Many of us now use Uber as a convenient resource to travel around Fort Lauderdale so you don’t have to drive yourself. And while the main rideshare company is so popular that teenagers, older residents and everyone in between rely upon them to get to work, doctors’ appointments, bars and to and from the airport, users need to know that Uber drivers do not receive training, meaning riding in an Uber is no safer than driving your own car.
When you are injured in a Fort Lauderdale Uber car accident it is critical to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney shortly after the crash. Like other types of accidents, recovering money for your damages, injuries and lost wages is an up-hill battle, which seriously injured accident victims should not try to handle themselves. At the Law Offices of Joseph I. Lipsky, we have experience and success in helping seriously injured victims of an Uber driver’s negligence recover millions of dollars for their injuries. We urge you to call us today on our toll-free injury hotline, 888-FLA-LAW8, for a free no obligation consultation.
Injured victims of Uber accidents need to know two important facts. First, beginning in 2017, Florida enacted a rideshare bill which specifically states that rideshare companies are not common carriers, meaning unlike buses and trains they do not owe a greater obligation for care to their passengers. And more importantly, the law also specifically provides that rideshare drivers are independent contractors. This means that someone injured by a negligent Uber driver cannot sue Uber for that driver’s negligence. This means you cannot sue Uber for the actions of their drivers, the lawsuit must be against the negligent driver alone.
Now for the good news, in exchange for these protections, Florida Law requires Uber to provide mandatory insurance for their drivers. There are varying amounts of insurance coverage depending on whether the Uber driver is looking for a rider or actually giving a ride. When a driver is using the app to look for a rider, but not actually driving one, the Law requires Uber must provide them minimum insurance coverage of $50,000.00 of bodily injury coverage. This amount increases substantially, to $1,000.000.00 when the driver is on his way to pick up or is actually transporting a passenger. Aside from the insurance provided by Uber, the law also requires the driver’s own insurance is the first source of recovery.
As with all other types of car accidents in Florida, an injured passenger will be required to their own car insurance to pay the first $10,000.00 of their medical bills and/or lost wages. This is mandated in Florida’s so-called No-Fault/PIP laws. If you do not own a car, nor live with anyone who owns a car, then you will be able to access the Uber insurance to pay your first $10,000.00 of medical bills and/or lost wages.
Seriously injured victims of Uber car accidents, passengers and anyone else an Uber driver may strike, including another vehicle, a pedestrian, cyclist or motorcycle rider is entitled to bring a claim against the Uber driver, seeking money damages from Uber’s insurance company. If the insurance company is not willing to amicably resolve your claim for an adequate amount of money, then you are entitled to bring a lawsuit against the Uber driver.
In your claim or lawsuit, we seek all damages allowable under Florida law for all of your damages, which often include pain and suffering, disfigurement, permanent injuries, broken bones, spinal herniated discs, unpaid medical bills, lost wages and mental anguish. It is our goal to help our injured clients recover the maximum amount of money for their losses. Having helped hundreds of injured Floridians over the last 27 years recover tens of millions of dollars, personal injury lawyer Joseph Lipsky has the experience and success to help you achieve the best recovery after your Uber accident.
Don’t begin the journey of seeking damages caused by a negligent Uber driver alone, call personal injury attorney Joseph Lipsky who is dedicated to use everything at his disposal to help you recover the maximum amount of money for your damages. Because we don’t get paid unless we recover money for you, anyone can hire our office and have the use of our services without any money out of pocket. Call us soon, we are here to help you pick up the pieces of your life.