Tampa Uber Accident Lawyer

BOLD REPRESENTATION. BOLD RESULTS.

To begin with, Uber calls itself a technology platform. In plain English, it’s a smartphone app. In fact, it operates to connect drivers and passengers who pay fares to get from one place to another. Thus, Uber pays the drivers for every completed trip. But, Uber denies an employer and employee relationship with the drivers. It also denies owning any vehicles associated with the company. Its position is that Uber drivers are independent contractors.

As of 2019, Uber offers UberX, UberXL, and Uber Select vehicles in Tampa. Popular destinations include Amalie Arena, Downtown Tampa, Raymond James Stadium, and Tampa International Airport (TPA).

Uber Customer Simplicity

Becoming an Uber customer is simple. First, you merely create an account with some personal and payment information. Then, you install the app on your smartphone. Next, when you need a ride somewhere, you can input your location and destination on the app. Finally, a nearby driver who is an Uber associate can agree to give you a ride to where you’re going. Additionally, you can even watch the Uber vehicle on your phone to see where it is while it’s coming to pick you up. Thus, you can make payments with either a valid credit card that’s on file with Uber or a PayPal account.

Uber Accident Liability Complexity

Many people in and around Tampa use Uber from time to time. But, if they’re in an accident involving an Uber vehicle as a passenger the insurance issues surrounding the crash become complex. As well as, for another driver, bicyclist, or pedestrian involved in the accident. An investigator or adjuster from an insurance company will be conducting an investigation. And, written or recorded statements taken from all parties and any independent witnesses become critical to their investigation.

Florida law doesn’t require an injured victim or a witness to give any type of statement to an opposing attorney. Especially, without an attorney being present on their behalf. In fact, that opposing insurer only intends on using any statements against those people who gave them by using their own words against them. Rather than giving a statement and unknowingly hurting your case, contact us instead. And, you can arrange for a free case evaluation with a Tampa Uber accident attorney from our offices.

Insurance

Although Florida is a mandatory insurance state, it’s also a no-fault insurance state. Mandatory minimum limits for any driver are only $10,000 of personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 for property damage. Should you be injured in an accident, your own insurer will pay your medical bills up to the amount of your policy limit. Even if you’re in a car that is owned by somebody else, your PIP covers your medical expenses.

Fortunately, Florida law requires drivers for companies like Uber to carry insurance far in excess of its minimum $10,000 limit. Drivers are required to carry $1 million of insurance for property damage, personal injury, wrongful death, and uninsured motorist protection. That coverage is provided by Uber, and it’s triggered from the time that the Uber driver accepts a passenger until such time as the ride is completed. If the driver is available on the Uber app, but not in transit, a minimum of $50,000 of coverage is required. If the driver isn’t using the Uber app, his or her own insurance coverage controls.

Claims That are Denied

Always keep the fact in mind that insurance companies are in business for purpose of making money and not giving it away. If you have a claim against an Uber driver or Uber itself, expect its insurer to either try to devalue your claim or deny it in its entirety. The fact that Uber doesn’t consider its drivers to be employees complicates matters even further.

The Statement

It’s likely that Uber’s insurer will phone you and try to lull you into giving it a recorded statement from you. Florida law doesn’t require you to give any type of statement to an opposing insurer. That insurer is only going to try to use your own words against you in the future. Rather than giving a statement and prejudicing your case, protect your rights, and politely refuse to give any type of statement. After that, contact our offices, and we’ll arrange for that free consultation and case evaluation.

Contact a Tampa Uber Accident Lawyer

RHINO Lawyers is a powerful, results-driven law firm, that takes Insurance Companies and Bullies “head-on!”

Whether you were injured as a passenger, the driver of another motor vehicle, a bicyclist, or a pedestrian, you’ll likely be in a complicated uphill battle when trying to obtain full and fair compensation for your injuries. Evidence can disappear, recollections of events can get fuzzy and witnesses can vanish. Those are just some of the reasons why you need to contact us as soon as possible after being injured in an Uber accident.

We’ll answer your questions and advise you of your full range of legal alternatives. It doesn’t cost a penny for you to retain us either. That’s because no legal fees are due unless we obtain a settlement or verdict for you. Contact RHINO Lawyers as soon as possible after being injured in an Uber accident.