Digital ridesharing platforms are a recent innovation. There have always been ridesharing arrangements made between individuals who share workplaces, but what makes companies like Uber and Lyft unique is that they are part of the gig economy. Taxi drivers are employees of companies that own a fleet of cars and expect their drivers to work certain hours. Uber and Lyft drivers, on the contrary, can work flexible hours to earn an income while driving their private vehicles. This means that they are treated as independent contractors and not employees of either Uber or Lyft, which can have an impact on your case.
Uber and Lyft Car Accident Laws
In 2017, a law was passed in Florida that formally recognized all Uber and Lyft drivers as independent contractors and not as employees of Uber or Lyft.
There are a couple of scenarios that can lead to a Lyft or Uber personal injury case:
- The victim was a passenger in a ride-sharing vehicle and the accident was caused by the driver or the manufacturer of a part in the car or another driver
- The victim was the Uber or Lyft driver, and the accident was caused by either another driver or perhaps even a defective part in the car
- The victim was driving their own personal vehicle when they were struck by an Uber or Lyft driver who is carrying a fare
- The victim was driving their own personal vehicle when they were struck by an Uber driver who had the app off
What To Do When Involved In An Uber Accident
After you have been involved in an accident, you need to check on the other people in your car, the other car, and on the sidewalk or anywhere else. Then you should immediately call the police and inform them of the injuries. If you are unable to make the call yourself then ask a witness to call for you. Do not assume that someone else will call 911 for you.
It’s best not to say much to the other driver other than what is required, such as your:
- Name
- Address
- Telephone number
- Email address
- Auto insurance policy information
Uber And Insurance Coverage
This is additional coverage provided by Uber or Lyft as long as the driver maintains their comprehensive and collision coverage on their personal auto insurance. Both Uber and Lyft offer their own contingent comprehensive and collision insurance plans.
Why Hire An Uber and Lyft Car Accident Attorney
Even though Uber and Lyft offer their own comprehensive insurance, if one of their drivers does not have commercial coverage included in their personal auto insurance, then their insurance company may refuse to pay out on grounds that the policy only covers personal use of the vehicle. This is how and why Uber and Lyft car accident can become complex quickly. Don’t fight your claim yourself. Instead, call the personal injury lawyers of Lewis & Castagliola, P.A.
