What If My Accident Involves a Rideshare Law Violation?

Back in 2017, Florida enforced specific rules and regulations that rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft were ordered to observe if they wished to continue operating in this state. These requirements go beyond the standard driving laws. Well, it may have been devastating for you if you were made the victim of an accident with a rideshare driver. But it may be even more crushing if you later realize that this driver violated one of these state-mandated requirements. If so, please continue reading to learn what to do if your auto accident entailed a rideshare law violation and how an experienced Panama City Uber/Lyft accident attorney at Manuel & Thompson, PA, can help you fight for justice in this matter.

What are the rideshare laws in the state of Florida?

Florida lawmakers were primarily concerned with the flexibility that rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft give for what qualifies someone to operate as one of their drivers. In response, the state now requires that the companies conduct background checks on all drivers’ criminal and driving records.

Specifically, an individual cannot work as a driver if, in the past five years, they have been convicted of any felony; a misdemeanor for driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, hit and run, or fleeing a police officer; any crimes of lewdness or indecent exposure; and a misdemeanor for sexual battery or any violent offenses.

What’s more, a driver must not be allowed to drive on a suspended or revoked driver’s license. They should not be hired in the first place if they have more than three moving violations in the past three years. Lastly, an individual must be rejected automatically if they appear on the national sex offender registry.

As far as auto insurance requirements go, Florida requires Uber or Lyft drivers to carry at least $50,000 for death and bodily injury per person, $100,000 for death and bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.

What if my auto accident involves a rideshare law violation?

You may be required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage as a Florida driver to pay for your medical expenses and lost wages after an accident, regardless of who was at fault. However, this may still not be enough to compensate for the full extent of all your damages. What’s more, you may believe that the negligent party should be held accountable for their actions.

Under these circumstances, you may have the grounds to sue a rideshare company in an auto accident claim. Here, you may cite how their negligent hiring and screening procedures went directly against Florida’s established rideshare laws. With this, they may be up against certain fines and penalties in addition to being ordered to pay you compensatory damages.

This matter may obviously be important to you, and you may want the best possible outcome. So please, do not fight this without a skilled Panama City auto accident attorney in your corner. The team at Manuel & Thompson, PA is here at your command.