Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Representing Injured Uber & Lyft Passengers in Northwest Florida

Were you injured in a rideshare accident or vehicle collision caused by a rideshare driver? If so, you have the right to seek financial compensation for the damages you have incurred. At Perry & Young, we represent injured individuals throughout Northwest Florida. Our team can help you understand your legal rights and fight for the maximum compensation you need to make the best possible recovery from injury.

Call (850) 215-7777 or online today to request your free consultation with an experienced rideshare accident attorney.

Florida Rideshare Laws

In Florida, rideshare laws are designed to regulate companies like Uber and Lyft, ensuring both safety and fairness for drivers and passengers. The primary regulatory framework is established under the Florida Public Service Commission and various local ordinances.

Rideshare companies operating in Florida must comply with state requirements for insurance coverage. Florida law mandates that rideshare drivers maintain a minimum of $50,000 in coverage for bodily injury per person, $100,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. This coverage is required to be in place during all periods of a rideshare trip, including while waiting for a ride request and while actively transporting passengers.

In addition to insurance requirements, Florida law stipulates that rideshare drivers must undergo background checks and vehicle inspections to ensure safety. These checks include criminal background screenings and driving record reviews to confirm that drivers have a clean record and are fit to operate a vehicle for ridesharing purposes.

Local jurisdictions in Florida may have their own additional regulations. For example, some cities or counties may require specific permits or licenses for rideshare drivers or impose additional safety measures. It is crucial for both drivers and companies to stay informed about these local rules to ensure full compliance and avoid potential fines or legal issues.

What Insurance Covers Rideshare Accidents?

Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies require their drivers to have a personal auto insurance policy. However, these policies generally do not cover accidents that occur while the driver is working for the rideshare company. In response to this issue, rideshare companies provide their drivers with additional insurance coverage.

There are three main periods of rideshare driving and, therefore, three different insurance policies that may apply:

1. Offline: The rideshare driver is not logged into the app and is not available to accept rides. During this period, the driver’s personal auto insurance policy is the primary coverage.
2. Available: The rideshare driver is logged into the app and is available to accept rides, but has not yet accepted a fare. During this period, the rideshare driver’s personal insurance policy is still the primary coverage. However, the rideshare company’s insurance policy will provide additional coverage if the driver’s policy does not fully cover the damages.
3. En Route: The rideshare driver has accepted a fare and is en route to pick up the passenger or is transporting the passenger to the requested destination. During this period, the rideshare company’s insurance policy is the primary coverage.

It is important to note that, even if the rideshare driver is not logged into the app and is not available to accept rides, you may still be able to recover compensation for your damages. For example, if you were hit by an Uber driver while they were driving to the grocery store, you may be able to pursue a claim against the driver’s personal auto insurance policy. An experienced rideshare accident attorney can help you understand how the relevant insurance policies apply to your case.

How Can an Uber & Lyft Accident Attorney Help?

After a rideshare accident, you should be able to focus on your recovery. Unfortunately, dealing with insurance companies is often a complex and time-consuming process. That is why you need an experienced attorney on your side. At Perry & Young, P.A., we can handle the legal side of things so that you can focus on your health.

Our team is here to help you fight for the maximum compensation you are owed. We offer free initial consultations and contingency fees, meaning there are no upfront costs to you and no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Call Perry & Young, P.A. at (850) 215-7777 or submit an online contact form to request your complimentary case evaluation with our Northwest Florida rideshare accident attorney.