Uber - Rideshare Accident Attorney

Written and edited by our team of expert legal content writers and reviewed and approved by Daniel Harwin

Content last updated on:
August 25, 2023

The rideshare service Uber transformed the way people get around. Since the app hit the market in 2009, users have taken millions of rides – disrupting the taxi industry and sparking similar rideshare services like Lyft and Sidecar. While Uber offers great convenience, low prices, and job opportunities, there are also serious safety concerns.

In fact, Uber vehicles can pose serious safety concerns for riders, as vehicles aren’t subject to the same safety and inspection standards with which taxi and limousine companies must often comply. Additionally, liability may fall on multiple parties in the event of an accident. If you’re in an Uber or other rideshare crash in Florida and suffer injuries, reach out to Freedland Harwin Valori, PL, for advice on what to do next.

Ridesharing Services Versus Common Carriers

It is important to note that Uber is not legally considered a common carrier, and each Uber driver is an independent contractor of the company. This means that Uber’s insurance policy will only cover damages in specific situations. If the driver was logged into the app and carrying a passenger, or en route to pick up someone, Uber’s insurance is available to you and Uber may also be liable to you in addition to the insurance policy. An experienced attorney can help analyze the details of your case, and determine how to best proceed.

Understanding Florida Insurance Requirements For Ridesharing Drivers

Uber drivers must carry higher liability insurance minimums than other drivers. Recently passed legislation also requires drivers to obtain $50,000 for bodily injury and death coverage per individual, $100,000 for bodily injury and death per accident, and $25,000 coverage for property damage. These minimums are greater than Florida’s standard vehicle requirements and are designed to provide greater protection for ridesharing services drivers.

Reporting the Crash to Uber

Uber has a one million dollar insurance policy in place to cover accidents. If you were an Uber passenger, Uber’s insurance will for your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. You may also be able to pursue legal action against the driver, or a third party. As a passenger, a settlement through Uber’s insurer will compensate your damages in most cases. A good lawyer can make sure you are compensated fully and fairly.

Here’s a general overview of the claims process we can assist you with before bringing suit:

Report the incident to Uber. Uber allows you to report an accident in app by selecting “Your Trips.” You will see a “Help” tab under this menu. An option titled “I was involved in an accident” should be available under this tab. Use this feature as soon as possible after an accident. If you are unsure of how to describe the events, contact an attorney.
Wait for contact from Uber. Uber’s associates will reach out for additional information about your crash and process your claim with the appropriate insurers, likely the aforementioned insurance plan provided by the company. It should take two or three days to hear back form Uber.
Weigh your options carefully. A settlement through Uber’s insurance policy may be the best option, but it should always involve the use of an attorney, particularly if serious injuries were involved. Uber and most insurance companies typically offer an amount lower than what an attorney might feel is appropriate for your damages. Contacting a lawyer is the only way to make sure you are protected.

Speak with our attorneys today for a free evaluation of your specific Uber accident claim. We’ll review your case and make you get the compensation you deserve.

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CASE RESULTS

$24.5 Million

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

JURY VERDICT

Damages Jury Verdict on behalf of the family of a 34-year-old woman who bled to death during childbirth. With the assistance of top experts, we were able to demonstrate that doctors did not follow proper safety protocols, forcing the defendants to admit liability shortly before trial.

$12.2 Million

PHARMACEUTICAL LIABILITY

SETTLEMENT

A settlement won on behalf of the family of a 47 year old woman whose death resulted from the use of a dangerous pharmaceutical drug. We proved the manufacturer knew of the dangerous side effects & did not provide proper warning.

$10 Million

BIRTH INJURY

SETTLEMENT

A settlement on behalf of a child who suffered a brain injury as a result of oxygen deprivation during birth. Through years of tactical and technical litigation, we were able to prove that the nurses and physicians both failed to intervene and prevent the brain injury.

$1.2 Million

MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT

SETTLEMENT

A settlement on behalf of a middle-aged man who was read ended by a waste management truck.

$1.5 Million

NURSING HOME NEGLIGENCE

SETTLEMENT

A settlement on behalf of the family of an elderly man who died as a result of being neglected and uncared for by a nursing home.

TESTIMONIALS

I met Dan when I was in therapy and he came and right away it felt like a family member visiting you, a connection, like a brother. He’s been on both sides of the fence. He’s represented the hospitals and the doctors, and then he jumped over to the other side. It is a fantastic group, it was like Bell Belichick leading the team. They changed my life and still check on me. I recommend FHV to anybody and they thank me.

LARRY

I met Dan about a year ago. He never made me feel that it was about the money. When he spoke with me he was asking how Bill (my brother) was and if he was doing better. He made me feel like family and always asked if I was alright. That means a lot. Everyday is something new and I challenge for my brother. I would recommend [FHV] to everybody because I really believe that they’re helping from their hearts… from a really good place.

BILL

For anyone to represent anyone for 5 years and take the time to do it, not once just “get it out of the way” and “get it done with”. It was about what was best for Hunter and our family. It was about the case and the people.

ASHLEY