Uber Accident Attorney

Before hiring an Uber accident lawyer it is important to consider the following:

1. Not all law firms are the same – many Uber accident attorneys or firms do not routinely litigate Florida car accident cases. Insurance carriers do not make a habit out of providing fair settlement offers. An accident attorney who rarely files lawsuits is essentially stating that the insurance carriers are more often than not fair to his or her clients. This simply does not make sense. The insurance giants such as Allstate, State Farm, Geico, and Progressive are well aware of the law firms and lawyers that play hardball and are willing to battle on behalf of their clients. Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, P.A. (hereinafter referred to as "Dolman Law Group"), has built a reputation for aggressively litigating injury cases throughout Florida. In fact, other lawyers and firms have trusted us with their biggest or most complicated cases. The greatest compliment is the trust our colleagues have placed in our hands. We have now handled hundreds of accident claims on behalf of those struck by an Uber vehicle or the actual Uber driver.
2. Rideshare accidents are unique – Uber insurance policies tend to offer significant coverage. Thus, you will need a ridesharing accident lawyer with the financial resources and necessary experience to retain the best experts to properly illustrate the damages sustained by the injury victim. Bigger insurance policies often translate into the insurance carrier throwing up more hurdles and hiring very talented lawyers to make the process as difficult as possible. We have successfully handled numerous Uber vehicle accident cases over the past decade. Keep in mind that the applicable insurance carriers tend to defend a ridesharing accident injury claim far more aggressively than your typical car wreck.
3. We will assist you in obtaining treatment and handling all medical bills incurred – While our firm has handled thousands of accident and injury claims, we understand this is likely your first serious car accident. You likely feel vulnerable and unsure of your next step or how the whole process works. We are empathetic to your situation. While this may feel routine to us, you are far outside your comfort zone. We take this responsibility very seriously. Whether you are an Uber driver or were struck by one, it is our duty to assist you in obtaining treatment and resolving your medical bills.
4. We offer personal attention – Our firm was initially built on word of mouth advertising from very satisfied former clients. As opposed to the massive television law firms advertising in the same exact way over and over again, Dolman Law Group does not rely on a commercial to bring us our next client. Hence, why we work so hard to keep our clients happy. The most common complaint of individuals represented by the biggest advertisers is the Uber accident victim never spoke with or even met their attorney.

If you've needed to get somewhere fast in the past couple of years but you didn't have a car handy or you wanted to make a one-way trip somewhere too far to walk, odds are you probably got a ride from an Uber driver. Maybe you didn't but instead decided to go with the services of a similar competitor of theirs like Lyft or even Curb all through the convenience of a phone app. This is the phenomenon of ridesharing. The existence of Uber has resulted in a dramatic change in transportation. Accidents involving an Uber vehicle are an ever-evolving area of case law. Thanks to these revolutionary new services, the taxi is ready to go the way of the dinosaur but in the end, you are still traveling via car and all the same risks still apply. That means that Uber vehicle accidents can happen while you are being whisked away to whichever destination you have specified. This begs the question of what happens if you do happen to get in an accident while in an Uber or similar rideshare service? Better yet, what happens if you happen to get injured in an Uber car accident? Contact our Uber Accident Lawyers to learn more. The possibility of an Uber rideshare accident is something that is a relatively new phenomenon.

Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA – Uber Accident Attorneys and Lyft Accident Lawyers

If you find yourself asking these questions after becoming a motor vehicle accident victim, i.e. involved in an Uber or similar rideshare provider accident, then don't hesitate to contact Dolman Law Group about receiving a free consultation and legal advice. Our skilled Uber accident lawyers have the experience in handling rideshare cases that you will need to secure the compensation that you deserve. An important distinction must be made between ordinary car accidents and ridesharing collisions. The insurance coverage is more substantial and the defense lawyers assigned tend to be more talented. Hence, the need to hire a law firm with a reputation for litigating their cases.

