FL Rideshare Accidents And Coverage Tiers
As rideshare usage has grown, It is important for users of these services to understand the insurance coverage tiers that may be part of an Uber or Lyft accident recovery process. Rideshare insurance coverage changes depending on whether the driver is offline, available for rides, or en route to pick up or drop off a passenger. A Miami personal injury lawyer can share with you Florida-specific requirements and assist you in accessing a full and fair settlement.
Three Coverage Tiers and Your Expenses
Rideshare companies structure their insurance coverage based on the driver’s activity at the time of the accident.
- Offline mode. When an individual who uses their personal vehicle to earn money as a rideshare driver is not logged into a rideshare app, they are considered to be offline. During this time, the driver’s personal insurance policy is the only coverage available, as neither Uber or Lyft offers protection while the app is turned off.
- Available mode. Once a driver is logged into the app and available to accept ride requests, they are in the available mode. Then, Uber and Lyft provide third-party liability coverage, but it’s limited.
- En route and trip mode. After a ride is accepted and the driver is either on the way to pick up a passenger or actively transporting a passenger, they enter en route or on trip mode. This is the most comprehensive coverage tier, and the enhanced coverage is intended to cover both passengers and third parties injured in a rideshare accident, making it the most robust protection offered by Uber and Lyft.
Of course, there can be challenges to accessing compensation when an insurer disputes liability at any coverage tier. For instance, if a driver’s personal insurance policy has language about not using a vehicle for commercial use and the driver spends many hours as a rideshare driver, they may push back on their responsibility to pay expenses incurred during an accident.
Addressing Potential Coverage Gaps
Even with these coverage tiers in place, gaps in coverage exist in certain scenarios. For example, Florida’s rideshare insurance requirements don’t fully cover medical expenses for a passenger if they’re injured while the driver is in available mode. Additionally, if an injured party’s costs exceed the coverage provided, they could face out-of-pocket expenses.
In such situations, a Miami personal injury lawyer can be an invaluable resource. Seasoned legal professionals can help determine which insurance applies, navigate coverage limits, and explore all available avenues for compensation. While rideshare insurance can be tricky to navigate, experienced legal guidance can help you maximize your claim so you can fully cover your accident-related expenses.
How are you planning to secure the funds you need to pay off collision-related fees following an Uber or Lyft accident? Accessing funds from a rideshare driver or company isn’t always a simple process. A key first step is knowing which coverage tier applies to your unique situation. There are professionals to guide you through the process, working with the attorneys at Spencer Morgan Law can ensure that you receive the compensation you need. Call 305-423-3800 to book a confidential consultation.