Uber is a popular rideshare service found throughout Florida. In fact, you may have used the service yourself. It’s a convenient option when you don’t have access to a vehicle or just don’t feel like driving. Unfortunately, as with any other vehicle on the road, accidents happen. If your Uber driver is involved in an accident while transporting you, would you know what to do or what rights you have? It’s important to remember that Uber is a large corporation. Because of this, it’s often difficult to hold them accountable if you suffer an injury due to the carelessness or negligence of their drivers. This is where an experienced West Palm Beach Uber accident lawyer can be invaluable.
Our legal team has represented Uber accident victims, just like you, for years. We have also helped recover compensation for our clients to ensure they have the best chance of a full recovery. While we are here to help, it’s still a good idea to learn more about Uber accidents and your rights in Florida.
Steps to Take After a West Palm Beach Uber Accident
If you are involved in an Uber accident, you may feel overwhelmed and panicked. While this is true, you need to stay calm and make sure you take these steps:
1. Seek Medical Attention
Make sure a qualified medical professional examines you. You should also wait for law enforcement to arrive on the scene.
If emergency care is needed, make sure to head to the ER immediately. You should not wait to seek medical care, as this may backfire when it comes to recovering damages and compensation. Medical care also provides documentation of your injuries.
2. Gather Evidence
If possible, gather evidence at the scene of the accident. Use your mobile phone to take pictures of the accident and road conditions. It is also wise to ask witnesses for their contact information in case they are needed later.
3. Talk to the Police
After you are involved in an Uber accident in West Palm Beach, be sure to speak to the investigating officer. If you are injured, even as a passenger, you have the right to receive a copy of the accident crash report and the crash report number.
4. Contact an Attorney
If you are a passenger in an Uber and suffer an injury during your ride, you should hire a dedicated and experienced Uber accident lawyer, like us. Uber accidents often involve complicated insurance issues, and you need someone representing your interests who fully understands this.
Determining the Worth of Your West Palm Beach Uber Accident Case
After being involved in an accident, you will likely wonder how much your case is worth before hiring an attorney. Several factors will impact the worth of your case.
Some of the top factors include:
- Severity, nature, and permanence of your injuries
- Value of medical bills lost wages, and other accident-related costs
- How traumatic the accident was
- Types of medical care needed
- Pain experienced
On a more practical note, the value of your personal injury claim usually depends on the amount of insurance coverage available.
Uber is unique in several ways. Along with being a platform that is operated through the driver’s smartphone, drivers are considered independent contractors. They also use their personal vehicle to transport their customers.
This setup creates several issues if the driver is involved in an accident in West Palm Beach. Usually, the driver’s personal no-fault insurance coverage will not be available if the vehicle was being used for commercial purposes. At this point, the state-mandated commercial insurance policy required by Uber will take over.
According to Florida law, Uber insurance must provide two levels of coverage. The value of your West Palm Beach Uber accident case will vary based on the driver’s status when the crash occurs.
The following applies to each situation:
During Trips or Driver’s En Route to Passenger
If a passenger is in the vehicle or if a driver is on their way to pick up someone, insurance coverage is at its highest:
- $1 million in liability coverage
- Contingent collision coverage
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage
Waiting or Available for Ride Request
If a driver is logged into the Uber app and waiting to receive a ride request, the following coverage is available:
- $100K per accident for bodily injuries
- $50K per person for bodily injuries
- $25K for property damage
If the driver is logged out of the app, then the crash is treated as a normal auto accident.
Speak With a West Palm Beach Uber Accident Lawyer Today
If you are involved in an Uber accident, it is highly recommended that you hire an experienced West Palm Beach Uber accident lawyer to help with your case. Our team at Fetterman & Associates is ready to help with your case and protect your rights. Contact us today by calling 561-845-2510.
