Rideshare Accident: Don’t Get Taken for a Ride
Each time you drive in a car, there is always a chance that you could be involved in a car accident. Car accidents, whether you are driving or not, can be devastating and leave you severely injured. Accidents involving rideshare companies and drivers can be particularly disconcerting because there are many external factors involved. That’s where a Coral Springs rideshare accident attorney becomes vital.
Ridesharing services have become popular, offering a convenient transportation option. Yet, when a rideshare journey takes a turn and results in an accident in Coral Springs, Florida, the consequences can be significant. Having a Florida personal injury lawyer can help resolve the legalities, determine liability, and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
Quick Summary
- A rideshare accident occurs when vehicles from Uber or Lyft are involved in a collision with other vehicles, pedestrians, or objects. These accidents, like any other car crash, can result in injuries or damage.
- Rideshare accidents can happen due to various reasons, including distracted driving, fatigue from working long hours and driving under the influence. While rideshares offer convenience, accidents can occur, and knowing where to turn for help is crucial, as Uber and Lyft distance themselves from liability.
- Rideshare accidents can lead to various injuries, such as whiplash, bone fractures, soft tissue injuries, head injuries, and back injuries. These injuries can range from minor to severe, so those injured must understand their options for legal action.
- After a rideshare accident, if you’re hurt and can’t move safely, stay still until help arrives. If you can, call 911 and use the rideshare app to report the accident. Take photos, get contact info, and seek medical attention.
- You have up to 2 years from the date of a rideshare accident to file a claim for injuries. It’s best to file once you know how much the accident has cost you but before evidence is lost or witnesses forget what happened.
- Uber and Lyft have insurance policies that cover their drivers in different situations. If you were a passenger, the driver’s insurance should cover you well. If you weren’t a passenger, you might need to start with the other driver’s insurance. And if the rideshare driver wasn’t working at the time, their personal insurance will likely apply.
- Responsible parties should be held accountable regarding your injuries, pursuing awards for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
- In Florida, car accident damages are typically covered by each driver’s insurance, regardless of fault. Drivers must have minimum car insurance, including Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and property damage liability. If your expenses exceed your coverage or you have a permanent injury, you can file a claim against the at-fault driver or their insurance.
What is a Rideshare Accident?
A rideshare accident happens when cars from services like Uber or Lyft get into a crash. This could involve another car, a bike, a pedestrian, or anything else on the road. Just like any car accident, it can lead to injuries or damage to stuff.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Coral Springs
What causes a rideshare accident? Like any accident, there are various reasons and causes. Here are some of the most common:
- A distracted driver looking at his rideshare app, GPS, or cellphone
- Fatigued driving (many rideshare drivers do this as a second job after their working hours)
- Intoxicated driving
- Speeding to increase the overall number of rides per shift
- Disregarding traffic laws
- Making U-turns due to unfamiliar locations
- Third-party accidents caused by a driver other than the Uber or Lyft driver
All in all, you may not always have control over these causes, but being aware can help prevent accidents.
What Are the Common Injuries in Rideshare Accidents?
Rideshare accidents can cause many different types of injuries, ranging from minor to serious. It’s important for people injured in these accidents to know about these common injuries when considering legal action.
- Whiplash
- Bone Fractures
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Head Injuries
- Back Injuries
What Steps to Take After a Coral Springs Rideshare Accident?
Depending on the severity of the car accident, you may be unable to move without causing further injury, in which case you should remain in place until emergency services arrive.
If you can use your phone—or ask an uninjured bystander to use your phone for you—taking the following steps can help protect your physical safety and financial future:
- Call 911 to report the accident.
- Use the rideshare app’s “Trip Issues” option to report the accident to Uber or Lyft.
- Take photos of the accident scene, including the rideshare vehicle, any other involved vehicles, and landmarks like intersections and traffic signals.
- Add the contact information of the rideshare driver, other involved driver(s), and eyewitnesses.
- Accept emergency transportation to a hospital and tell the medical providers about all injuries and symptoms.
- Ask for a detailed report with your prognosis and the recommended treatment.
- Ask the police for a copy of their accident report.
