Ride sharing services like Uber and Lyft are now quite common in most Florida counties and cities. Many consumers / riders who use ride sharing services do not understand the risks and uncertainties from an insurance and compensation standpoint that may arise in the aftermath of a car accident if an Uber driver or vehicle is involved in the crash. In Florida, there are laws to comply with from an insurance standpoint but the laws as to insurance do not always provide a good route to recovery for the injury victim. Furthermore, many drivers and owners of motor vehicles do not follow the laws as to the insurance and have limited to no insurance in place to cover the injury victim's medical bills and damages related to wage loss, pain, suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. Jacksonville Uber and Lyft accident lawyer, David Wolf, represents injury victims including those who have been injured as a result of the negligent driving of another person in a car accident. Attorney David Wolf handles cases throughout the State of Florida and is available days, nights, weekends, and holidays to his clients and prospective clients. He is also an advocate and author of 12 books including the book titled - Florida Automobile Accidents - Personal Injuries - Keys to Protecting and Enforcing Your Legal Rights.
The increased presence and use of ride sharing companies like Uber and Lyft also come with a host of issues including those that pertain to background checks, required insurance, training, regulation, and safety. Just because a service is efficient and convenient does not make the service a wise one to use if the driver lacks training and insurance to compensate you if there is an accident or crash that is caused by the negligence of the Uber driver.
One common issue involves the failure of the Uber or Lyft driver to inform his or her automobile insurance company that the Uber / Lyft driver is making money by transporting passengers as a "for hire" ride sharing driver for Uber or Lyft. Insurance rates and premiums are set by insurance companies based on the vehicle, driver, amount of driving, and type of driving (personal or commercial). An Uber driver or Lyft driver is driving in a commercial mode because the driver is getting paid for his or her services. As such, if the driver for Uber or Lyft gets in a wreck and a claim is filed under the Uber / Lyft driver's policy, it is likely that the insurance company will deny insurance coverage based on the fact that the driver failed to disclose the commercial type of driving for Uber or Lyft. The insurance companies will argue that the driver misrepresented his or her driving habits and purpose as part of the application process.
Uber and Lyft advertise and offer insurance coverages that may or may not provide benefits to the passenger of the Uber / Lyft vehicle and others who are injured by the negligent driving of the Uber / Lyft vehicle. Insurance is typically one of the major concerns / problems in the aftermath of a Uber / Lyft car accident in Florida. There may be legislation passed in the future that may better protect those injured as a result of the negligent driving of a Uber / Lyft driver.
For over 30 years, David Wolf has represented individuals seeking compensation in the aftermath of a Jacksonville Uber or Lyft accident. He provides a free consultation and is available to his clients and prospective clients through phone, text, and e-mail. He will quickly respond to your inquiry and questions. Get D Wolf On Your Side - At Your Side.