If you live in Florida, chances are you have seen — or maybe even used — ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft. These services make getting around town much easier and more convenient than ever before. Unfortunately, accidents do happen while riding in a vehicle with a rideshare service, and many people are unsure of who is liable for the damages involved when something like this happens.
This blog post aims to help educate Floridians on the liability that arises from an accident involving a rideshare service so that everyone can ride with peace of mind knowing their rights if an unfortunate incident occurs.
If you or someone you love has been involved in an accident involving a rideshare service in Florida, look no further than Herman & Wells, Florida’s top-rated rideshare accident attorneys. Our experienced team is dedicated to fighting for your rights and ensuring that you are fully compensated for any damage or injury incurred from the incident. Contact us today for a free consultation. We look forward to serving you!
The Cliff Notes: Key Takeaways From This Post
- Ridesharing companies in Florida are required to carry a minimum liability coverage of $1 million per incident.
- Drivers must also have personal auto insurance coverage in place that meets the state’s minimum requirements.
- Liability for ridesharing accidents is determined based on fault and negligence, with the ridesharing company, driver, or third parties potentially being held liable.
- Recent legal cases in Florida involving ridesharing liability have seen an increase in recent years.
- Rideshare companies can be held responsible if their negligence or failure to properly train or supervise drivers causes an accident.
- Insurance policies that provide coverage for bodily injury and property damage are required for ridesharing companies in Florida.
- Passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers may also face liability depending on their role in causing or contributing to an accident.
- Ridesharing companies may seek damages from other liable parties if they are found to be at fault for the accident as well.
- The personal injury attorneys at Herman & Wells have extensive experience advocating for people injured in Florida ridesharing accidents. Contact us today for a free consultation!
Rideshare Accident Liability Under Florida Law
How Florida’s Auto Insurance Laws Apply To Ridesharing Companies And Drivers
When it comes to ride-sharing accidents, Florida auto insurance laws apply differently than they do for traditional motor vehicle accidents. In the state of Florida, ridesharing companies are required to carry liability coverage with a minimum limit of $1 million per incident. This means that if an accident occurs while someone is riding in a car with a rideshare service, there should be enough coverage available to cover any damages or injuries sustained by all parties involved.
Additionally, drivers who use their own vehicles to provide services through ridesharing companies must also have proper auto insurance coverage in place before they can begin accepting passengers. This personal auto insurance must be at least the minimum required by Florida law and is typically offered through the ridesharing company.
How Liability Is Determined In Rideshare Accidents In Florida
When it comes to determining liability in a rideshare accident in Florida, there are several factors that come into play. The ride-sharing company is usually the first party held liable since they are the ones who facilitated the transaction and were responsible for ensuring that their drivers had proper insurance coverage. The driver of the vehicle involved in an accident is also typically held liable since they are the ones who were operating the vehicle at the time of the incident.
Finally, any third-party passengers or other drivers involved in the accident may also be held liable depending on their role in causing or contributing to the incident. Ultimately, liability is determined based on fault and negligence, so it’s important to speak with an experienced attorney who can help you determine which parties are liable in your particular case.
Recent Legal Cases In Florida Involving Rideshare Accident Liability
In recent years, Florida has seen an increase in legal cases involving rideshare accident liability. In particular, there have been a number of cases that focus on determining who is responsible for damages when involved in a car collision between a rideshare vehicle and a traditional car.
This has become increasingly important as the popularity of ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft continues to grow. In response to this growth, lawmakers such as Congresswoman Lois Frankel and Senator Rick Scott have expressed their concerns for drivers in the ridesharing industry.
Liability For Ridesharing Drivers In Florida
Let’s talk about liability when it comes to an Uber accident or Lyft accident. In Florida, the rideshare company is responsible for any damages caused if the driver is found to be at fault. If a third-party is deemed liable for the crash, the rideshare company may be liable for any damages to their driver.
