Uber and Lyft: Accidents and Personal Safety

Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft offer affordable, convenient transportation options. Also known as transportation network companies (TNC), these companies provide an easy alternative that may help reduce drinking and driving accidents. Consequently, some studies are starting to show slight declines in alcohol-involved crash fatalities where these companies have significant operations. This is both good news for Americans and for Lyft and Uber public relations.

Ridesharing Vehicle Accidents
Most of the thousands of Uber and Lyft independent contractors are safe drivers. Each must go through a complete background check before working with the company. However, accidents can happen. And liability cases involving ridesharing services can be complex. The case will be handled differently depending on several factors: Was the ridesharing driver at fault? Did the driver accept your request and pick you up based on the TNC app? Were you inside the vehicle at the time of the crash? Did the vehicle strike you while you were walking or riding a bike? If so, had the driver accepted a request and was going to pick up a customer or was a customer in the vehicle?

Florida is a no-fault state. That means that accident victims (passengers included) need to seek coverage under their own insurance regardless of fault if they are injured. Thus, after contacting 9-1-1 and obtaining medical attention, rideshare passengers will need to consider filing an insurance claim. Both major ridesharing companies have liability and uninsured motorist policies that will cover the passenger if the driver is at fault, or even if the driver is not at fault, but has insufficient coverage. But, before you contact an attorney or insurance company, click here to learn exactly what you need to do if you were in an accident while riding in an Uber or Lyft vehicle or if you were hit by a ridesharing vehicle in Florida.

Personal Safety in Ridesharing Vehicles
And while we’re thinking about ridesharing safety, there’s another safety angle we want to highlight! Your personal safety while riding in ridesharing vehicles. While most drivers won’t hurt anyone, there have a few unfortunate incidents involving TNC drivers threatening or assaulting passengers. Follow these 7 important ridesharing tips anytime you use ridesharing – for your own personal safety.

1. Find out if there is an official rideshare pick-up lot at large events and arrange to meet your driver there. 2. Check driver ratings on your app prior to selecting a driver. If the driver doesn’t have good scores, skip them for another driver. 3. Make sure the license plate, car make/model match your app before you get in! It doesn’t hurt to ask for the driver’s name to confirm. 4. Keep a safe distance from the driver: sit in the back seat. 5. Trust your gut; if something doesn’t feel right, don’t get in the vehicle. 6. Send travel updates including driver and vehicle information, destination, and route to a family member or friend. 7. Keep an eye on yourself, your friends, and your belongings – don’t sleep or immerse yourself in your cellphone.

If you or a loved one was involved in a ridesharing incident or a vehicle accident, Goldman & Daszkal, P.A. may be able to help. Contact us at (954) 428-9333 or www.goldmandaszkal.com.

Goldman & Daszkal, P.A.
Since 1990, Goldman & Daszkal, P.A. has provided reputable legal representation to people throughout the state of Florida. The firm has helped thousands of individuals recover compensation from motor vehicle and boating accidents, slip and fall accidents, product defect and liability cases, pharmacy errors, and negligent security cases to cover medical expenses, pay bills, take care of their families, and return to work. Goldman & Daszkal, P.A. can help you get the relief you need to start living your life again after a serious injury. For a free and confidential consultation, contact Goldman & Daszkal, P.A., at (954) 428-9333.