, or a vehicle needed towing.
You should also:
Request a Copy of the Accident Report
The law enforcement agency that responded to your accident should have given you instructions on how to secure a copy of the accident report. If not, you may be able to request a copy through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
The information in the report will be critical to your case’s success. It may contain useful information, such as citations that were issued to the driver, the at-fault driver’s contact information, the involved insurance policy numbers, and statements regarding how the accident occurred.
Follow Your Doctor’s Orders
If you sought treatment immediately after the accident, follow your doctor’s orders. This serves two purposes. One, it works to address your injuries and health condition. And two, it works to connect your injuries to the rideshare accident.
If you do not follow your doctor’s orders, you may experience long-term health issues that are not recoverable in your claim. In addition, the opposing party and their insurance company may use your actions as evidence to prove that you are less injured than you claim or that you are not injured at all. By following your doctor’s advice, you protect your legal right to fair compensation for your losses.
Take Screenshots of Information within the App
If you were injured as a passenger in a Lyft vehicle, you should screenshot all information regarding your ride.
You may be able to access the following information:
- The rideshare driver’s name
- The time and location of the accident
- The driver’s reviews
You should also report the incident to the rideshare company as soon as possible. You may be able to do this via the app or on their website. When filing a report with Lyft, be sure to stick to the facts and avoid speculating about the cause of the accident. Keep your statement short, direct, and to the point. If you are not sure what to say, consult with your lawyer before filing your report with Lyft.
Request Information from the Rideshare Company
You may need to work with the rideshare company to get some pieces of information, such as the driver’s full name and insurance information. If you have trouble obtaining the necessary information, a rideshare accident lawyer can help you obtain the documentation you need to support your claim.
File a Claim
Florida is a no-fault state. You may first need to file a claim with your own insurance company before you can request compensation from the rideshare company. Just as you did when you reported your accident to Lyft, keep your explanation of the accident short and factual. Do not guess as to the cause of the accident or lay blame.
Avoid saying anything that could be construed as an admission of fault, and do not tell them that you “feel fine”. Even if you do not immediately feel the effects of the accident, injuries can present days or sometimes weeks later. If you state that you are uninjured at the time of the accident, you could reduce your chance of obtaining compensation for your injuries.
If you have any questions regarding how to file a claim, a Gainesville Lyft accident lawyer can help.
Keep Accident-Related Evidence
You will want to gather relevant pieces of evidence as your case unfolds. Documented evidence helps you to establish who was at fault in the accident. It can also help you establish and support the monetary value of your claim and protect you from attempts to reduce your settlement.
Keep the following important documents safe and secure while your claim is pending:
- The accident report
- Photos or videos of the accident scene and your injuries
- Written correspondence with the rideshare company and any insurance companies
- Car repair bills and rental car fees
- Medical bills and records
- Employment records indicating your time off work
In short, hold on to any information that can be used to support your claim for compensation. Your lawyer can explain what other pieces of information could benefit your case.
Contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine
Florida limits the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit for a rideshare accident. After that time, you lose the opportunity to file for damages incurred in the accident. To ensure that you have the best chance for a positive outcome, contact a rideshare attorney as soon as possible after the accident. Your lawyer will:
- Determine if you have a valid claim
- Establish your case value
- Determine the at-fault party
- File a claim with the appropriate insurance carrier
- Take your case to court, if necessary
If you were injured in a rideshare accident, call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today. A Gainesville Lyft accident lawyer can help you with the claims process. To learn more about your options, call a team member today.
Determining Which Insurance Policy Applies
Lyft offers insurance coverage in the event of a collision. Yet, if you were injured as a motorist, you may first need to file a claim with your own insurance company before you can pursue compensation via the rideshare company’s insurer.
Additionally, the rideshare driver’s status at the time of the accident will determine what coverage options are available.
If the Rideshare Driver Had the App Off
If the driver had the app turned off and was not actively waiting for requests at the time of the accident, the claims process would proceed without regard to the ridesharing aspect.
Because Florida is a no-fault insurance state, all drivers are required to carry $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage and $10,000 in Property Damage Liability, according to the FLHSMV.
This insurance applies regardless of who is at fault for the accident.
If the Driver Was Waiting for a Ride Request
If the accident occurred while the driver had the app on and was waiting for a ride request, the following rates apply:
- $50,000 in bodily injury per person
- $100,000 in bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
Your lawyer can explain how the liable rideshare insurance policy applies to you.
If the Rideshare Driver Was Driving a Passenger
If the rideshare driver was picking up, transporting, or dropping off a passenger at the time of the accident, Lyft maintains $1 million in third-party liability coverage. The company also offers uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury and contingent comprehensive coverage with varying deductibles.
As you can see, how insurance applies in a rideshare accident can quickly become complicated. A lawyer from the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can explain your coverage options and handle the process of filing a claim on your behalf.
Recoverable Damages in a Gainesville Lyft Accident Case
Whether you are a Lyft driver, passenger, or third-party involved in a Lyft accident, you should not have to pay for someone else’s negligent or wrongful actions. If you have sustained injuries in an accident involving a Gainesville rideshare driver, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- The cost of in-home care
- Property damage
- Permanent disability
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
Depending on your situation, you may be able to recover other forms of damages not included here. A Lyft accident lawyer familiar with Florida rideshare insurance and personal injury law can help you determine which damages you can claim.
Get Started Seeking Justice and Compensation Today
If you were injured in a rideshare accident, a Gainesville Lyft accident lawyer from the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can handle your case while you focus on your recovery. We understand that every accident presents different challenges to the victims, which is why we offer highly personalized services tailored to the needs of each case.
We aim to ensure that our injury clients receive the justice and compensation they deserve. No matter how complicated your rideshare claim, we will not hesitate to take your case before a judge and jury if we cannot reach a just settlement agreement with the insurance companies.
Contact us today for your free case review, where you can learn more about your legal rights and options. Our legal team will analyze your claim and help you determine your next steps.
We Can Help.
