Uber/Lyft’s services have been replacing taxi services across the country, and for good reason–they are affordable, dependable, and, in most cases, safe. However, Uber/Lyft accidents do occur, and if you’ve recently sustained an injury in one, it is critical that you retain the services of an experienced Tampa Uber/Lyft accident lawyer who can help fight for the compensation you require to heal. Continue reading and contact Merricks Law Group to learn more about how our firm can assist you.
Why Hire a Tampa Uber/Lyft Accident Lawyer?
While Uber and Lyft have experienced skyrocketing popularity over the last few years, they are still fairly new modes of transportation, which is why if you’ve been injured in an Uber/Lyft accident, you need a Florida personal injury attorney who has extensive experience handling these accident claims.
Causes of Uber/Lyft Accidents
Uber and Lyft accidents are not particularly different from all other auto accidents, in that they are usually the result of driver negligence. These accidents can either be the fault of the Uber/Lyft driver, or the fault of another motorist. However, regardless of the at-fault driver, the most common causes of Uber and Lyft accidents are as follows:
- Driving at excessive speeds
- Unsafe lane changes
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Distracted driving
- Failing to observe traffic lights and signs
- Driving while drowsy
Uber/Lyft’s Liability Coverage
Uber and Lyft share a liability coverage system. This system is in place to help ensure that those who’ve been wrongly injured in Uber/Lyft accidents can receive the compensation they require. The Uber/Lyft liability coverage system is broken down into periods, and the amount of coverage Uber/Lyft will provide largely depends on the period in which you were injured. Uber/Lyft’s liability coverage is as follows:
- Period 0: This is when an Uber or Lyft driver is not yet logged into the rideshare app and gets into an accident with another motorist. When this happens, Uber/Lyft will not provide liability coverage.
- Period 1: Period 1 is when an Uber/Lyft driver is logged in to the app, has not yet accepted a ride, and causes an auto accident. When this happens, Uber/Lyft will provide liability coverage for up to $50,000 per person injured in the accident, $100,000 total injury liability per accident, and $25,000 property damage liability.
- Period 2: When an Uber/Lyft driver accepts a ride, is en route to pick up a passenger, and causes an accident, it falls under Period 2 of Uber/Lyft’s liability coverage. In this case, coverage increases to $1 million.
- Period 3: Finally, Period 3 is when an Uber/Lyft driver gets into a car accident while the passenger is in his/her car. In this case, Uber/Lyft will provide the injured party with up to $1 million in liability coverage, as well as limited coverage for damage to the driver’s car and uninsured motorists’ coverage.
Statute of Limitations in Florida
The statute of limitations for Uber/Lyft accidents in Florida does not differ from the statute of limitations for most other personal injury claims. The statute of limitations for Uber/Lyft accidents is, in most cases, two years. Do not wait longer than two years from the date of your Uber/Lyft accident to seek financial compensation, for if you do, you will most likely lose your right to sue.
Contact Our Tampa Uber/Lyft Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in an Uber/Lyft accident, the time to act is now. Contact the experienced Tampa Uber/Lyft accident lawyer at Merricks Law Group to schedule your initial consultation with our firm. We are ready to help.
