As a rideshare passenger, you trust that your ride will be safe and smooth sailing. However, accidents do happen, and it’s important to know your rights in case of an unexpected mishap.
Ridesharing Accident Statistics in the US
In 2020, Uber had 93 million monthly active users. Lyft had almost 20 million. However, Uber’s latest data shows 120 million new users by the last quarter of 2022.
If you’re a rideshare passenger who has been involved in an accident, it’s important to understand your rights. Here are some recent statistics on Lyft and Uber accidents in the US:
– In 2018, there were nearly 1,200 traffic fatalities involving Lyft and Uber vehicles.
– Of those fatalities, almost 70% were pedestrians or cyclists.
– In 2019, there were over 5,000 traffic accidents involving Lyft and Uber vehicles.
– Of those accidents, nearly 30% resulted in injuries.
What Can Cause a Rideshare Accident?
There are several possible causes of ridesharing collisions in Florida. One cause could be the lack of experience of the drivers. Uber, Lyft and other ridesharing services often hire inexperienced drivers, which can lead to accidents. Another possible cause could be mechanical problems with the cars. Ridesharing companies do not always ensure that their vehicles are properly maintained, which can also lead to accidents. Finally, Florida has a large number of tourist attractions and distractions, which can lead to congested roads and more opportunities for accidents to occur.
Florida Statue 627.748 Outlines the Insurance Requirements for Rideshare Accidents
Florida Statue 627.748 (7) outlines the insurance requirements for Uber and Lyft accidents. For example, as a Lyft passenger, you are covered by Lyft’s $1 million liability policy when you are involved in an accident. This policy covers bodily injury and property damage caused by the negligence of a Lyft driver. If you are injured in an accident, you may also be covered by your own personal insurance policy.
Overview of the Legal System Following a Rideshare Accident
The first thing you should do is seek medical attention if you’ve been injured. Once you’re taken care of, you’ll need to gather information about the accident. At this point, the advice of an experienced attorney , such as those at Silver Injury Law will be invaluable, as time is of the essence. This includes getting the contact information of any witnesses, taking photos of the scene, and collecting any other evidence that could be helpful.
You’ll need to file a police report and notify the rideshare company about the accident. They will then conduct their own investigation and may determine that their driver was at fault. If this is the case, Lyft for example will typically provide compensation for your damages up to their $1 million liability coverage limit.
If Lyft finds that their driver was not at fault or if your damages exceed their coverage limit, then you’ll need to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible parties.
Know Your Rights Under the Law
Here are some more tips for understanding your rights as a rideshare passenger involved in an accident:
1. You have the right to seek medical attention and treatment if you are injured in the accident. Don’t hesitate to see a doctor or go to the hospital if you need to.
2. You have the right to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver (or their insurance company) to recover compensation for your injuries and other damages.
3. You may also be able to file a third-party claim against the rideshare company if the accident was caused by a their driver’s negligence or recklessness.
4. It’s important to preserve any evidence related to the accident, such as photos of the scene, witness contact information, and your own written account of what happened. This will all be helpful in pursuing any claims you have.
5. Be sure to keep track of all expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, property damage costs, lost wages, and more. This documentation will be important in supporting your claims for compensation. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the claims process and fight for the full compensation you deserve under the law.
