Florida’s Ridesharing Law & How They Protect You In Rideshare Accidents
Not just in Florida, ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have become widely popular over the past decade. These applications provide a convenient alternative to traditional taxis and limousines with an on-demand feel. However, with this surge in use comes a range of safety concerns and legal complications. Particularly, a greater issue when it comes to app drivers getting in rideshare accidents who ferry passengers such as yourself. Fortunately, Florida’s recent changes to ridesharing law aim to standardize the regulations governing rideshare operations while addressing potential safety risks. Here’s a closer look at what this law means for rideshare users, safety requirements, and how liability is determined in the event of an accident.
Understanding Florida’s Ridesharing Law: The Standards for Safety
Florida implemented a law that establishes a consistent set of standards for rideshare companies, overriding local regulations that attempted to push back on them. The law states that Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft must follow specific requirements to ensure public safety. These are to:
• Enforce a zero-tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol while driving.
• Conduct detailed criminal background checks on all potential drivers.
• Review each driver’s driving history before they are allowed to operate.
• Prohibit individuals listed on the National Sex Offender Public Website from driving for rideshare services.
• Display the driver’s picture and license plate number to passengers before the ride begins.
By reading through these, it is clear to see that Florida cares deeply about the safety of passengers. As your trusted accident attorney, we feel these standards are necessary and important for you as well. These measures protect passengers from irresponsible or dangerous drivers, providing an added layer of security. Additionally, the zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy helps safeguard other motorists on the road.
Insurance Requirements for Drivers In Case Of Rideshare Accidents
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the following requirements that pertain to insurance coverage. It is now required in Florida that rideshare drivers carry higher levels of liability insurance than standard drivers. Under Florida Statute 627.748, rideshare drivers must carry the following:
• At least $50,000 for death and bodily injury per person.
• Minimum of $100,000 for death and bodily injury per accident.
• And $25,000 for property damage.
When drivers are en route to pick up or transport passengers, rideshare companies must provide an additional $1 million in liability coverage. These higher limits offer greater protection for passengers and others involved in accidents with rideshare vehicles. With higher stakes, it is important to know that insurance companies do not like just to hand this money over. If you or a loved one is in a rideshare accident, take this very seriously. Consult with our accomplished attorneys who have handled many of these case types and know a proven strategy.
Rideshare Drivers May Be More Accident-Prone
The truth is that rideshare drivers face numerous distractions while on the job. Constant use of GPS systems and navigation apps, communication tools, and interactions with passengers can be too much while operating a vehicle. Top all of the above off with extended hours on the road, and you’re bound to have a driver with decreased performance and delayed reaction times. Some rideshare drivers may also lack the experienced or long-time driving tenure required to handle complex driving conditions, further increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Navigating Liability in Rideshare Accidents
Liability and insurance become an even bigger deal when it comes to rideshare accidents. Determining liability afterward can be complex, as multiple insurance companies are often involved. Much like all accidents, when it comes to injuries and medical bills, a person’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits must be used first, typically $10,000 here in Florida. Then from there, Bodily Injury (BI) Coverage takes over. Florida’s ridesharing law specifies that both the driver and the rideshare company must carry insurance, but the coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident:
• Driver’s insurance: When the at-fault driver is not logged into the rideshare app.
• (First tier) Rideshare company’s insurance: When the driver is logged in but has not yet picked up a passenger.
• (Second tier) Rideshare company’s insurance: When the driver is en route to pick up a passenger or actively transporting passengers.
• Other motorist’s insurance: When another motorist is at fault.
• Your insurance: If the at-fault driver does not carry adequate insurance, you may need to file a claim with your own insurance company.
This layered approach to insurance can complicate liability claims, especially for the layman. This is the reason why it is essential for accident victims to consult with one of our skilled personal injury attorneys who know how to aptly navigate the claims process.
Common Concerns and Criticisms of Rideshare Safety
Although the new law introduces several safety measures directly affecting who is driving and how they qualify, many argue that rideshare services are still not fully held responsible for all safety aspects. When it comes to the strict standards that traditional taxi and limousine companies, they also factor in vehicle quality and maintenance. Unfortunately, the drivers of rideshare vehicles are not as rigorous about vehicle upkeep. When looking at taxi and limousine companies, these organizations require routine safety inspections and verifiable information logging. Critics of rideshare companies and the law believe that these vehicles which log thousands of miles, could experience wear and tear that leads to breakdowns or malfunctions, potentially putting passengers at risk.
Compensation After a Rideshare Accident
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, it’s important to contact our experienced attorneys to help assess liability and secure compensation. An attorney can investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident and determine whether the rideshare driver, rideshare company, or another motorist is responsible. At Martindale Law Group, our personal injury attorneys have over two decades of experience helping clients throughout Orlando and the state of Florida. In the case that you’re in a rideshare accident, our team can guide you through the claims process, protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
The Martindale Law Group
Our personal injury and litigation attorneys help accident victims file claims to recover damages for many types of clients. Some that we specialize in are auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death, aircraft accidents, boating accidents, sexual abuse, and brain and spinal cord injuries. We provide legal services to the residents of Florida, tourists, and visitors who receive unfair treatment from their insurance companies. It does not matter whether an insurance claim has been denied, delayed, or mishandled, we’d still like to review your case. We help our clients obtain the insurance coverage they need to repair their property. No matter your injury or wrongdoing due to the negligence of others, contact us today. We are more than happy to discuss your case, call now for a free case evaluation.