Tampa Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer

Like all motorists, rideshare drivers have an obligation to drive safely and protect others on the road. If a rideshare driver is at fault for a collision that results in injuries, victims have the right to demand compensation for their losses.

A Tampa Uber and Lyft accident lawyer is ready to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Dedicated legal counsel could work to prove fault for the collision, show how that event has impacted your life, and hold all possible parties liable for the rideshare driver’s negligence.

What is the Difference Between Uber and Lyft?

Both Uber and Lyft are ridesharing services, much like a taxi that you can access from an app on your phone. However, at the current time, Uber is a larger company than Lyft, so Uber is available in more locations. Uber operates internationally, while Lyft operates only in the United States and Canada.

Who Can Pursue Compensation for a Rideshare Crash?

Anyone who suffers an injury because of another person’s negligence has the right to pursue compensation for their losses. This is true for all traffic accidents, including those involving Uber or Lyft workers. Rideshare drivers must follow all local traffic rules and take ordinary care to protect others.

Various parties may demand compensation following an accident, including drivers and passengers of other cars. Any pedestrians or bicyclists who suffer injuries can also demand compensation. The riders within the Uber or Lyft may demand payment for the negligence of their drivers.

Regardless of the circumstances of the incident, state law gives you a short time following a rideshare crash to demand payment. According to Florida Statute § 95.11, this time limit is four years from the date of the collision. As such, it is best to reach out to a Tampa attorney as soon as possible after an Uber or Lyft crash.

Demanding Fair Compensation for an Uber/Lyft Accident

Most car accident cases are straightforward in identifying the parties who share liability. Negligent drivers may be personally liable. If those drivers have insurance as required under state law, their insurers are another source of potential compensation.

However, the scenario becomes more complicated when an accident involves a rideshare vehicle. The negligent driver will still be personally responsible. However, companies like Uber and Lyft have gone to great lengths to shield themselves against shared liability for accidents. By classifying their drivers as independent contractors, they separate themselves from the actions of their drivers. This means that a claim for compensation cannot name a rideshare company as a co-defendant.

Similarly, many car insurance companies will not provide protection when their customers engage in economic activity. Unless a defendant driver’s policy specifically lists ridesharing as a covered activity, a demand against an insurance company may also fall short. A Tampa Uber and Lyft crash lawyer could further explain the process of pursuing compensation against all relevant parties that may share liability.

Contact a Tampa Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney Immediately

Rideshare drivers have the same obligations as other motorists on the road. Unfortunately, they are just as likely to get into collisions as well. Any person who suffers an injury because of the actions of a rideshare driver has the right to seek out payments for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional traumas.

A Tampa Uber or Lyft crash lawyer is ready to take the lead in your case. The seasoned attorneys at our firm work to identify all potential defendants and demand that they provide fair compensation through insurance payouts and civil lawsuits. Reach out to us today to get the dedicated legal support you need.