The popularity of ridesharing services is increasing across the country, and Uber and Lyft 
are now both available in the Tampa Bay area. All you have to do is download an app, save your credit card information, and then you can request a driver at any time. While there are many benefits to Uber, Lyft, and other ridesharing services, these cars are simply vehicles driven by regular people. Despite being for-hire drivers, Uber and Lyft drivers do not have additional training or qualifications. They are at risk for causing an accident or being a victim of an accident like any other motorist.
Unfortunately, if you are injured in a ridesharing accident, whether you were an Uber or Lyft driver, passenger, or in another vehicle, recovering compensation for your injuries can be complicated. You will need the help of an experienced Tampa Bay area car accident lawyer to determine who is at fault and who is ultimately liable for your financial recovery.
Accidents involving drivers operating ride sharing vehicles are different in some ways from private individuals, particularly involving insurance.
The ride sharing drivers are covered under commercial insurance provided by the company. This insurance typically has a $1 million policy limit – significantly higher than what’s available from most individuals’ auto coverage.
The amount of coverage has different benefit amounts based on the situation. The amount of insurance coverage will depend on what stage the ride share driver is in at the time of the crash. Stage one is when the driver has his app on. Stage two the driver has agreed to pick up and customer and is on the way to do that and stage three is once the customer is in the ridesharing vehicle and being transported to his/her destination. It may take some old fashioned detective work to determine exactly what the situation was when an accident occurs. If you have been involved in an accident involving a ride sharing driver, you would be well served to retain an attorney with the specific experience and training that is available for these situations, like Robin Nightingale.
Robin Nightingale focuses her practice as a personal injury attorney in Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Largo, Dunedin and the Tampa Bay area. For more information, visit our website at www.ClearwaterPersonalInjuryAttorney.net or call (727) 210-8800