Additionally, in some cases, a ridesharing driver may be held personally responsible for any damage or injury, if it can be proven that their negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct was the cause. Here’s what our rideshare accident attorneys would be looking for:
- Negligence can include failing to follow the rules of the road, such as speeding or not yielding at a stop sign. It can also include distracted driving or driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Recklessness involves taking risks that could result in damage to another person or property, such as weaving in and out of lanes or running a red light.
- Intentional Misconduct includes deliberately doing something that results in an accident, such as purposefully hitting another vehicle.
Testimonial From A Past Client
Looking for some real social proof before you contact our law firm? We’re happy to share what our clients have to say about their experiences working with our team. Check out this video testimonial.
You’ll find stories of individuals who, like you, were involved in rideshare accidents in Florida, and who now can look forward to a brighter future thanks to the legal support they received from our team.
Do Ridesharing Drivers’ Personal Auto Policies Come Into Play?
Typically, a ridesharing driver’s personal auto insurance policy will not provide any coverage if they are involved in an accident while working for a ridesharing company. This is because most personal auto policies exclude coverage for any incidents that occur while the driver is engaging in commercial activities. However, some insurers may offer special endorsement packages that provide coverage for rideshare accidents.
Liability For Ridesharing Companies In Florida
Ride-sharing companies can be held responsible for an accident if it was caused by the negligence of a driver they hired, trained, or supervised. For example, if the company failed to properly train or supervise their drivers, they could be held liable for any accidents that occur as a result. If they hire someone who is not qualified or experienced enough to drive safely and an accident happens, the company could also be at fault.
In addition, if a ridesharing company is found to have violated any state or federal laws, they could also be held liable. For example, if the company fails to provide proper insurance coverage for their drivers, they can be held accountable for any damages caused by an uninsured driver.
Insurance Policies That Ridesharing Companies Are Required To Have In Florida
Ridesharing companies in Florida are required to have insurance policies that provide coverage for their drivers, passengers, and any vehicles involved in an accident. The policy must meet the state’s minimum requirements for liability coverage, which is typically set at $10,000 for bodily injury or death per person and $20,000 for total bodily injury or death per incident.
Additionally, the policy must provide coverage for uninsured/underinsured motorist protection and property damage in the amount of $10,000. This type of coverage helps protect drivers and passengers if they are injured by a driver who does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover their losses.
Liability For Other Parties In Rideshare Accidents
Other parties such as passengers, pedestrians and other drivers may be held liable for any damages caused in a ridesharing accident. Depending on who is deemed to be at fault for the accident, any or all of these parties could potentially face legal consequences.
Passengers riding in a rideshare vehicle can be held liable if they are found to have contributed to the cause of an accident through reckless behavior or negligent actions. Pedestrians can also be held accountable if they are determined to have acted negligently and caused an accident by crossing outside of designated pedestrian crossings.
Additionally, another driver involved in a collision with a rideshare vehicle may also face liability depending on their contribution to the incident. For example, if the other driver is found to have acted negligently by engaging in reckless behavior or failing to follow traffic laws, they can be held accountable.
Can Ridesharing Companies Recover Damages From Other Liable Parties?
Ridesharing companies can attempt to recover damages from other parties who are found to be at fault for a collision. This is because Florida follows the legal doctrine of comparative negligence which states that any party found to have contributed to an accident may be liable for the damages caused by it.
For example, if a rideshare driver and another driver are both found to be at fault for an accident, the rideshare company may be able to recover damages from the other party if they can prove that their negligence was a contributing factor.
Talk To One Of Our Florida Ridesharing Accident Lawyers
As you can see, being involved in a rideshare accident comes with various considerations. Therefore, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the laws around ridesharing accidents and seek the advice of experienced professionals if you find yourself in this unfortunate position. At Herman & Wells Law Firm, our experienced Florida attorneys have successfully handled numerous rideshare accident cases like yours.
We have the knowledge and experience necessary to review your case, determine who is at fault, and ensure they are held accountable. Don’t wait – call (727) 821-3195 for a free consultation today and get help from one of our Florida ridesharing accident lawyers and get the compensation you’re entitled to!