St. Petersburg Lyft and Uber Accident Lawyer

Where Law Gets Personal
Lyft-and-UBER-stickers-on-the-rear-window-of-a-vehicle

It may have seemed questionable a generation ago, but soliciting rides from strangers while out on the town has become completely natural, especially in congested cities. Ordering an Uber or Lyft ride is a great option when traveling to an unfamiliar area or going out for drinks with friends after work. The beauty of rideshare service is having rides on demand whenever you need them in almost every city in the world.

Rideshare companies like Lyft and Uber have completely taken over the taxi industry and are widely available in St. Petersburg and throughout Tampa Bay. Taking an Uber or Lyft makes it more convenient than ever to enjoy all that our town has to offer. While they do fulfill widespread demand for easy transportation, the rose-colored glasses come off when accidents take place and passengers get hurt.

Rideshare Accident Statistics

Data reveal that the widespread availability of Uber and Lyft is contributing to a rise in car accident fatalities. The University of Chicago found that, in 2011, traffic deaths increased by 2% to 3% since the introduction of Uber and competing services. Uber launched in 2009, and in 2010, 32,885 fatal car accidents marked the lowest number since 1949.

State Regulations for Transportation Network Companies

Transportation network companies or TNCs like Uber and Lyft must follow specific laws that vary by state. In Florida, TNCs must retain insurance coverage for their drivers and passengers. These policies must provide a minimum of:

  • $50,000 for death and bodily injury per person;
  • $100,000 for death and bodily injury per accident; and
  • $25,000 for property damage.

These minimums may increase when the driver is active on the Uber or Lyft app. When a passenger is on a ride, and the driver is active, the coverage may reach:

  • $1 million of total liability,
  • $1 million of uninsured or underinsured motorist, and
  • Full coverage of vehicle damages with a $1,000 deductible.

The available coverage to which you may be entitled as a passenger depends on what stage in the ride you were hurt. Your Uber or Lyft accident lawyer will be able to advise you on this matter.

Florida requirements also mandate TNCs to run background checks on all prospective drivers that verify their criminal and driving records. No one with any of the following convictions in the past 5 years may drive for Uber or Lyft (or any other transportation network company) in the Sunshine State:

  • Any felony conviction;
  • A DUI misdemeanor;
  • A misdemeanor hit-and-run or fleeing or eluding police;
  • A misdemeanor sexual battery or other violent crime;
  • A conviction of indecent exposure or lewdness; or
  • Driving with a revoked or suspended license.

These basic regulations seek to keep consumers safe when using Uber, Lyft, or some other mode of transportation.

Unfortunately, vehicle accidents involving Uber and Lyft still take place daily. Passengers are often innocent victims of these types of accidents. While Lyft and Uber employ million-dollar insurance policies, it may be challenging to prove to their insurance companies the severity of your injuries.

A St. Petersburg accident attorney who handles Uber and Lyft claims can help you push back against these powerful companies and their insurance providers. Frank P. Marsalisi of Marsalisi Law strives to help in your time of need so you can focus on healing β€” both physically and mentally β€” from accident injuries caused by another’s negligence behind the wheel.

Damages You Could Seek After a Lyft or Uber Crash in St. Petersburg

The details of an accident victim’s losses in an Uber or Lyft crash can vary; however, in general terms, you may be entitled to compensation for the following losses:

  • All medical bills related to the accident;
  • Rehabilitation for your injuries;
  • Transportation to and from medical appointments;
  • The cost of an in-home caretaker;
  • Psychiatric treatment;
  • Lost wages;
  • Pain and suffering; and/or
  • Overall reduced quality of life.

Anyone who requires medical attention after an Uber or Lyft crash is urged to keep all records and receipts for those treatments.

Contacting an Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer in St. Petersburg

Marsalisi Law is dedicated to fighting for the rights of accident victims in and around St. Petersburg. Frank P. Marsalisi is passionate about helping his clients obtain much-needed compensation for their injuries and charges no upfront fees. Our firm does not receive payment for our fees unless we win your case.

You can trust our firm to keep you updated on the status of your case while your wounds heal. If you’re in a condition that prevents you from visiting our firm, Frank will come to you to resolve important matters when necessary. With more than 10 years of experience, you can count on Frank P. Marsalisi to provide competent and passionate representation. Call (727) 334-1344 or complete our contact form for a free consultation. Marsalisi Law is Where Law Gets Personal.

Reference:

https://news.uchicago.edu/story/ride-hailing-services-may-be-driving-traffic-deaths