Requesting an Uber or a Lyft is easy, quick, and it works. However, the fact you are using an application to call on one of the trendiest means of transportation doesn’t mean it is entirely safe. Every year, thousands of people are hurt in Uber and Lyft accidents in the United States. Miami has also seen its fair share of crashes where these companies’ drivers have been involved.
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident caused by an Uber or Lyft driver in Miami, we can help. At Rivkind Margulies & Rivkind, P.A., we know how challenging dealing with your injuries can be. That is why we will fight aggressively and strategically to get the compensation you need and deserve. Call our law offices today and schedule your free, confidential consultation. Our phone number is (866) 386-1762.
What Causes Uber and Lyft Accidents in Miami?
Like any other driver on the road, Uber and Lyft drivers are at risk of being involved in accidents. This is especially true in Miami, where thousands of drivers fight for the same road space. Many people use these rideshare services every day, trusting they will get to their destinations safely. However, this is not always the case. Many unsuspecting passengers end up injured in accidents caused by negligent Uber and Lyft drivers. Some of the leading causes of Uber and Lyft accidents in Miami include the following:
Distracted Driving
Distractions on the road can be particularly dangerous, especially when transporting passengers during peak hours. Uber and Lyft drivers must pay attention to the road in order to avoid distractions that may lead to a severe crash. However, many of these drivers get distracted by app notifications from their official rideshare service application, texting, and calling while driving, among others. Unfortunately, passengers pay the price for the negligent actions of their drivers. If you or a loved one was injured in an accident caused by a distracted Uber or Lyft driver in Miami, we can help.
Driver Fatigue
Some drivers spend long hours offering their services throughout the day. As a result of non-stop driving practice, they can get fatigued. A fatigued driver may not have the same alertness and response time compared to other drivers. What’s even more dangerous is that a tired, drowsy driver can fall asleep while driving, putting themselves, their passengers, and others at risk of suffering a devastating accident. Our Miami Uber and Lyft accident attorneys can help you get the compensation you deserve for your losses.
Drunk Driving
Drinking and driving have been known to be a deadly combination. Every year, thousands of innocent people are injured or die at the hands of careless, negligent drunk drivers in Miami. Uber and Lyft drivers are not the exception to this dangerous reality. There have been situations where unsuspecting passengers have been in accidents caused by a drunk Uber or Lyft driver. If you or a loved one was injured due to the negligent actions of a drunk rideshare service’s driver in Miami, we can help you fight for compensation.
Speeding
Money is the name of the game for most Uber and Lyft drivers. Many of these drivers often engage in speeding because they want to get quickly to another client in order to generate more income. However, engaging in this negligent behavior often leads to otherwise preventable accidents, injuries, and deaths. If you got hurt in an Uber and Lyft accident caused by a speeding driver, we can help.
Can I Sue My Driver for an Uber or Lyft Accident in Miami?
For many passengers, knowing who’s responsible for their accident can be confusing and difficult. Understanding how compensation is calculated in Florida can also be challenging. Florida is a no-fault state, meaning that drivers involved in a crash must turn to their insurance companies to get compensation, regardless of who’s at fault. Typically, your PIP (personal injury protection) will provide coverage for your medical expenses if you were injured during the crash.
If you got injured while riding on an Uber or a Lyft, getting compensation can be very confusing. First, it is essential to understand that if your driver was using their car for commercial purposes, their insurance company will likely refuse to assist. Therefore, you would want to pursue compensation from the rideshare service companies directly.
This is where it gets tricky. Uber and Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors, which means they are not direct employees of the company for which they provide services. Thus, Uber and Lyft avoid liability for the negligence of their drivers. In other words, you cannot file a lawsuit directly against either company.
However, these rideshare service companies do provide coverage in the event of an accident. They both have a one million dollars policy to provide coverage for your losses. However, this policy will kick under specific circumstances.
Uber and Lyft provide coverage, depending on whether their drivers were outside their official app, logged in but waiting on a customer, or on the way to pick up and drive a client to their destination. Fortunately, the rideshare service’s policy kick-in the moment you get into your Uber or Lyft and lasts until you get out of the car. While you may have access to coverage for your losses, getting it can be challenging, especially when the fine print on Uber or Lyft’s insurance policy may make you ineligible for coverage.
Miami Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney Offering Free Consultations
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident caused by a negligent Uber or Lyft driver in Miami, we can help. Our Miami Uber and Lyft accident attorneys from Rivkind Margulies & Rivkind, P.A. have the experience, skill, and knowledge to hold the liable parties accountable for your losses and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call our law offices today and schedule your free, confidential consultation. Our phone number is (866) 386-1762.
