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What to do When Involved in an Uber or Lyft Accident

Ride-hailing apps, such as Uber and Lyft, are more popular than ever. According to Pew Research Center, in 2019, 36 percent of Americans said they had ever used a ride-hailing service[1]. Among adults ages 18-29, this goes up to 51 percent[2]. When requesting a ride with one of these services, very few people consider what would happen if their ride were involved in a car accident.

Ride-Hailing and the Law

In 2017, Florida passed H.B. 221, which has been unofficially dubbed as the “Uber / Lyft Bill” to help provide clarity and protection to consumers who use ride-hailing services, which the state of Florida refers to as “Transportation Network Companies (TNC).” According to the law, a TNC operating in Florida must provide the following insurance in addition to the driver’s personal insurance:

• “$50,000 for death and bodily injury per person
• $100,000 for death and bodily injury per incident
• $25,000 for property damage”[3]
• $1 million of liability coverage for death, bodily injury, and property damage[4]

This provides significantly more protection than had been previously available. However, it is common for insurance companies to offer low settlements or deny claims outright.

The law prohibits passengers from suing a TNC for damages directly. However, the law requires that a TNC completes a background check for all drivers that includes sex offender status, criminal record, proper vehicle registration, and having a valid driver’s license, among other items[5]. If a passenger can prove that the TNC did not properly screen the driver, then they can sue the TNC for negligence.

Tips if You Are in an Accident in a TNC Car

1. Call 911. Obtain a copy of the police report. You will need this to file your insurance claim.
2. Take down the insurance information from the driver, any other drivers involved, as well as their driver’s license numbers and license plate numbers.
3. File a claim with the service’s insurance. Don’t sign any documents from the insurance company until a personal injury attorney experienced in these types of cases has reviewed them first.
4. If the insurance company denies your claim or provides an insufficiently low settlement, don’t despair. Contact a personal injury attorney, like ECanter Lawyers, who is an expert at fighting aggressively to make sure you receive fair compensation.

Being in a car accident in a TNC car is far more complex than an accident involving other types of drivers. If you have been injured in an accident as a passenger in a TNC vehicle, contact ECanter Lawyers today. We have a track record of success in handing complex TNC cases and winning notable settlements for our clients.

ECanter Lawyers

When you are dealing with the chaos and pain of accidents and personal injuries, the last thing you need is technical, confusing legal language.  ECanter Lawyers breaks down the complexities and provides clear, informative answers so that you understand your legal options. 

For over two decades, ECanter Lawyers has remained committed to honest, straightforward answers.  Named one of AVVO’s Clients’ Choice, ECanter Lawyers has helped clients receive multi-million-dollar verdicts, and millions of dollars in settlements.  ECanter Lawyers specializes in personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, premises and product liability, and healthcare law.

With offices conveniently located throughout South Florida and 24/7 services, ECanter Lawyers personal injury law firm offers you the personalized attention that you need in order to maximize your compensation. 

ECanter Lawyers

561-447-4500

Boca Raton | West Palm Beach | Coral Springs | Ft. Lauderdale | Miami

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[1] Pew Research Center. More Americans are using ride-hailing apps | Pew Research Center. Accessed August 5, 2021.

[2] Pew Research Center. More Americans are using ride-hailing apps | Pew Research Center. Accessed August 5, 2021.

[3] Florida House Bill 221. template 1..11 (flrules.org). Accessed August 5, 2021.

[4] Florida House Bill 221. template 1..11 (flrules.org). Accessed August 5, 2021.

[5] [5] Florida House Bill 221. template 1..11 (flrules.org). Accessed August 5, 2021.