Getting hit by a driver who then flees the scene can be an infuriating and traumatic event. This experience becomes even more complicated when the hit and run driver was operating an Uber vehicle at the time. As ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft expand across Florida, accidents involving Uber and Lyft drivers are on the rise.
If you’ve been the innocent victim of a hit and run collision involving an Uber driver in Florida, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. Trying to deal with Uber, file insurance claims, and handle your injuries is difficult enough without the driver speeding off into the night.
Don’t go through it alone. By taking the proper steps after such an accident, you can protect your rights and work toward just compensation. Here is a practical guide on exactly what to do if you’ve been the victim of a hit and run accident with an Uber driver in the state of Florida.
Report the Accident to the Police
The first thing you’ll want to do is contact the police to file an official report. Be prepared to provide them with as many details as possible, including:
- The date, time, and location of the accident
- The make, model, color, and license plate number of the Uber vehicle (if you were able to obtain it)
- A description of the Uber driver
- Details about how the accident occurred
The police report is crucial for documenting the incident, beginning an investigation, and processing any insurance claims. Be sure to obtain a copy of the report for your records.
Seek Any Necessary Medical Attention
Even if you don’t think you were seriously injured in the collision, it’s wise to get examined by a doctor as soon as possible. Symptoms of some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, sometimes do not appear until hours or days later. Getting prompt medical attention will also help document any injuries you sustained.
Talk to Witnesses and Gather Evidence
The more evidence you can gather, the better. Talk to any witnesses who saw the accident occur and get their full contact information. Take photos of the damage to your vehicle, the scene, any injuries you sustained, etc. You’ll also want to save any dash cam, surveillance video, or other photographic evidence that captured the incident.
Report the Accident to Uber
Since the hit and run driver was operating as an Uber driver at the time, you’ll also need to report the accident to Uber. You can do this through the Uber app or website. Uber will likely want details about the driver, trip, and incident. Reporting it puts them on notice about what happened.
File a Claim with Your Insurance Company
You’ll need to open a claim with your own auto insurance company. Provide them with a copy of the police report, photos, and any evidence you’ve gathered. Your insurer will investigate the claim and should help you recover damages by pursuing the at-fault driver’s insurance. This is true even if the at-fault driver fled the scene.
Determine If the Uber Driver Had Valid Insurance
Here’s where things may get complicated. Uber requires all of its drivers to carry valid insurance policies. However, after a hit and run, the driver may claim they were not working for Uber at the time, or they may not have had adequate coverage.
You’ll want to find out if the Uber driver had valid insurance that will cover your damages. Your insurance company can help with this by contacting Uber and the driver. If not, you may need to pursue legal action against the driver personally.
Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney
Speaking with a personal injury lawyer is highly recommended if you’ve been the victim of any hit and run accident. An attorney can help protect your rights, document evidence, communicate with insurers, and pursue maximum compensation if the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient. They can also advise you on your options for legal action if needed.
Types of Damages You Can Recover
In a Florida hit and run accident claim, there are certain types of damages you may be eligible to recover, such as:
- Medical expenses, both current and future
- Lost wages due to any injuries sustained
- Costs to repair or replace your vehicle
- Diminished value of your vehicle even after repairs
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages in certain cases
An experienced attorney can help calculate and seek full compensation for all your damages.
Florida Laws Regarding Hit and Run Accidents
Florida law takes a tough stance on hit-and-run drivers. Under Florida Statute 316.027, it is against the law for the driver of any vehicle involved in a crash to leave the scene without providing their identification and rendering aid to anyone injured. This includes calling emergency services and offering reasonable assistance to the injured parties.
Hit-and-run drivers face serious criminal penalties, including fines of up to $10,000 and up to 30 years imprisonment if the accident resulted in death. Additionally, their driver’s license will be revoked for at least 3 years. These stringent measures are in place to ensure accountability and provide justice for victims affected by such reckless behavior.
Don’t Hesitate to Get Legal Help
Being the victim of any auto accident is stressful. When the negligent party flees the scene, it often leaves innocent victims feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. An experienced Florida car accident lawyer can handle the details for you while you focus on recovery. They will protect your rights and work diligently to recover full compensation.
If you’ve been injured in a hit and run crash involving an Uber driver in Florida, contact the legal team at Monge & Associates. With 32 offices in 19 states, including Florida, South Carolina, and Nebraska, our dedicated personal injury attorneys have helped thousands of clients nationwide recover millions in compensation. To schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation, call us today at (888) 477-0597.