Ridesharing has become very popular in recent years with top-earning companies making billions of dollars every year by providing these services even amid the pandemic. More and more people have turned to driving for rideshare companies as a source of income, increasing traffic congestion throughout many cities throughout the day. Rideshare companies require their drivers to carry their own insurance. Some companies offer limited policies for drivers, which secures coverage from pick-up to drop-off during a ride.
Although ridesharing offers ease and accessibility to travel, passengers are not free from the risk of car accidents and serious injuries. If you have been involved in a rideshare car accident as a passenger, you may be wondering if you are eligible to file a claim and what that looks like in a no-fault state. At Marsalisi Law, our dedicated personal injury attorney can evaluate your case and help you understand personal injury lawsuits as a passenger. Continue reading to discover more about filing a claim as a passenger in a Florida rideshare accident.
Rideshare Companies’ Driver Insurance Requirements
Every rideshare company requires its drivers to carry insurance to work and accept rides. This requirement also complies with the state for all drivers to have the minimum coverage for auto insurance.
Rideshare companies require applicants to show proof of insurance before accepting employment, and some companies offer optional coverage and basic requirements. Since drivers are considered independent contractors, some opt to add rideshare coverage in their auto-policy that provides more financial safety for drivers and passengers in the event of an accident.
Although some rideshare companies offer additional coverage options, there are restrictions and limitations to a driver’s rideshare coverage. For example, Lyft and Uber have a set amount of coverage for their drivers (while the app is in use) to be used in a covered claim regardless of whether they were at fault or not. In addition, Florida’s no-fault rule adds complexity to determining who is responsible for paying for your injuries and whose coverage would provide compensation for your losses and damage.
Florida’s Statute of Limitations and No-Fault Rule
In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is four years in most cases. This means if you are claiming compensation for losses and damages from an auto accident, you must file within the time allotted.
When you have been injured as a passenger in a rideshare auto accident, you can seek compensation for your injuries regardless of whether your driver or another driver is to blame. A skilled personal injury attorney can help your case and strategize the best route to win your injury lawsuit.
Filling a Rideshare Accident Claim as a Passenger
Filing a claim as a passenger in a rideshare car crash may seem stressful, especially if you are dealing with severe injuries and the accident’s aftermath. Car accidents are life-changing events, regardless of who was driving or responsible for causing the car crash. You are legally allowed to seek compensation in terms of personal injury when you have endured injuries from a car accident as a passenger.
Here are steps to take when you have been involved in a rideshare car accident:
- Seek medical attention for your injuries immediately.
- Gather and keep your documentation, images, video, medical records, and information of any drivers involved.
- Contact the rideshare company and any necessary parties, and inform them of the accident.
- Hire a Florida personal injury attorney to help you in your case.
Following the steps listed above, you can start on your road to recovery and possibly seek compensation for the injuries you have endured. Seeking treatment right away is essential, as the damage done in the accident may not reflect right away, and you will want to ensure you are being treated properly. You may be wondering how you can receive the compensation owed to you and who is responsible for your injuries. Our attorney, Frank P. Marsalisi, is experienced in personal injury law and dedicated to helping clients receive the maximum compensation for their suffering.
Who Is Held Responsible in a Rideshare Accident?
In a rideshare accident, either your driver or the other driver involved will be held liable for the injuries you have endured. Although there may be limitations in insurance coverage, a skilled legal team can gather coverage information held by the drivers involved. In most cases, Florida passengers have to use their own PIP insurance to cover a percentage of the costs of medical expenses, injuries, and other covered needs in their policy. Most Rideshare insurance policies also provide different coverage based on whether the App is off, the App is on and waiting for a ride request, and when the App is on, picking up passengers or during rides.
However, even if the drivers involved did not have sufficient coverage at the time of the accident, you may qualify to be compensated in a personal injury lawsuit. Rideshare companies require their drivers to have auto insurance. Still, if their coverage does not cover the total amount of your injuries, you may be able to seek compensation from the driver individually or the rideshare company in some instances. Seeking skilled legal counsel to help you through the process of filing a Florida rideshare car accident claim ensures you will put your best foot forward in your case.
Call Marsalisi Law for a Skilled Florida Personal Injury Attorney in St. Petersburg
Frank P. Marsalisi is a skilled personal injury attorney with years of experience helping clients involved in Rideshare Accidents in St. Petersburg and the greater Tampa Bay area. If you have suffered injuries because of a rideshare driver’s wrongdoings or other driver’s fault, seeking legal counsel may help you obtain the compensation owed to you from the responsible parties. Reach out to us by filling out our contact form or give us a call at (727) 800-5052 to schedule your free consultation. We also speak Spanish.
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