How does a victim of an accident caused by a ride sharing company determine liability in Florida?

West Palm Beach, FL – As ride sharing services have become much more popular, their drivers are also involved in accidents on a regular basis. There have been numerous stories of negligent drivers causing various types of injuries and harm when they were supposed to transport their passengers safely. People who have been hurt by a ride sharing driver should contact their insurance company and speak with a lawyer to get more specific information regarding whether they should file a lawsuit against the company. 

Was the driver actively working?

An important question to ask when a ride sharing driver caused an accident is related to what they were doing at the time. If someone works for a ride sharing company, but they were not in the process of picking passengers up or transporting them, it is likely that the damages will need to be handled through their standard auto insurance. Drivers for these companies are normally considered independent contractors rather than employees, and the ride sharing business is only responsible for actions of drivers who were actively working. There can be some debate as to what is legally considered working for the ride sharing companies, as drivers who were merely logged into their apps have been found to be working by some courts. 

The company’s insurance policy

Because ride sharing companies are responsible for large volumes of passengers each day, they are required to have large coverage amounts and special commercial insurance policies. Anyone who was a passenger should report the accident to the ride sharing company, as they may be covered up to a significant amount that can reach into the millions by these large policies. If there are disputes regarding liability, the victim may need legal help to try to get the business or their insurance provider to pay out. 

Third party liability

In some cases, there may be others who are actually at fault for a ride sharing accident. This may include products liability cases against manufacturers of parts and vehicles, or another driver involved in the accident who is judged to be totally at fault. In these situations, the manufacturer or another driver may actually be an appropriate party to be named as a defendant in the accident lawsuit. Because accidents with multiple drivers or defendants can be complex, the assistance of a lawyer is recommended. 

Meeting with a lawyer for more information

Smith and Vanture is a trusted source for people who need legal help in the West Palm Beach area. Their attorneys focus on personal injury law and all related matters. 

Firm contact info:

Smith and Vanture

580 Village Blvd. Suite 200, West Palm Beach, FL 33409

561-684-6330

[email protected]

smithvanture.com