Tampa Ridesharing Accident Lawyer

A Tampa ridesharing accident lawyer can help you go after the compensation that you deserve if you got hurt in an accident involving a Lyft, Uber, or another ridesharing service. These cases are complicated because of the liability issues, but Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers can sort out those issues and help you hold the careless party liable for your losses.

If we take your case, we will handle it on a contingent fee basis. That means that you will not have to pay upfront legal fees. We get paid out of the settlement proceeds or award at the end of the case. You do not have to be rich to get our help.

We offer the initial consultation at no charge, and there is no obligation. You can call us today at (813) 879-3719 to get started.

Florida Law on the Liability of Rideshare Companies

Florida enacted the CS/HB 221 bill in 2017 to handle the question of rideshare accident liability. CS/HB221 calls these services “transportation network companies (TNCs).” One of the critical provisions of this law requires TNCs and TNC drivers to have at least these minimum levels of liability coverage:

When Logged On

When the TNC driver is logged on to the rideshare app but is not driving customers on a prearranged ride, the TNC and driver must have at least:

• Primary automobile liability coverage of $25,000 for property damage, $50,000 per person in death and bodily injury benefits, and $100,000 per incident for death and bodily injury;
• Uninsured and underinsured vehicle coverage at the required limits of Florida law; and
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP) under the Florida Motor Vehicle No-Fault Law.

Passengers (and others) harmed in a rideshare accident could file claims against the TNC, driver—or both—and seek payment of their losses. Uber and Lyft both have insurance plans to cover their passengers, in certain circumstances.

During a Prearranged Ride

When the driver is engaged in a prearranged ride, the TNC and driver must have at least the same uninsured and underinsured vehicle coverage (as required when merely logged on to the rideshare app). In addition, the PIP benefits must be at the level a limousine requires. The primary automobile liability coverage must be at least $1 million to cover bodily injury, death, and property damage.

If a driver has automobile insurance through an insurer that does not offer liability insurance for TNCs and TNC drivers, the carrier can cover the TNC or driver when not logged onto the app or delivering rideshare services. The TNC or driver would have the benefits of the purchased coverage at all other times.

A Tampa ridesharing accident lawyer can help you understand when the accident must have occurred to get coverage from a TNC.

How Florida Law Protects Your Safety When Using a Rideshare Service

When you get into a stranger’s car, you need to know that the driver will not pose a threat to your safety. Every three years, TNCs have to run local and national criminal background checks on their drivers. When someone applies to work as a driver for a TNC, the company must pull a copy of the person’s driving record.

Depending on what shows up in the criminal background or driving record check, the TNC might have to refuse to hire a particular driver. The TNC can face penalties if it does not perform the required background checks.

Drugs and Alcohol

Florida law requires TNCs to have an absolute ban on the use of alcohol and other drugs by its drivers. If a rider files a complaint that alleges drug or alcohol use by a driver, the TNC must suspend the driver until the TNC completes its investigation of the matter.

You do not have to master all of these rules and navigate the claims process and legal system if you got hurt in an accident involving a rideshare driver. A lawyer at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers can handle your personal injury claim on your behalf, leaving you free to focus on getting better.

You can call us today at (813) 879-3719 for a free case review.

Getting Legal Help for Your Tampa Rideshare Accident Injury Claim

You do not want to wait too long to retain a Tampa ridesharing accident lawyer. Florida law limits the time you have to file a lawsuit seeking money damages for your losses. If you miss the deadline set out in Florida Statutes §95.11, you could lose the right to ever hold the negligent party accountable for the harm you suffered.

At Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers, we treat our clients like family. We take the time to listen to you and answer your questions. We fight hard to get our clients all the compensation they deserve so they can rebuild their lives. You can call us today at (813) 879-3719 to take the first step.