You may have gone out and consumed alcoholic beverages. Or, you may have gone out in an area where you are unfamiliar with the public transportation system, or otherwise feel unsafe walking around. In any event, you may think you are making the wisest and safest decision for yourself by calling for a rideshare vehicle such as Uber or Lyft. But most unfortunately, even after practicing this caution, you may wind up in an auto accident caused by the Uber or Lyft driver. In this case, please follow along to find out what to do if you get injured in a rideshare accident and how a proficient Tampa Uber/Lyft accident lawyer at Merricks Law Group, P.A. can help you recover appropriately.
Why might an Uber or Lyft driver enter an auto accident?
Drivers for rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are technically employed as independent contractors. But still, these companies set specific requirements before allowing a driver to carry out their services. Generally speaking, a background check is conducted on their criminal history and driving record; their vehicles must be of a certain age and condition; and they must be of a certain age with a certain amount of years of driving experience.
Sadly, though, this does not make you immune to an auto accident event while using this rideshare service. Uber and Lyft drivers may have a poor lapse in judgment, the same way any other standard driver would. Nonetheless, you may have experienced a rideshare accident due to any of the following reasons:
- A rideshare driver may have driven at an excessive speed, so they could quickly move on to their next ride request.
- A rideshare driver may have driven distractedly by staring at the navigational device or rideshare app rather than the road.
- A rideshare driver may have driven drowsily after being on the road for many consecutive hours without a reasonable break.
Can I recover if I’m injured after using a rideshare service?
Undoubtedly, you may have incurred serious injuries and damages in the wake of your rideshare accident. Your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance may only cover a portion of this. But rest assured, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have liability coverage systems in place that you may seek out.
As a passenger who was in the vehicle when the auto accident occurred, you may fall under Period 3 of this coverage program. With this, Uber or Lyft may be able and willing to provide up to $1 million in liability coverage. This may be in addition to limited coverage for damage to the driver’s car and uninsured motorists’ coverage.
To conclude, this matter may obviously be important to you, and you may want the best possible outcome. So please, do not fight back without a talented Tampa auto accident lawyer in your corner. The team at Merricks Law Group, P.A. is here at your command.