No one expects to be in an accident while using Uber or Lyft. Most of us call on ridesharing services because we appreciate the convenience and safety they provide. When the unexpected happens, the injuries suffered in these collisions can substantially impact your life, and it’s important to recover just compensation. If you sustained injuries in a ridesharing collision, you may be curious about your accident settlement in Florida. Read on to learn more about these accidents and what factors may impact your potential payout.
What Is an Average Rideshare Accident Settlement in Florida?
It’s understandable that an injured victim may be eager to learn an average rideshare compensation settlement in Florida, but a personal injury attorney understands that there is no average. Each case is different, and this variety creates a wide range of potential settlement amounts depending on the facts. Let’s look at some common factors that impact a rideshare accident settlement.
Severity of Injuries
Victims suffering from minor injuries with the expectation that the injuries will heal completely in a few months typically receive less of a settlement than victims suffering from more severe injuries. A recovery or rehabilitation period that puts you out of work for weeks or months means that you may be unable to support your family. Additionally, serious injuries may become permanent, and you may never fully recover.
Serious injuries may not always be immediately apparent. Instead, you may begin to show symptoms in the hours, days, or weeks after a collision. It’s vital to seek medical attention immediately after a crash to rule out serious injuries that may worsen without medical attention.
Determination of Fault
Florida follows pure comparative negligence when it comes to car accidents. Under this theory, a victim’s damage recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault. An experienced attorney anticipates that an insurance company may attempt to attribute fault to a victim to reduce their potential payout.
Total Damages
The greater the value of your damages, the higher your case may be worth. Examples of recoverable economic and non-economic damages include the following:
- Medical expenses,
- Lost wages,
- Loss of future earnings,
- Pain and suffering,
- Emotional distress, and
- Loss of consortium.
After such a traumatic experience, it’s vital to recover the total value of your losses. Calculating the value of economic and non-economic damages requires the help of a qualified injury attorney to ensure you receive the compensation you need.
Who Is Responsible for a Rideshare Accident?
In accidents with rideshare drivers, determining responsibility is similar to any other vehicle collision. If a rideshare driver causes a crash through negligent conduct, you may pursue a lawsuit against them, or possibly Uber or Lyft, for the damages caused by the accident. However, another driver might be at fault. Your lawyer can assess the facts of your case and help determine who is responsible.
Rideshare Driver Transporting a Passenger
If the Uber and Lyft driver is actively transporting a passenger, rideshare insurance coverage plans typically cover up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage. Additional coverage details include the following:
- Contingent collision coverage with a $2,500 deductible,
- $250,000 in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Your attorney can assist in determining who you can file your claim against, and if you’re eligible, they can help you pursue a claim through Uber or Lyft’s insurance.
Rideshare Driver Seeking a Passenger
If a rideshare driver does not actively have a passenger in their car but causes a collision while using the app to seek passengers, a victim might still receive some coverage. Uber and Lyft cover up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident in bodily injury coverage. Additionally, a victim may receive $25,000 in property damage coverage. But again, your attorney knows the rules and can help advise you on which party you can seek compensation from.
Rideshare Driver Not Using Rideshare App
When a rideshare driver is not using the Uber or Lyft app but is using their vehicle for personal reasons, they are not covered by the ridesharing coverage plans. If a driver causes a collision in this situation, a victim must pursue compensation through the driver’s insurance policy. Your attorney assists in investigating what the driver’s policy limits may cover. If a driver’s policy fails to protect the total value of your losses, your attorney may advise you to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the driver personally.
Contact Us
At James Horne Law PA, our primary value is our commitment to clients in personal injury and family law matters. We take the time to understand you and the details of your case, and we never view you as a file number. We fight to achieve the best possible result in every case. No case is too simple or too complex. We know what’s at stake after a devastating car accident. You and your family may struggle to move forward after such a traumatic experience. At James Horne Law PA, we work tirelessly to provide top-notch legal representation in your time of need. Contact us by phone or email for a confidential consultation.
James “Jay” Horne is an AV-Preeminent rated aggressive litigation attorney, who focuses his practice on medical malpractice, personal injury and family law matters. He has successfully represented clients from case inception through trial and appeals in state and federal court. Jay was born and raised on the Suncoast. He is married and proud father to a one year old son. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, golfing and distance running during the cool months.
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