Latest Blogs

Over the years, rideshare companies, such as Uber and Lyft, have continued to become more popular options for consumers. Consumers feel they can easily request rideshare services using a company’s smart-phone app, and these options are often less expensive than traditional taxi or limousine services.

The Stigler Center for the Study of the Economy and the State University of Chicago Booth School of Business issued a report in 2018 that estimated Uber and Lyft have increased traffic deaths by up to as much as 3 percent annually.

A Fort Myers car accident attorney says a victim has rights if he/she is injured in an accident while a passenger in an Uber or Lyft rideshare vehicle.

Rideshare companies have responsibilities that require them to either conduct background checks themselves or use third parties to check drivers for prior accidents and serious criminal charges. 

There is specific information a potential driver must provide to Uber or Lyft, including:

• Name
• Date of birth
• Social security number
• Driver’s license number, along with a copy of the license
• Vehicle registration
• Insurance
• Proof of completed vehicle inspection

Florida has laws to protect consumers who are injured or die in an accident while using rideshare services. Florida law requires taxis, limos, and other similar for-hire vehicles to have insurance, according to Statute 627.733(1)(b). This insurance must offer at least:

• $125,000 per person for bodily injuries
• $250,000 per accident for bodily injuries, and
• $50,000 for property damage

According to Statute 627.733(4), should an owner fail to have security in effect at the time of an accident, they shall have no immunity from tort liability but shall be personally liable for the payment of benefits.

Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare companies are not subject to the same laws as commercial vehicles because they claim they are just a smart phone app helping people find rides and the drivers are not employees of the companies, but independent contractors working for themselves. Since there have been numerous accidents in the United States, Uber and Lyft have adopted an insurance coverage model which activates once they have agreed to take on a passenger and the driver has picked him/her up.

“If you or a loved one is injured in a rideshare accident, it is important to contact an experienced car accident attorney after seeking medical attention. We represent people involved in numerous types of personal injury and wrongful death accidents throughout the state of Florida. All of our clients have unique personal injury cases. Our firm provides personal contact and communication along with aggressive representation. We are available to assist you 24/7, and there are no costs or attorney fees until we receive a monetary recovery for you,” said Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney Randall Spivey.

Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one percent (1%) of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact  Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A, in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County at 239.793.7748.