Motorcycle Accident Claims with Taxis, Uber, or Lyft
When a motorcycle accident involves a taxi, Uber, or Lyft, it can make the accident claim more complex. Despite Florida’s no-fault auto insurance laws, many motorcycle accident claims revolve around fault. A victim must prove who caused their crash to seek compensation outside the no-fault system.
When a driver for Uber, Lyft, or a taxi company causes a motorcycle crash, the victim can generally seek damages through an insurance claim or lawsuit. Yet, as noted, this process can get complicated.
Motorcycle Accidents Are More Likely to Cause Serious Injuries
Compared to car-on-car accidents, car on motorcycle accidents result in more serious injuries, such as:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Burns and scarring from road rash
- Severe fractures
- Other limb injuries, including amputations
- Internal injuries
According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), 2021 statistics show:
- There were 8,631 motorcycle crashes in Florida.
- Five-hundred and eighty-eight people lost their lives due to these crashes.
Many of these claimants sought compensation through insurance claims. Those with especially serious injuries, however, filed lawsuits.
Understanding Insurance Coverage in a Rideshare or Taxi Crash
PIP insurance does not cover motorcyclists even if they have a PIP policy for their car. Yet, Florida requires rideshare companies and taxi companies to carry liability coverage. Any time one of these drivers causes an accident, the motorcyclist can file a claim or lawsuit to pursue damages.
Rideshare Companies Usually Pay for Victims’ Damages
Rideshare insurance coverage is complex. The driver must have their own insurance to cover the time when they are not on the app or matched with a rider. The rideshare company’s auto insurance policy kicks in:
- When the rideshare driver matches with a rider
- When the rideshare passenger enters the car
- For the duration of the rideshare passenger’s ride
This means that, to pursue damages, the motorcyclist must determine the rideshare driver’s status at the time of the accident. However, this can get complicated, and it’s why many motorcycle accident claimants choose to partner with injury lawyers.
Building a Case To Recover Compensation After a Motorcycle Crash
Proving fault and liability requires showing one driver acted negligently and caused the collision through negligence. Often, insurers and other drivers attempt to brand motorcyclists as “reckless” or “dangerous,” making this more difficult in some cases. Many motorcyclists recognize the dangers of riding a motorcycle in South Florida.
They use defensive techniques, drive carefully, and are cautious about other drivers and their unpredictable behaviors. Still, this cannot prevent all collisions. To recoup compensation through a taxicab or rideshare insurance policy, you must establish:
- The rideshare driver had an obligation to drive safely.
- The rideshare driver did not meet this obligation.
- You were hurt in a collision.
- You have accident-related losses, such as medical bills.
The American Bar Association (ABA) requires all motorcycle accident claimants to prove negligence to recover damages. You can learn more about this when you talk with a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer.
Recoverable Damages Can Include Your Past, Present, and Future Losses
If you can prove negligence, compensation in your case could include:
- Medical bills, including future care costs
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage expenses, including the cost of your motorcycle’s repairs
- Pain and Suffering and other non-economic losses
- Wrongful death-related damages, including funeral expenses, loss of consortium, and end-of-life care costs
The amount you can pursue depends on your situation, including your injuries’ severity and your portion of fault for the collision. Florida does not limit how much you can seek via a claim or lawsuit.
How an Attorney Can Pursue the Damages You Need
Collision claims involving rideshare or taxi drivers are frequently contested. For instance, the rideshare company’s insurer may deny your case’s validity. The rideshare company’s lawyers may dispute your injuries’ severity.
A South Florida motorcycle accident lawyer can guide you through the financial recovery process. They will identify the liable policy and advocate for what you need. While your motorcycle accident lawyer pursues financial recovery, you can focus on your physical recovery.
Speak to an Attorney from Our Team About Your Case Today for Free
An attorney from the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato can determine your options for seeking compensation after a motorcycle accident in South Florida. Our Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyers offer free case reviews. You can discuss your rights and next steps with our team today at no cost to you or your family. Dial (954) 633-8270 to learn more. There is no obligation to partner with us when you call. This is simply an opportunity to explore your options.
