We are all using ride sharing these days, whether it be Uber, Lyft, or the next big thing. These services are generally good, but inevitably sometimes the drivers of Ubers or Lyfts are going to get into car accidents. And sometimes the accident will be the fault of the Uber or Lyft driver. If your Uber driver had an accident in Port St. Lucie, what should you do?
First, it is important to remember that even though a Uber or Lyft was driving, the first steps you should take are not different than any other car accident. Here are some of the key steps for an Uber or Lyft accident:

1. Make sure the Uber or Lyft stops the vehicle and provide assistance to anybody who is hurt. You may wish, if possible to avoid moving seriously injured people. Someone should call an ambulance to treat any people injured in the Uber accident.
2. Notify the Port St. Lucie Police, the Saint Lucie County Sheriff, or other appropriate authorities of the accident.
3. You should get the names, and insurance information of the both the Uber/Lyft and the other driver(s), any witnesses as well as the names and badge numbers of the investigating officers. In auto accidents in Florida, the police officers will usually assist by filling a Florida Driver Exchange of Information form, but often this form will not include the witness names and contact details.
4. If you can, take photographs of the Uber / Lyft vehicle damage, the other vehicle’s damage, the scene, and your injuries.
5. Seek medical attention for your own injuries as soon as possible. In Florida, if you don’t seek medical care within fourteen (14) days you risk your own PIP insurer denying your claim.
6. Report the accident to your own insurance company.
Major “DON’TS” when you are a passenger in an Uber or Lyft which is in a serious accident:
7. DON’T accept any money for your injuries or damages to property without consulting with an attorney.
8. DON’T discuss the case with Uber / Lyft insurance adjusters or accept a quick money settlement from them. DON’T sign a release or any other paperwork without speaking with an attorney. Be very careful when giving a statement to your own insurance company or the adjuster working for the Uber or Lyft. These statements may later be used against you.

When a personal injury or death results from a car accident where an Uber, Lyft or other ride sharing was involved liability and insurance aspects can be more complicated. According to Uber’s website, while an Uber driver is online with Uber before accepting a request, the Uber driver is covered for $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 per accident for property damage. Uber says that while a an Uber driver is driving to pick up a rider after accepting a request and during an Uber trip, the driver is covered for third party liability coverage for at least $1,000,000 per accident. Lyft carries similar insurance for their drivers.
If the Uber or Lyft was paying attention to his Uber / Lyft map rather than the road, ie. distracted driving (texting while driving or emailing while driving) is involved it is important to hire an experienced accident attorney who knows how to obtain the evidence to prove that someone was actually using their cell phone while driving. Anyone involved in one of these Uber or Lyft accidents should contact an experienced accident attorney to protect your rights.
Injury attorney Todd C. Passman, P.A. handles auto accidents, ridesharing accidents, pedestrian accidents, DUI crashes, distracted driving, and bicycle accident cases serving Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, Stuart, and Okeechobee, Florida, and surrounding areas.
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If you, a family member or a friend have suffered a personal injury in an auto accident, or have questions please contact accident attorney Todd C. Passman today, at (772) 465-9806. Someone from our office will contact you right away.