Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare Accident Lawyers in Jupiter, Serving All Florida Counties

Britto & Herman Injury Lawyers understands the significance of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. We acknowledge the frustration, shock, and pain you might experience if you sustain an injury while responsibly using these services. Our skilled Florida rideshare accident attorneys can identify the causes of motor vehicle accidents and pursue the compensation you need.

Rideshare services have become invaluable for various reasons, such as temporary unavailability of personal vehicles, convenience, and responsible transportation after consuming alcohol. However, both rideshare drivers and passengers are not exempt from responsibilities and risks on the road, including negligence that can lead to injuries. A person who rides shares does not forego these risks. Auto accidents involving Uber and Lyft drivers are often more complicated than regular car accidents because of the multiple parties involved.

In the event of an accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver, it’s essential to determine who bears the responsibility for the damages: The driver, Uber, Lyft, or you? An experienced ridesharing injury lawyer can provide you guidance and legal assistance, assessing your situation and determining your next steps in a strategy to seek appropriate compensation for your damages following an accident involving a ridesharing company.

If you have been involved in a rideshare accident in Florida, contact us at Britto & Herman Injury Lawyers for a free consultation. We will carefully assess the details of your unique case and develop a plan to seek appropriate compensation for the harms and losses caused by a Lyft or Uber driver or during their transportation services. Throughout your case, our experienced rideshare accident attorneys will provide you with personalized attention and guidance as we seek compensation on your behalf under Florida law.

Types of Damages in a Florida
Rideshare Accident

If you are involved in a ridesharing car accident in Florida, you may be able to seek several types of accident-related damages. These can be broadly categorized into economic damages, non-economic damages, and in some cases, punitive damages.

Economic Damages in a Florida Rideshare Accident

Economic damages compensate for quantifiable losses related to the accident:

• Medical Expenses: This includes costs for immediate medical care, ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and any future medical expenses related to the accident. Note that extended medical treatment may sometimes be required for years or the rest of your life if you have suffered injuries with long-term implications. Expenses add up significantly over time, which should be accounted for when your attorney seeks to secure fair compensation.
• Lost Wages: If you’ve been unable to work due to your injuries, you can claim compensation for lost income. This also covers reduced earning capacity if you’re unable to earn as much as you did before the accident.
• Property Damage: If your personal belongings were damaged in the accident, such as your vehicle or phone, you could be compensated for their repair or replacement.

Your Florida car accident lawyer will help you assess the scope of economic damages related to medical care, lost income, damage to property, or other economic damages you may be able to seek following an auto accident involving a ridesharing service.

Non-Economic Damages in a Florida Rideshare Accident

Non-economic damages cover more subjective, non-monetary losses:

• Pain and Suffering: This refers to the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from enjoying activities that you previously enjoyed, you may be able to seek corresponding compensation.
• Emotional Distress: Accidents can lead to psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), for which you can seek compensation.

Though non-economic damages are more subjective, our experienced Florida car accident lawyers are prepared to determine estimated financial value based on measurements of the negative impacts a rideshare accident injury has had on you in the past, as well as likely impacts in the future. Seeking legal representation is an essential step when planning to pursue fair  compensation for these damages following an auto accident.

Punitive Damages in Florida Rideshare Accident Cases

Punitive damages are not meant to compensate the victim, but to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future. In Florida, these are only awarded in cases where the defendant’s conduct was especially egregious or reckless.

Injuries commonly associated with rideshare accidents include neck and spinal cord injuries, head injuries, broken bones, paralysis, back pain, and soft tissue injuries. Given the complexity of rideshare accidents involving companies like Uber or Lyft, it’s crucial to consult with a legal professional to help you seek appropriate compensation for your injuries and losses.

Factors Affecting the Driver’s Responsibility in a Rideshare Accident

Ridesharing car accidents differ greatly from a normal car accident case due to the multiple parties and additional factors involved. The rideshare driver, their employer (such as Uber or Lyft), the insurance company for the ridesharing service or the personal insurance company of the driver (depending on circumstances), and even drivers and passengers in other vehicles may potentially be other parties involved in the case.

In Florida, if a ridesharing accident occurs while the driver is completing a passenger request, the rideshare company’s insurance should cover up to $1.25 million for each accident. However, the exact responsibility of a rideshare driver in an accident may vary depending on the specifics of the situation.