Why Dolman Law Group Is The Right Choice

Dolman Law Group is a nationally recognized award-winning law firm with a long track record of success. Our lawyers have over 115 plus years of experience handling serious injury claims. As a law firm, we have recovered in excess of $175 Million for injury victims and our many achievements have been recognized. Stanley Gipe is a Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer. He has been deemed an expert in trial practice and heads the litigation department at Dolman Law Group. Stan has served as lead counsel on over 1000 Florida lawsuits. Matthew Dolman is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum for resolving lawsuits in excess of $1 Million and $2 Million respectively. Further, he has been selected by his colleagues as a Florida Super Lawyer and one of Florida's Legal Elite on multiple occasions. We are the opposite of a high-volume law firm that heavily advertises on daytime television. At Dolman Law Group, we stress quality over quantity and our goal is to resolve every last case for the maximum value possible. In fact, our lawyers remain ready, willing, and able to take cases all the way to a jury verdict when insurance carriers fail to act in a reasonable manner. If you were a passenger of Uber or the driver of a rideshare vehicle; rest assured we are a law firm known for our competency and experience handling serious injury claims. Progressive handles the insurance for all Uber vehicles, and they know us very well. At the end of the day, our experienced personal injury attorneys have one goal; to maximize your compensation.

What is Uber?

Before we get into the specifics of what to do in the event of an Uber accident, it is important to understand what exactly Uber is and how that affects an accident scenario while utilizing its service. First and foremost, Uber is a rideshare company founded in San Francisco in the year 2009 as “UberCab”. The aim of the business was to provide a cheaper way to hire private drivers by pooling the cost with friends. This eventually grew to the massive company that spans the globe today offering a variety of services all based around the chartering of private transportation via an electronic application. The most popular service and the one most applicable to most rider's concerns of a rideshare car accident is UberX which is the most commonly utilized of the company's services created in 2012 and provides affordable transportation via ridesharing. In addition to this service, there are several others that provide transport for customers who need or want larger vehicles or luxury vehicles like UberXL and UberBLACK.

What is Ridesharing?

In order to decrease the cost of chartering the transportation services of a private driver, Uber created the system we call ridesharing. It's essentially just splitting the cost of a ride from a paid driver between friends headed to the same place or strangers headed in the same direction in the case of UberPOOL. By allowing people headed in the same direction to split the cost of a ride, the price of an Uber became much more affordable than a ride in a taxi or similar chartered car service. The rideshare business model created by Uber essentially rendered taxis obsolete and has been mimicked by rideshare companies all over the world. Rideshare services provided by different companies will all have unique aspects to their services to differentiate them from the competition. However, rideshare companies across the board will typically have several common elements. Rideshare will typically be requested and paid for via an application that is accessible via a smartphone, tablet, computer, or similarly advanced electronic device. Then the Uber app will plot out the route and calculate the cost so that a driver can take a passenger to their destination using a GPS. Also, there is usually some system that allows passengers and drivers to rate each other after a ride to ensure people behave appropriately or risk a low rating.

Who Drives Uber or Lyft Cars?

Uber drivers are considered freelance drivers rather than being directly employed by Uber or whichever rideshare service. This makes for a difficult situation in terms of liability in litigation since employers are usually liable for any employee accidents. Rideshare companies typically will run basic background checks on their drivers by screening driving, public, and criminal records of their drivers to make sure their consumers are in safe hands. Some have criticized Uber for not being as thorough as it should be, for example utilizing fingerprint scanning and FBI background checks like regular taxi companies do.

Rideshare Services Vs Taxi Services

Uber and other rideshare companies are actually not considered taxi companies. In fact, they are actually considered software companies that merely run an electronic application that acts as a middle man facilitating the services freelance drivers provide the consumer. Since they are classified differently from taxi companies, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are able to circumvent certain regulations. Unlike taxis, Uber and Lyft vehicles are not considered commercial vehicles. This is thanks to the fact that the vehicles are privately owned by freelance drivers that simply work through rideshare apps to varying degrees. unlike taxis that are vehicles devoted to the singular purpose of the taxi company's service. Since they are not considered commercial vehicles, Uber and Lyft driver vehicles are not subject to the same regulations for taxis that require them to have commercial vehicle insurance plans.

If You're the Driver in a Rideshare Vehicle

If you're a driver for either Uber or Lyft, you have $1 million in insurance protection as long as you have a designated rideshare passenger in the car with you, or if you're on your way to get a rideshare passenger. If you are working, but neither have a passenger nor on the direct route to get a passenger, like say when you're driving around waiting on a passenger request, the coverage you are eligible for from the rideshare's insurance policy is dramatically lessened. The exact amount depends on different circumstances. Like any other accident in Florida, Uber insurance, Lyft insurance, and/or other rideshare insurance policy may not cover personal damages if the accident is deemed to be your fault.

What should I know before becoming a rideshare driver?