- Make every follow-up appointment and procedure, and report any new symptoms during the weeks following your accident.
- Call a rideshare accident attorney to evaluate your case to see if you could gain compensation through the special insurance coverage used by rideshare drivers.
Uber and Lyft have insurance coverage that provides up to $1 million in compensation for injuries if you were a paying passenger and lesser amounts if you were a pedestrian or other motorist in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle that wasn’t transporting a passenger.
Florida Statute of Limitations for Rideshare Accidents
All states place time limits on an injury victim’s ability to make a claim after an accident. Florida accident victims have a generous 4-year statute of limitations for filing injury claims after a rideshare accident. If you’ve been in a rideshare accident, you have 4 years from the date of the accident in which to file a claim. The best time to file a claim is once you have an idea of the scope of your financial damages related to the accident but before evidence may become lost or eyewitness testimony degraded.
Rules for Rideshare Accident Injury Cases
Uber and Lyft have developed comparable insurance policies for their drivers in the event of an accident. These coverages depend on the circumstances of your accident with the rideshare driver, including:
- Option 1 (You Were a Passenger). A driver actively transporting a passenger while on duty is typically covered by Uber or Lyft’s insurance policy. This policy provides high limits for personal injury and property damage.
- Option 2 (You Were Not a Passenger). You could initially submit a claim with the negligent driver’s insurance company. If the driver’s insurance company refuses your claim, Uber or Lyft policy may apply.
- Option 3 (Rideshare Driver Not Logged Into the App). An off-duty driver is not covered by the insurance plans of Lyft or Uber. As a result, an accident involving an off-duty driver will be covered by the driver’s personal insurance.
What Compensation Can I Get From My Rideshare Accident?
Insurance matters are challenging to understand, especially regarding rideshare accidents. There may be a fight over whether or not the company owes you money and arguments over other relevant facts that affect your case.
While the priority is your health, understanding the compensation you might be eligible for is important. This includes:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death awards
- Punitive damages
- And more
Who Will Pay for My Rideshare Accident Injury Claim Damages?
Florida is one of a few states where it’s a no-fault system for car accidents. This means that no matter who caused the accident, each driver’s insurance pays for their medical bills and lost income.
In Florida, all drivers, including Uber and Lyft drivers, must have a minimum amount of car insurance, which includes:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) which is $10,000 per accident
- Property damage liability which is $10,000 per accident
In Florida, you need to see a doctor within 14 days of the accident to get this benefit. If your medical bills and lost income are more than what your insurance covers, or if you have a permanent injury according to Florida law, you can file a claim against the person who caused the accident and their insurance.
Why Do I Need a Rideshare Accident Attorney in Florida?
Even though rideshare services offer a convenient way to travel, accidents involving rideshare drivers can be complex. Here’s why you might need a rideshare accident attorney in Florida:
- Keeping clients informed about how their cases are going
- Calling them back and answering their questions fast
- Figuring out who’s responsible for what happened
- Collecting proof and building a strong case
- Figuring out how much the case is worth
- Trying to make a fair deal to settle the case
Consulting an attorney familiar with Florida’s rideshare accident laws can be crucial in securing the compensation you deserve.
Get More Answers With a Free Consultation
In the world of navigating tricky rideshare accident claims in Florida, Andrew G. Rosenberg, P.A. stands out big time. Our firm boasts a track record stuffed with wins, making sure their clients snag the best outcomes. We’ve got the know-how to tackle the toughest cases, turning complex legal jargon into plain talk.
Whether it’s dealing with stubborn insurance companies or fighting for your rights in court, we’ve got your back every step of the way. Now, if you’ve had a rough ride because of a rideshare accident, don’t sweat it. Reach out to the Law Office of Andrew G. Rosenberg, P.A., and let us take the wheel. We’re ready to fight tooth and nail to get you the justice and compensation you rightly deserve.
Rideshare accidents are expensive for insurers to settle. Ensure that you are getting a reasonable amount during a free consultation with our trusted Coral Springs rideshare accident attorney at Rosenberg Law Firm. We can also assist you with Power of Attorney and Probate.