Uber is a great way to get to or from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, to go out for the evening without worrying about drinking and driving, or for just about any trip you want to make without driving yourself or taking public transportation. Uber is convenient, fast and comfortable. You know the cost of the trip in advance, and payment is cashless. You also choose the type of service you want, whether looking for something cheap or a luxury ride, going green in an electric vehicle, or seeking extra legroom. Whether you need a vehicle that can accommodate large groups, a wheelchair, or comes with a child car seat, Uber has the ride you are looking for.
Despite all its advantages, taking an Uber is not without its risks. Uber drivers are not professional drivers. They are regular people and just as prone to car accidents as any member of the general public. True, one might expect Uber drivers to be more careful and attentive since they are driving for pay and responsible for the safety of their passengers, but some aspects of the job increase the risk of car accidents in an Uber. For instance:
- Some Uber drivers spend long hours on the road deadheading, driving around while waiting for fares. Extra time on the road increases the odds of getting into a wreck and also increases the likelihood of drowsy driving and fatigue.
- Many Uber drivers use Uber as a side gig in addition to their full-time job. Driving a shift for Uber after a grueling day job increases the odds of fatigue, distraction and drowsy driving.
- Uber drivers are busiest at night and on weekends when most traffic accidents happen, including those involving drunk drivers.
- Uber drivers are more likely to be distracted by their GPS as they ferry passengers to unfamiliar destinations.
- Some Uber drivers also log into the Lyft app while driving to maximize the rides they get, increasing the chances for dangerous distractions while driving.
Uber reports at least 97 fatalities in 2017 and 2018, but university studies show traffic deaths have been on the rise since 2011, around the time Uber started to take off. Whether this increase in accidents is due to more cell phones and distracted driving or the rise of Uber or a combination is uncertain. The rise in Uber has also caused people to use less public transportation, putting more cars on roads, creating more traffic and more chances for a crash. Contact our experienced Fort Lauderdale Uber accident lawyers today for more information or assistance.
Florida’s TNC Law for Uber Drivers
Florida state law has addressed the issue of Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft. Florida law protects the public by keeping people from driving for Uber who have a record of drunk driving or reckless driving, as well as certain violent crimes or sex offenders. While these laws might help keep passengers safe from crimes or assaults, they don’t do much to keep passengers safe from a bad driver. Uber drivers cannot have a suspended or revoked driver’s license in the last three years, but they can have up to three moving violations on their record and still drive for Uber under the law.
Importantly, state law does not put any type of vehicle maintenance requirements on Uber drivers. How well they care for their cars, including tires, brakes, windshield wipers and signal lights, is entirely left up to the individual driver. Florida also has no laws on the maximum number of hours people can drive for Uber in a given period, despite the risks of drowsy and distracted driving by fatigued drivers.
Florida law put in place liability insurance requirements that must be met by the driver, the TNC, or a combination of the two. These requirements are as follows:
- When the driver is logged into the app but has not accepted a ride notification, coverage equal to $50,000 for bodily injury to one person, $100,000 for bodily injury to more than one person, and $25,000 for property damage
- Once the driver has accepted a ride notification, $1 million in liability coverage until the ride is completed
Uber drivers who are not logged into the app should have no-fault (PIP) coverage and Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage, but bodily injury liability (BIL) is not required by law.
In addition to the liability insurance it provides, Uber also covers its drivers with contingent comprehensive and collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible, along with UM/UIM coverage while they are logged in.
Helping Uber Drivers, Other Drivers and Injured Passengers in Fort Lauderdale
Rosen Injury Law, P.A. represents car accident injury victims, whether they were hit by an Uber driver or were themselves injured while driving for Uber. Each situation presents its own unique challenges and complications, which is why retaining a personal injury specialist is the right move toward being successful on your claim.
Passengers who are injured while riding in an Uber might have a claim against the Uber driver, the other driver, or both. Each driver’s insurance company might dispute their share of any liability, leaving the injured passenger struggling to sort it out. Rosen Injury Law, P.A. can help you navigate this complicated situation by determining the right way to pursue a claim for compensation. One thing is certain in this case; the accident wasn’t your fault. Call Rosen Injury Law, P.A. for passionate, diligent representation of your claim or claims.
Help With Fort Lauderdale Uber Accidents
For help recovering compensation after an Uber car accident in Fort Lauderdale, call Rosen Injury Law, P.A. at 954-787-1500 for a free consultation with a Florida Board-Certified expert in car accidents and personal injury law.
