What to Do if Your Uber or Lyft Was Involved in an Accident in Florida

Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft offer a convenient way to travel from point A to point B in Florida when you can't drive your own vehicle. However, accidents involving Uber or Lyft drivers can happen.

You'll hopefully never be involved in such a collision, but it's important to know what to do if this ever happens. Taking the right steps after an Uber or Lyft accident may help you secure compensation for which you're eligible later.

How Common Are Rideshare Accidents?

Information about how common rideshare accidents are in Florida is fairly new. These services have only been around for a few years. Thus, it's not yet clear how they impact accident rates.

One study suggests rideshare services lead to an increase in fatal traffic accidents. However, some critics believe this study is flawed. One reason is it doesn't account for how changes in gas prices impact traffic trends. More accidents may occur when gas is affordable, and more drivers are on the road.

Another study indicates that fatal accidents become less common in an area when services such as Uber or Lyft become available. The study specifically points out that these services can reduce drunk driving accidents because they give people an alternative to driving while intoxicated.

Still, Uber or Lyft accidents do occur. You may be eligible for compensation if you're ever injured in one.

What to Do After an Accident in an Uber or Lyft in Florida

Take the following steps in the immediate aftermath of an accident:

• Check yourself for injuries.
• Check on all others involved in the accident.
• Get to a safe spot away from traffic.
• If none of the other drivers involved in the accident call 911 to report it, do so yourself (as this may be a legal requirement).
• Gather the contact and insurance information of your driver and all others involved in the crash.
• Take pictures of the scene and your injuries.
• Get the names and contact information of witnesses.
• Cooperate with the police officers when they investigate the accident.
• See a doctor as soon as you leave the scene.
• Report the accident to Uber or Lyft immediately.

What Not to Do After a Florida Uber or Lyft Accident

Don't tell anyone you're "fine" after an accident. It might not be the truth. Symptoms of certain car accident injuries may not show up until hours or even days after a crash.

Also, don't assume you only need to see a doctor if you experience symptoms. You may want to seek medical care on the day of your crash.

Should you be injured and not know it, receiving treatment as soon as possible can significantly affect your recovery. Also, you may be eligible for financial compensation for your medical bills after an accident.

Your odds of receiving said compensation may be greater if you can establish a direct link between the crash and your injuries. It's easier to do if you see a doctor right away. Seeking care the day of your crash prevents an insurer from being able to claim you might have been injured in a separate incident.

Stay Off Social Media After a Rideshare Accident in Florida

You may be tempted to post about your accident on social media. However, this could be a mistake.

Following any car accident in Florida, posting too much information on social media can hurt your case.

Limit social media usage in general after a crash. Let's say you post images of yourself playing a sport, for example. An insurance company could cite these pictures to argue that you're not as seriously injured as you claim. Therefore, the company could claim you don't deserve the compensation you seek.

This is another reason to speak with a lawyer after an accident. They can explain how discussing the accident with anyone other than them can affect your case.

Seeking Compensation After a Rideshare Accident in Florida: Important Information

The process of seeking compensation after an Uber or Lyft accident in Florida can be complex. Often, it's necessary to investigate an accident to gather evidence of liability.

Perhaps you were the passenger in an Uber or Lyft when an accident occurred. The company's liability insurance might be responsible for paying you if the accident resulted from your driver's negligence.

However, that might not be the case. The insurance company might argue the other driver involved in the accident is to blame. Should that be true, the other driver's insurance is responsible for providing compensation.

You may also be involved in an accident with an Uber or Lyft without being a passenger. Maybe an Uber collided with you while you were driving your car.

Whose insurance do you file a claim with? It depends on various factors. First, Florida is a no-fault state, which means your insurance might compensate you. However, maybe your injuries are severe. In that case, you might be able to file a separate claim with the negligent party's insurance.

Uber's insurance might provide compensation if the driver used the app and had a passenger at the time of the collision. However, if the driver was not using the app at the time of the crash, you might need to file a claim with the driver's insurance.

How a Florida Rideshare Accident Attorney Can Help

You don't need to determine liability yourself when preparing to file an insurance claim after an Uber or Lyft accident in Florida. Instead, review your case with a Florida rideshare accident attorney before working directly with an insurance company.

A Florida Uber accident attorney may assist you in a variety of ways. They include:

• Explaining your legal options.
• Investigating the accident.
• Identifying the liable parties.
• Gathering documentation of your losses/damages.
• Filing a claim with the insurance company.
• Negotiating for a proper settlement.

Hiring a lawyer simplifies what might otherwise be a complex process. It also frees you up to prioritize your recovery. While a lawyer handles your case, you can focus on getting better. Learn more by finding a Florida rideshare accident attorney and scheduling a consultation today.