Have you been hurt in a collision involving an Uber or Lyft driver in Miami? You might be wondering who’s responsible for your injuries and how to get the compensation you deserve. The Law Offices of Jose M. Francisco can help.
Florida’s No-Fault Laws and Ridesharing Accidents
Florida operates under a no-fault insurance system. This means that, typically, you’ll first seek compensation for medical bills and lost wages through your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, regardless of who caused the accident.
Exceptions to No-Fault and Ridesharing Insurance Coverage
However, there are exceptions to Florida’s no-fault rules. You may be able to file a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance if your injuries meet the state’s “serious injury” threshold. This could include:
- Permanent scarring
- Significant disfigurement
- Bone fractures
- Loss of a limb
- Permanent impairment of a bodily function
Understanding Ridesharing Insurance Coverage Phases
The amount of insurance coverage available in a rideshare accident depends on the specific phase of the driver’s app activity at the time of the crash:
- Period 1 (Logged In, No Accepted Ride): The driver’s personal auto insurance is primary, with Uber or Lyft offering supplemental coverage up to $100,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage.
- Period 2 (En Route to Pick Up Rider): Uber or Lyft provides primary coverage with a $1 million limit for both bodily injury and property damage.
- Period 3 (Passenger in Transit): Similar to Period 2, $1 million in coverage applies, extending to the rideshare passengers as well.
Holding Ridesharing Companies Liable
Ridesharing companies typically classify drivers as independent contractors, limiting their liability for driver negligence. However, an experienced Miami Uber and Lyft accident attorney may be able to hold the company responsible if they:
- Failed to properly vet a driver through background checks
- Ignored prior complaints or negative ratings about a driver
- Maintained unsafe company practices
Third-Party Liability in Ridesharing Accidents
In some cases, a third party could be responsible for your accident, such as:
- The manufacturer of a faulty car part
- A government agency neglecting road maintenance
Get Legal Help for Your Miami Ridesharing Accident
The Miami ridesharing accident attorneys at Law Offices of Jose M. Francisco can navigate the complexities of Florida’s no-fault laws and rideshare insurance policies. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Don’t wait. Get the legal help you need to recover from your Miami ridesharing accident.
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