You should always carefully read your own insurance policy and the insurance policy of the rideshare company you want to work for before signing up for, or signing, anything. It is up to you to make sure that you have the coverage you need and would expect while operating your vehicle for Uber or Lyft. If you have any questions about your policy, or Uber or Lyft's policies, you can contact Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA to learn more or to consult about a recent incident. [Read what Uber says about their insurance on their website.] [Read what Lyft says about their insurance on their website.]

Is Uber Required to Have Insurance in Case of an Uber Car Accident?

With such widespread use of rideshare growing so quickly, certain parties have grown concerned over how accidents with Uber and other rideshare company vehicles will be handled. Details such as “How much insurance coverage will be given?”, “Who will get the coverage from this insurance?”, and “What will insurance cover or not cover?” all have been pondered not only by the consumers utilizing rideshare but by regulatory entities that work to ensure the consumer is not taken advantage of.

Ridesharing Laws

Regulation of ridesharing services in Florida is covered by the HB221 signed on May 9th of 2017. Also called the “Uber/Lyft” bill, HB221 requires that rideshare drivers be insured while they are logged into the app but not driving a passenger and also when they are driving a passenger. The bill specifies that the insurance requirements of the bill may be met by either the driver or the rideshare company. The minimum amounts specified by the Uber/Lyft bill for insurance coverage are: Uber Car Accidents When on the app but not carrying a passenger:

• Primary automobile liability coverage of at least $50,000 for death and bodily injury per person;
• Primary automobile liability coverage of at least $100,000 for death and bodily injury per incident;
• PDL coverage of at least $25,000 per incident; and,
• PIP and uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage as required by existing law.

Uber Car Accidents When Driving a Passenger:

• Primary automobile liability coverage of at least $1 million for death, bodily injury, and property damage; and,
• PIP and UIM coverage as required by existing law.

Uber and Lyft Rideshare Insurance

Both Uber and Lyft have very similar insurance coverage plans in the event that there is an accident involving a vehicle using their service. They are both required by the state to provide a minimum of coverage according to the aforementioned HB221 bill and do follow those requirements but there is still a great deal of confusion over how exactly the insurance coverage works depending on the accident situation. The differences in coverage can be split up into several different situations of app usage and ride status based on Uber policies. The following is an analysis of the issues of Uber driver liability.

1. Uber or Lyft car accidents when the rideshare app is off and inactive

Since the rideshare app is off and not being utilized at all, then the driving of the vehicle is considered to be of the driver's own personal use. Therefore, it is up to the driver to use their own insurance plan for the accident since there is no involvement at all by whichever rideshare app they utilize. Also, both Uber and Lyft require drivers that utilize their app to have their own insurance plans for cases like this and some of the following situations.

2. Uber or Lyft car accidents when the rideshare app is on and the driver is idle and waiting for a ride request

In this case, the application is on and the driver is actively using whatever rideshare service to look for ride requests. If a driver gets into an accident while they are actively searching for a ride request that is their fault, then the rideshare service's insurance will cover liability damage with $50,000 for injuries per person and $100,000 total for the accident with $25,000 for property damage. However, this coverage is only available if the driver's personal insurance does not provide an equal or greater level of coverage. The driver's own insurance will have to take care of any damages to them like collision damage to the car, medical expenses caused by injuries, and any lost wages due to the accident and/or injuries sustained from the rideshare accident. It should be noted that a driver's personal insurance may deny a claim if they have a policy where they do provide coverage if the vehicle was being used in a money-earning capacity. It's because of this that many drivers opt to get their own rideshare insurance which covers them for this specific period of time while they are working.

3. Uber or Lyft car accidents when the driver accepts a ride request and is en route or from when the passenger gets in the vehicle to when they exit

From the moment the driver accepts a ride request via the rideshare app to the moment a passenger disembarks the vehicle, the rideshare service provides coverage for both the driver and the passenger. Uber and Lyft both provide third-party liability coverage of at least 1 million dollars per accident for damages to another driver, pedestrians, passengers, and property. Uber and Lyft provide uninsured or underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage of at least 1 million dollars. This insurance coverage covers anyone in the vehicle when another motorist is at fault and either does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover the damages they caused to the people in the other vehicle. This insurance also covers hit and runs where the at-fault driver cannot be found. If a driver has collision coverage in their personal insurance for when they are not providing rideshare services, then they are eligible for contingent collision and comprehensive coverage. The coverage limit is limited up to the cash value of the vehicle with a $1000 deductible.

