If your Uber is involved in an accident in Florida, ensure that everyone involved is safe and render aid if necessary. Call 911 to report the accident to authorities and obtain medical attention. Once everyone is safe and the accident has been reported to the police, you can report the accident to Uber, document the crash site, and file a claim.
If you would like assistance with your Uber accident claim, the Fort Lauderdale Uber & Lyft accident attorneys at our firm can help.
What You Should Do if Your Uber Gets in an Accident in Florida
When you are a rideshare passenger in an Uber vehicle, you reasonably expect a safe experience. Unfortunately, Uber drivers are sometimes negligent, which can lead to dangerous accidents and injured riders.
If your Uber driver caused an accident through negligence, your safety is the first consideration. Remove yourself from danger, call 911, and seek medical assistance as soon as possible.
If your injuries permit, document the accident scene, paying special attention to:
- Where each vehicle ended up
- Scratches, dents, and other damage to the vehicles
- Skid marks, tire tracks, and damage to surrounding objects
- The location of the accident
- Vehicle identifying information, such as license plates
You should also get each driver’s insurance information and contact details. If you cannot get this information, you may still be able to obtain it from the police or by allowing our auto accident lawyers to investigate the crash.
The attending officer should file a crash report with the local law enforcement agency within ten days of the accident. This report provides critical evidence for your personal injury claim.
Determine Whether to File a Claim With Your PIP or Uber Accident Insurance
Uber carries insurance to cover medical bills, lost income, and other damages that arise due to an Uber driver’s negligence. In Florida, you may file a claim with your personal injury protection (PIP) policy, regardless of who was responsible for the crash.
Personal injury protection is state-mandated insurance that covers the medical expenses and lost income associated with your accident up to the policy limit. If you have no PIP coverage or your injuries exceed the PIP limit on your policy, you may file a third-party claim through the at-fault party’s insurance or a personal injury lawsuit.
To file a claim or lawsuit against Uber, the driver, or their insurers, you must be able to show that the driver’s negligence caused the accident and associated injuries. A Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney who handles rideshare claims can help you compile evidence, such as videos of the accident and witness statements, to establish fault and support your case.
Consult With a Personal Injury Lawyer Who Handles Florida Uber Accident Cases
If you are in an accident while you are an Uber passenger in Florida, you have a right to seek compensation for the injuries and losses you suffer as a result. Insurance companies are often stubborn and may deny your damage claim for several reasons. For example, they may:
- Claim the Uber driver was not negligent or at fault
- Insist that Uber is not responsible for the driver’s negligent behavior
- Deny a claim because the driver was using their vehicle for commercial purposes
- Say that another party and their insurance carrier are liable for the accident
These claims can become complicated and confusing quickly, even if you were simply a passenger. Our Uber accident lawyers in Florida are aware of the potential legal complexities and excuses insurers will use to avoid responsibility.
We can assess your case to determine which party is liable and help you build a compelling claim for damages. In addition, your attorney will know how to inform Uber about the accident, negotiate with insurance companies, and file a lawsuit if necessary to recover the compensation you deserve.
Continue Medical Treatment and Follow Your Doctor’s Orders After an Uber Collision
While your lawyer gathers evidence and negotiates with insurers, you can keep your case on track by attending all follow-up appointments and physical therapy sessions with your providers. Use assistive equipment as instructed and avoid doing activities against your doctor’s instructions.
Any deviation from your doctor’s treatment plan can have dire consequences for your Uber claim. The insurer may use your failure to comply as evidence that you are not as injured as you say. This can cut into your final settlement and leave you paying for medical treatment, lost income, and other expenses that your claim should cover.
Avoid Posting About the Uber Accident on Social Media
Following an accident in an Uber, you may be tempted to tell people about it online. Keep in mind that all your social media posts, even those set to private, can be used against you. Rather than risking your case, keep the details of your rideshare accident between you and your attorney.
Your Uber Accident Claim May Be Subject to a Time Limit
Florida’s deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, the insurance company may have a much shorter deadline for reporting the crash, and even the legal filing deadline can differ depending on your circumstances.
If you miss the deadline to file an Uber accident claim, you may lose your chance to recover the compensation you need. Don’t risk it – let our personal injury attorneys start advocating for your rights immediately.
In addition to meeting legal deadlines, we can recover time-sensitive information, including driver ride data, videos of the accident, and witness statements from people who saw the crash. This evidence can disappear or lose quality over time, potentially harming your case.
If Your Uber Was in a Collision in Florida, Call Our Law Firm
A Florida rideshare accident attorney with Rosenberg & Rosenberg can review your case at no cost. We provide legal assistance for Uber accident victims on a contingency basis, which means we charge nothing up front for our legal services. Call now for more information about what happens if your Uber gets in an accident in Florida and what you can do to protect your rights.
