There were 1,425 ride-share accidents in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe Counties in 2022, resulting in 441 injuries and 2 fatalities. If you’ve been injured, you need to have your medical bills, lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses paid but who exactly pays you? It’s not so simple.
Here’s a short FAQ about your rights, what to do- and what NOT to do if you’re in an accident.
WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS?
#1: Are rider-share drivers required to carry insurance?
Yes, rideshare drivers are required to carry $1 million in liability coverage which covers all of his/her passengers.
#2: Can an injured person sue the company and the driver?
Yes, you can sue both the company and the driver if the driver was negligent. For instance, if the driver was texting while driving and caused an accident, the company may also be held liable for the injuries caused.
#3: Is the company responsible if the driver was impaired?
Yes, the company may be held responsible if the driver was impaired under certain circumstances.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I’M IN A RIDESHARE ACCIDENT?
Call 911 and seek medical attention.
If you do not need to go to the ER, go to an Urgent Care center as soon as possible.
Wait for the police to arrive and get a copy of the report and the officer’s card
WHAT ARE THE ‘PLEASE DO NOT DO THESE’ AFTER A RIDESHARE ACCIDENT?
Do NOT tell the officers, your other passengers, or the driver that you feel ok. Too often, symptoms appear hours or days after the accident. Read about Hidden Injuries here
Do NOT post, tweet, snap or tok about your accident. Your friends and family will want to know you’re okay but anything that you share online can come back to hurt your case, if you have one. Why? Read here.
Do NOT speak with the driver’s insurance agent or anyone from their company. Just don’t.
Call a personal injury attorney. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights, negotiate with insurance companies and file a lawsuit if necessary.
Actually, call 2-3 attorneys before you make a decision. Make sure you speak with an attorney and not an ‘intake specialist’, read the reviews to learn not only the results but how responsive the attorneys are, and remember that most attorneys work on a contingency fee. Simple, there are no fees unless they win your case.
Questions? Call us at 305-653-5555 24/7 for your FREE consultation.
