Port St. Lucie Uber accident? Read this before you talk to insurance!

If you are in a Port St. Lucie Uber accident, there are five critical steps you must take IMMEDIATELY! In this article, our rideshare accident attorneys explain who is responsible for your medical bills, how insurance will try to take advantage of you, and why you need an expert attorney on your side.

Uber and Lyft have become an essential part of daily life for millions of people. In 2024, Uber reported 171 million monthly active platform users! In Port St. Lucie, hundreds of individuals use Uber or Lyft on a daily basis. Whether you’re heading to a night out with friends, running errands, or catching a flight, rideshare services offer a convenient and affordable way to get from point A to point B. But what happens when you get into an accident?

Rideshare accidents can and do happen. When a crash occurs, it can leave you feeling disoriented and uncertain about the next steps, especially when dealing with insurance and liability. Afterall, who pays for your injuries when you are in a rideshare accident?

If you find yourself involved in a Port St. Lucie Uber accident, it’s important to understand the legal complexities surrounding these types of crashes, who’s responsible for your injuries, and how to protect your rights moving forward. In this article, the experienced rideshare accident attorneys at Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd explain who’s insurance is responsible for covering your injuries, five critical steps you must take, and why having a skilled attorney on your side is essential for protecting your rights.

How to determine if your Uber driver was negligent?

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft promise safe, reliable rides, but when drivers or companies fall short, it can lead to accidents. Negligence on the part of the driver or company can take many forms, including:

• Distracted driving: A common issue, where drivers are texting, talking on the phone, or interacting with their app while behind the wheel. This distraction significantly increases the risk of a crash.

• Driver fatigue: Many rideshare drivers work long hours, which can cause drowsiness and impaired judgment, leading to unsafe driving conditions.

• Speeding and reckless driving: Drivers under pressure to reach their next ride quickly might make risky driving decisions, such as speeding or cutting off other vehicles, which can cause accidents.

• Driving under the influence: Though rare, some drivers may operate their vehicles while intoxicated, risking not only their safety but yours as well.

• Inadequate vehicle maintenance: If a rideshare vehicle isn’t properly maintained, things like faulty brakes or worn-out tires can lead to serious accidents.

Rideshare companies may also be at fault if they fail to properly vet their drivers or ensure their vehicles meet safety standards, adding another layer of responsibility to the equation.

Who pays for your medical bills after a rideshare accident?

When you’re involved in a rideshare accident, understanding who will cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages can be confusing. The answer often depends on the circumstances of the crash:

• When the rideshare driver is at fault: Uber and Lyft both provide liability insurance for their drivers when they are actively driving passengers or en route to pick up passengers. This insurance typically covers up to $1 million for accidents involving passengers. However, this coverage only kicks in when the driver is logged into the app and accepting or carrying a ride.

• When another driver is at fault: If a third party causes the accident, their insurance is usually the first line of coverage. If they don’t have enough insurance, Uber and Lyft have additional coverage that may apply.

• When the rideshare company is negligent: In some cases, the rideshare company itself can be held accountable, particularly if the accident is caused by issues like insufficient driver screening or vehicle inspections.

It’s important to remember that insurance companies — especially those representing rideshare companies — may try to minimize payouts. That’s why having a strong rideshare attorney backing you is crucial to ensure you receive full compensation for your injuries.

5 critical steps to take after Port St. Lucie Uber accident (or any rideshare accident)

If you’re involved in a rideshare accident, it’s vital to take the right steps to protect your health and your legal rights:

1. Check for injuries and call 911: First and foremost, ensure that everyone is safe. Even if injuries seem minor, always call 911 and seek medical attention. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent.

• Gather evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, the damage to the vehicles, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information for the driver, any other involved parties, and any witnesses to the crash.

• Report the accident to the rideshare company: Both Uber and Lyft allow you to report accidents through their apps. Make sure you file a report as soon as possible, but avoid giving a recorded statement to insurance companies or the rideshare company before speaking with an attorney.

• Seek legal assistance: An experienced rideshare accident attorney will help you navigate the complex insurance claims process and protect your rights. Avoid dealing with insurance companies alone, as their goal is to minimize your payout.

• Don’t settle too soon: Insurance companies may offer a quick settlement, but it may not cover the full extent of your injuries. A rideshare accident attorney at Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd will make sure you don’t accept an unfair offer.

Why you need a skilled rideshare accident attorney

Navigating a rideshare accident case can be complicated. Between multiple insurance policies, potential liability from the driver and the rideshare company, and the various legal nuances, you need an attorney who understands the intricacies of rideshare law.

A skilled attorney rideshare accident attorney will:

• Investigate the accident thoroughly and gather all necessary evidence
• Identify all responsible parties and hold them accountable
• Communicate with insurance companies and negotiate on your behalf
• Have the resources, expertise and experience to go up against the large rideshare corporations and their attorneys
• Ensure you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more

Injured in a Port St. Lucie Uber accident?

Call 866-930-6435 for a free consultation with our expert rideshare accident attorneys

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, Okeechobee, or surrounding areas, don’t leave your future to chance. Contact the trusted rideshare accident attorneys at Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd today — because your health, your rights, and your financial recovery deserve experienced, relentless representation.

With over 40 years of proven success, Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd has the experience, resources, and determination needed to stand up to insurance companies and powerful rideshare corporations — and win.

Why Choose Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd for your rideshare accident case?

• Decades of experience fighting for accident victims – With four decades of advocacy for injury victims across Florida, our firm has built a reputation for achieving the results our clients need and deserve.

• Relentless against big insurance and rideshare companies – We don’t back down from major corporations or their insurance teams. We fight tirelessly to hold all responsible parties accountable and maximize your compensation.

• Proven expertise in rideshare accident cases – Our team understands the unique challenges of rideshare claims. From analyzing trip data to uncovering driver negligence, we use strategic, detail-driven approaches to build strong cases on behalf of our clients.

Contact us today for a FREE case review by calling 866-930-6435