What You Should do After an Uber or Lyft Rideshare Car Accident

Being involved in a rideshare car accident can be both disorienting and perplexing. The convoluted Uber car rules of who gets covered and for how much can be very stressful to deal with especially when someone is injured. Remember to always prioritize your health first after any accident and then consider litigation later. Things like back injuries and traumatic brain injuries can be sustained from any car accident and should be addressed immediately or else complications may occur. This is not only for your own health but also for your Uber vehicle accident claim as well. Getting medical treatment as soon as possible after a car wreck is essential since any delay in seeking medical treatment can potentially be used against a claimant. Many people make the mistake of delaying treatment after a car accident which can be taken as a sign that your injuries are not that severe. If possible, after an accident occurs try to remember any notable details and preserve as much information on the nature of the accident as possible. If you have a phone and are able, take a couple of photos or videos of the accident scene and damage. Take pictures of the vehicle, your injuries, the accident scene, and any other relevant details. Get the information of all available parties and any possible witnesses. It is recommended that you call 911 not only because they can provide emergency assistance but also because law enforcement at an accident scene can file a police report which can be helpful when filing a car accident claim. Most importantly remember that you don't have to try and seek compensation alone. Insurance companies can be fickle and difficult in their dispensation of compensation. Seek the help of a skilled Florida accident lawyer, which includes both Uber lawyers near me and other rideshare services.

Can I lose my access to Uber or Lyft if I make a claim?

Many Uber and Lyft passengers and drivers that we have represented were initially very worried about bringing a claim. This is because that these people rely on the Uber or Lyft systems in order to make an income or for regular transportation needs. This is very understandable. But it is absolutely clear that if you bring a valid injury claim under the insurance policy from Uber or Lyft, you will not be penalized. Uber and Lyft pay a portion of each fare directly to their insurance companies for this exact purpose. In Florida, Uber uses Progressive for their insurance, and Lyft uses York/AIG for their insurance. Both of these insurance companies are large enough so that any single claim does not impact their bottom line in any meaningful way. So long as your claim is valid, and documented properly by the authorities such as police, ambulance, fire rescue, and your medical doctors, your claim will be given the respect that it should be. Of course, in order to get the full respect of the insurance companies, it makes a big difference when you hire a law firm that has considerable experience with these claims. The claims handlers at Uber Lyft, Progressive, and York/AIG know who we are and respect our ability to bring a strong claim directly to a jury if necessary. Your privileges on the Uber or Lyft applications or platforms will not be in jeopardy because you have brought a valid injury claim. The same holds true for Uber drivers.

How Can I Find a Florida Uber Car Accident Attorney or Lyft Accident Lawyer Near me?

If you have been injured in a serious accident in the state of Florida, understanding when to seek the help of an attorney can be confusing. But generally, you should speak to our Uber accident lawyers as soon as you can; time is often a factor in personal injury cases. When it comes to Uber accidents, you should not try to get by with a simple car accident attorney. While these kinds of lawyers are plentiful and can help you with your average car accident, they will lack the specialized approach and experience required to handle cases involving rideshare vehicles. Uber accident cases involve different insurance coverage rules, different understandings of fault, and a number of other complications that require specialized knowledge to deal with. When searching for a Uber accident attorney don't just look for specialized skills but also a tried and true case record where clients have not just gotten settlements but managed to get sufficient compensation to to cover their damages. An attorney that has handled many cases similar to your own can be a good choice. On the other hand, one must also check to see if that lawyer has taken their client's cases to court. Some lawyers are willing to take subpar settlements and avoid dealing with a long and demanding trial since it can still look like a win. Look for an attorney willing and able to represent you in court.

Dolman Law Group Uber Accident Lawyers

Consider speaking to the experienced lawyers of Dolman Law Group about your Uber accident claim. Our skilled Uber accident attorneys leverage their considerable experience into obtaining significant settlements from insurance companies that are known for being reluctant to pay out on claims. To schedule a free consultation with one of our ridesharing accident attorneys, call Dolman Law Group today at 833-55-Crash or send us an email through our online contact form. It does not matter whether you are an Uber driver or struck by one. We want to speak with you immediately as time is of the essence. We have represented countless Uber drivers in recent years and are intimately familiar with their concerns.

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Clearwater Office 800 N Belcher Rd Clearwater, FL 33765 (727) 451-6900

Client Testimonial

“AMAZING and understanding attorneys! Did great on my case and I highly recommend Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA for anyone that has been injured in an accident!" Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Koralis R. Jan 2020 Read more reviews on Google!