A car crash is a frightening experience. When the accident involves a rideshare vehicle, the situation can be even more confusing. Unlike a regular collision, a crash with a rideshare driver brings a unique set of questions about liability and insurance.
Your actions right after the incident are crucial to protecting yourself and your ability to seek compensation. Knowing what to do in the immediate aftermath can help you complete the process with confidence.
What to do if you are a passenger
If you are a passenger in a rideshare vehicle, your first steps are essential to ensure your safety and protect your rights. Following a crash, here are some immediate actions you can take. First and foremost, remember to always seek medical care right away, even for minor injuries.
Other important actions include:
- Call 911 to report the crash and ask for emergency medical help
- Gather information from everyone involved, including the driver’s name, phone number, license plate number and insurance details
- If possible, take photos of the crash scene, the damage to the vehicles and your injuries
- Report the accident to the rideshare company through their app as soon as you can
Remember, in Florida, you must notify your own insurance company promptly, as you will likely first file a claim under your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
Why seeking compensation can be challenging
In a typical car accident, a victim seeks compensation from the driver who was at fault. However, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are different because they consider their drivers to be independent contractors, meaning the company may not be directly responsible for the driver’s actions.
While the driver might have insurance, it may not include a commercial-use policy, which can create a coverage gap, making it difficult to get fair compensation for your medical bills and other damages. Fortunately, Florida law requires rideshare companies to carry significant insurance to cover accidents.
Legal options after a crash
When you are hurt in a rideshare accident, you still have options to get the compensation you deserve. In Florida, which is a no-fault state, you first seek payment from your own car insurance, regardless of who caused the crash. If your injuries are severe or your expenses exceed your policy limits, you may be able to sue the at-fault driver.
These accidents can get complicated, so working with an experienced car accident attorney is often the best way to determine your legal options. A skilled lawyer can guide you through the complex compensation process, which typically involves multiple insurance policies, to ensure your rights are protected.