As a passenger in an Uber or Lyft, you trust your driver to get you from point A to point B safely and quickly for a fair price.
But in reality, any Uber or Lyft ride could end in an auto accident, which could lead to time-consuming and costly injuries.
This is why it is critical for anyone who uses Uber or Lyft—even if only on occasion—to know their rights, and what steps to take in the event of an accident.
To that end, let’s review some important information:
Your Rights As An Uber Or Lyft Passenger
As a passenger in an Uber or Lyft vehicle, you have the right to expect the following:
- A Safe Vehicle. Unlike most taxis, Uber and Lyft vehicles are owned by the drivers, meaning that Uber and Lyft do not oversee or ensure that these vehicles are well-maintained. If you notice a safety hazard on or in your Uber or Lyft driver’s vehicle, do not hesitate to refuse the ride and report the issue to Uber or Lyft.
- A Sober Driver. It may sound obvious, but you have the right to expect that your Uber or Lyft driver is not under the influence of anything that could impact their ability to get you to your destination safely. If you have reason to believe—or even a vague suspicion—that your driver is not of sound mind, do not get into the vehicle. If you come to this realization during the middle of a ride, ask the driver to pull over and let you out. Be sure to immediately report your suspicions to Uber or Lyft.
- Responsible Driving. No matter how sober or experienced your driver, they may still drive in an unsafe manner, such as by speeding, switching lanes without signaling, rolling through stop signs, or taking their eyes off the road to check their Uber or Lyft driver app. Remember that it only takes one second or one misjudgment to cause a potentially fatal accident, so do not stay in an Uber or Lyft vehicle if you do not feel safe. Instead, simply ask the driver to pull over and let you out, and then report their behavior to Uber or Lyft.
Accident? Steps To Take Right Away
1) Get Evaluated By A Medical Professional. As always, your health and safety should come first, which means seeking medical care as soon as possible after an accident. Depending on your injuries, this could mean dialing 911 and requesting an ambulance.
Even if you are unsure whether you’ve been hurt, it’s important to see a medical professional who can run the necessary tests to rule out certain injuries—particularly those that tend to go unnoticed for hours or even days before emerging as serious and potentially life-threatening.
In addition to ensuring your well-being, going to an urgent care or emergency room after an Uber or Lyft accident means having the documentation that you will need in order to pursue compensation for your damages.
2) Report The Accident To The Police. If you end up filing a claim for damages suffered as the result of an Uber or Lyft accident, having a police report that documents the accident will prove invaluable to your case. The officer who responds to the scene should make a determination as to who was at fault for the accident, which should help you determine where to file a claim.
3) Gather Evidence And Information (Which Includes Taking Photographs!). If possible, take photographs of the license plate of your Uber or Lyft vehicle, as well as any other vehicles involved. Be sure to capture photographs of damage to the vehicles, and the area surrounding the site of the collision (e.g., traffic lights, roadways, street names, weather conditions). If there are any witnesses to the accident, obtaining their contact information would be extremely helpful.
Determining Fault For An Uber Or Lyft Accident
Gathering evidence at the scene of the accident is paramount to determining who was at fault for the accident, and therefore who should be held liable for your damages. However, all the evidence in the world will not necessarily guarantee that liability will fall on one party or the other; often, this will require an experienced attorney who knows how to interpret the evidence and argue their case with the insurance companies.
The right Uber and Lyft accident lawyer will know what to look for, and how to combat insurance company adjusters who seek only to avoid compensating you for your injuries.
Fenstersheib Law Group, P.A.: Trusted, Seasoned Uber And Lyft Accident Lawyers
If you’ve been injured as an Uber or Lyft passenger, you’re probably looking for relief—both financially and emotionally. That’s what the attorneys at Fenstersheib Law Group, P.A. can help you get.
While you focus on recovering, we’ll fight for your right to obtain compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses related to the injury (hospitalization, rehabilitation, prescription medication, etc.)
- Lost wages (past and future) and property damage
- Loss of earning capacity (e.g., due to long-term disability)
- Pain and suffering experienced as a result of the accident
- Punitive damages when applicable
Don’t hesitate to call today for answers to any and all of your questions.
Our main office is located in Hallandale Beach, Florida, and we have secondary Florida offices located in Hollywood, Miramar, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Orlando, Sarasota, Tampa, & Jacksonville.
Call Fenstersheib Law Group, P.A. at 800-TELL-ROBERT.
