Rideshare Car Accident – Did a BOZO pick you up?

The rise in popularity of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft has unfortunately resulted in a large number of unqualified drivers taking the road in an attempt to cash in on the newest transportation trend.  Unlike traditional taxi services, these companies rely heavily on handheld technology via driver cell phones to receive rider requests and communicate with dispatch.  As such, we have seen a number of accidents that resulted from distracted driving while the driver attempts to interact with the servicing app on their phone while transporting passengers.  Looking for GPS directions, responding to messages from potential travelers, communicating with the dispatcher, and even personal texting and social media use are far too common.  In addition, the rush to deliver passengers to their designation quickly in order to capture the next fare tempts many drivers to push the boundaries of the speed limit and traffic safety laws.

Even the safest and most experienced rideshare drivers can have an accident.  If you are involved in an Uber or Lyft automobile accident in Jacksonville, Florida, we recommend taking the following steps:

  1. Report any injuries to the rideshare driver and request emergency medical services.
  2. If able, take photographs of the accident vehicles, including license plates and each driver.
  3. Report the accident in the rideshare app’s help section under the trip details.
  4. Screenshot the trip details in your app in the event the rideshare driver deletes the trip.
  5. Follow through with any recommended medical care from emergency services or urgent care physicians.
  6. Contact an experienced Jacksonville, Florida personal injury lawyer to investigate and pursue your case.

The Florida legislature has enacted laws which require minimum insurance coverages that a rideshare driver and the dispatching company must maintain to reimburse passengers for personal injuries and damage to their property as a result of an accident.  These commercial policies must include primary automobile liability coverage of at least $1 million for death, bodily injury, and property damage; as well as Personal injury protection benefits that meet the minimum coverage amounts.  This means that regardless of your status as a vehicle owner or what automobile insurance you personally carry, there should be insurance in place to cover your injuries, lost wages, and loss of any property.

If you have been injured as a result of an accident in an Uber or Lyft rideshare, you need an experienced automobile accident attorney to protect your legal rights. Do not delay!  Consultations for personal injury cases like this are always free and available to meet your busy schedule.  Office, home, hospital, telephone, or video conference meetings with one of our Jacksonville Uber accident attorneys can be scheduled by calling or texting McGrath Gibson at (904) 358-3300 today.