Uber Accident Attorney Melbourne FL
If you have been injured in an Uber accident, and you are looking for an Uber accident attorney Melbourne, Florida residents trust, you are in the right place. For an immediate consultation, please call Law Offices of Arcadier, Biggie & Wood
Ridesharing in Florida and around the U.S. is a multi-billion dollar industry. Companies like Uber and Lyft dominate the market and are the go-to choice for both passengers and drivers looking for extra work. Ridesharing apps connect privately contracted Uber drivers with passengers. The apps are convenient, fast, and affordable.
Because Uber is not considered to be a taxi company, when an accident happens, a claim is typically not filed against Uber, but rather the driver of the vehicle. As easy as the claims process should be, Uber accident claims tend to be rife with challenges which is why you should get help from a Melbourne FL Uber accident attorney as soon as possible.
How Uber Claims Can Become Complicated
Uber drivers are independent contractors. They are not employed by Uber. When an accident occurs, Uber is generally not responsible. This has caused a number of problems including the ability for Uber to shift liability to their drivers rather than the company.
What is available is a very sizable insurance policy for drivers. Currently, drivers carry a $1 million dollar policy and both the company and passengers are covered by an insurance plan that has three parts. Whether this coverage applies will depend on many circumstances including the driver’s activity at the time of the accident.
For instance, if the Uber driver’s app was on and they were looking for passengers but did not have one in their car at the time of the accident, the driver’s insurance will likely be the primary coverage. If the accident involves a third party, Uber may cover between $50,000 and $100,000 for injuries and up to $25,000 in property damage. Finally, if the driver accepted a request to pick up a passenger, but the passenger is not yet in the car, Uber may cover:
- Liability to a third party
- Injury coverage for an uninsured or underinsured motorist
- Collision and/or comprehensive coverage
When a passenger is in the car driven by an Uber driver, the company may cover the same as the above.
As nice as this might sound, like other insurance companies, Uber will likely try to pay out as little as possible. Therefore, it is very common for Uber accident claims to be denied. Because an Uber driver is also an independent contractor, the legal process can become even more complicated.
Filing a claim as an injured passenger, pedestrian, or third party in an Uber accident is best left to the discretion of a car accident attorney Melbourne, FL victims turn to.
All states have their own rules and regulations pertaining to ride sharing and rideshare accidents. These laws are continuing to change and evolve, especially as insurance companies and politicians continue to litigate the way ride share services work.
You Should Have a Melbourne FL Uber Accident Lawyer on Your Side
If you have been injured in any kind of rideshare accident, you may be able to file a claim or lawsuit against the driver, the company, or a third party. For a consultation with an experienced Uber accident attorney Melbourne FL clients recommend, please call Law Offices of Arcadier, Biggie & Wood.
