General Ride Sharing

Ride sharing is becoming a daily reality for residents of West Palm Beach, like other residents around the world. Uber, which started the ride share revolution, has been joined by Lyft, Sidecar and other companies that provide one-time on demand rides. The rides usually come through a smartphone app, whereby the passenger simply requests a car and driver to pick them up from one location and drop them off at another.

Ridesharing is making rapid inroads in the transportation industry. More than eight million people use ridesharing services around the world. Those who use ridesharing rave about convenience, availability and price of the service. In many locations, these services have made it possible for people to avoid owning their own car while having the freedom to get transportation on their own schedules, not relying on public transportation.

One often-neglected consideration for ridesharing passengers is the question of what happens if there is an accident. The question of who provides coverage if a ridesharing driver is in an accident is complex and can be confusing. This may require the assistance of experienced attorneys familiar with the ever-changing world of ridesharing, like Frankl Kominsky.

If a ridesharing driver is in an accident, his or her personal insurance is not likely to cover the damages. Instead, the driver is covered by policies provided by the company, such as Uber or Lyft. This is not as clear cut as it sounds. There are numerous regulations around exactly when that coverage takes over, such as whether the driver is officially on a call or is waiting for a passenger, which can muddy the insurance coverage. Moreover, Uber and Lyft drivers are not employees of the company, allowing a large amount of discretion for insurance companies to deny claims.

Of course, all insurance companies want to avoid paying out damages, so the initial reaction of an insurance company in a ridesharing accident may be to deny coverage. At Frankl Kominsky, we know the tactics used by insurance companies and we fully understand the intricacies of ridesharing legal standards, which means we can quickly identify which insurance company is responsible and help victims receive the compensation they deserve.

Because ridesharing accidents are confusing and because the situation is relatively new, one of the best steps to take if you have been injured in a ridesharing accident - as a passenger, the driver of another vehicle, or a pedestrian - call Frankl Kominsky for a free consultation. We can help explain your legal options, including suing the driver of the car as well as the ridesharing company.

At Frankl Kominsky, we know how disruptive any car accident can be. Victims can face medical bills, bills for rehabilitation, hospital stays, medication, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other expenses. With the multiple layers of insurance involved in ridesharing accidents, insurance companies may be able to delay or even deny payments. Our West Palm Beach lawyers work hard to hold those responsible for negligent ridesharing accidents responsible, and to get victims the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one is the victim of a ridesharing accident, call us today at (855) 800-8000 or fill out our online form. Frankl Kominsky serves clients in Palm Beach County communities such as Lake Worth, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and Palm Beach Gardens. We are fluent in Spanish and Creole.