The Impact of Florida’s Rideshare Regulations on Injury Claims
Florida’s regulations provide significant protection for those injured in accidents involving Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services. When you need monetary relief after a rideshare accident injury, connect with a Boca Raton personal injury lawyer.
An Overview of Florida’s Rideshare Laws
In 2017, Florida passed the Uber/Lyft Bill, HB 221. This established clear rules for these transportation network companies, regulations that set standards for drivers, including background checks, insurance requirements, and operational guidelines. A key aspect of this legislation is insurance coverage guidelines, which directly impact how injury claims are handled following a rideshare accident.
Under Florida law, rideshare drivers are required to carry insurance that provides coverage at different levels. The insurance coverage requirements for rideshare drivers vary based on the driver’s status at the time of the collision.
For example, if a rideshare driver is not logged into the app and is not available for rides, their personal auto insurance applies. But when a driver is waiting for a ride, the rideshare company’s insurance provides limited coverage. Then, when a driver is transporting passengers or is on the way to pick up a customer, the rideshare company must provide more comprehensive coverage.
How These Regulations Affect Your Injury Claim
The status of the rideshare driver at the time of the accident is crucial in determining how much compensation is available for injury claims. If you are injured as a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver, the amount of compensation you can seek depends on whether the driver was online and actively working.
- As a passenger in a rideshare vehicle. If you are a passenger in a rideshare vehicle during an accident, you are generally covered by the rideshare company’s $1 million insurance policy. This policy provides substantial coverage for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, ensuring you have access to compensation for your injuries.
- Being struck by an Uber or Lyft. If you are a pedestrian or another car or truck hit by a rideshare vehicle, you may also be entitled to compensation through the driver’s or the rideshare company’s insurance, depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.
While the guidelines for insurance seem straightforward, the claims process can be complicated. Some insurance companies may dispute liability, especially if the rideshare driver was offline or waiting for a ride request at the time of the accident.
Additionally, rideshare companies may attempt to distance themselves from liability by arguing that their drivers are independent contractors, not employees, further complicating the legal process. As soon as you connect with a Boca Raton personal injury lawyer, they will begin to investigate the details of the accident. Then, your lawyer can negotiate with insurance representatives to secure the compensation you deserve.
How are you coping with rideshare injury expenses? Connecting with the attorneys at Leifer & Ramirez is the best way to protect your rights after being injured in a Lyft of Uber in Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, or Pompano Beach. Call 561-660-9421 to discuss next steps.