When The Rideshare Driver Is Logged into the App

The moment a rideshare driver logs into the Uber or Lyft app, they are considered on-duty. If an accident occurs during this time, the rideshare company’s insurance becomes the primary insurance coverage. The driver must carry a minimum of $1 million of liability coverage that includes bodily injury and property damage.

If they were logged in but had not accepted a ride, a lower level of coverage from the rideshare company’s insurance may apply. Once they accept a ride, the highest level of coverage applies.

When The Rideshare Driver Is Not Logged into the
Rideshare App

If a driver is not logged into the Uber or Lyft app at the time of the accident, their personal auto insurance policy will likely be the primary coverage. In such cases, the rideshare company’s insurance may not provide coverage.

If the driver was not logged in, their personal auto insurance would apply.

Presence of a Passenger in the Vehicle

If a passenger was in the rideshare vehicle at the time of the accident, it could affect the claim. The passenger could potentially make a claim against both the rideshare driver and the other driver involved in the accident.

After Accepting a Ride Request

Once a driver accepts a ride request and while the passenger is in the vehicle, the rideshare company’s insurance typically provides the highest level of coverage.

The Rideshare Driver’s Duty

The driver has a responsibility to drive safely and follow all traffic laws. If the driver’s negligence or reckless behavior causes an accident, they can be held liable. This could include behaviors such as distracted driving, speeding, or failing to adhere to traffic signals.

Reporting the Rideshare Accident

Rideshare drivers are required to report any accidents to the rideshare company. They should also cooperate with law enforcement and insurance companies during investigations.

Proving a Rideshare Accident Case Involves Important Differences from Proving a Regular Car Accident

Proving a rideshare case in Florida differs from proving a regular car accident case due to the involvement of multiple parties, different insurance policies, and the unique circumstances surrounding rideshare services. Your Florida car accident lawyer at Britto & Herman will help you navigate all aspects of your case.

Involvement of Rideshare Companies

In a regular car accident the drivers involved are typically the primary parties. However, in a rideshare accident, the company employing the driver (Uber, Lyft, etc.) becomes a significant party in the case. This adds a layer of complexity, as these companies have their own legal teams and insurance policies.

Proving the Fault of the Rideshare Driver

Proving that the rideshare driver was at fault may require evidence such as police reports, surveillance videos, and witness accounts. The burden of proof requires evidence gathering, pointing out that injuries happened due to the driver’s direct negligence.

Insurance Companies’ Approach to Rideshare Accidents in Florida

Insurance companies handle ridesharing car accidents differently than regular car accidents. Rideshare companies carry large insurance policies, usually up to $1 million, which can be targeted in these cases. However, these companies often deny liability, arguing that their drivers are independent contractors rather than employees.

Factors to Assess When Determining the Value of Your Rideshare Accident Case

When assessing the value of a rideshare accident case in Florida, an experienced attorney will consider several factors. These factors are critical in determining both the liability of involved parties and the extent of damages to be claimed.

• Severity, Nature, and Permanence of Injuries — The severity and nature of the injuries sustained in the accident significantly affect the value of a case. More severe or permanent injuries typically lead to higher compensation due to increased medical costs and potential long-term disability.
• Medical Bills and Other Accident-Related Costs — The total cost of medical bills, including future medical expenses, is a major factor in determining the case’s value. Other accident-related costs, such as property damage and loss of income, are also considered.
• Traumatic Experience — The emotional and psychological trauma suffered by the victim can also be included in the claim. This is often referred to as pain and suffering.
• Driver Behavior — The behavior of the rideshare driver at the time of the accident is crucial. Factors such as distracted driving, fatigue, or inadequate screening can contribute to the accident and increase the liability of the driver or the rideshare company.
• Regulatory Processes — Rideshare drivers in Florida must adhere to specific regulatory processes that determine liability in an accident. An experienced attorney will examine whether these processes were followed.
• Insurance Coverage — The insurance coverage of the rideshare company and the driver will significantly impact the potential payout. Ridesharing services typically have large insurance policies, but they also have legal teams working to minimize payouts.

In a ridesharing car accident case, various types of damages may apply, including compensatory damages for medical expenses and lost wages, non-economic damages for pain and suffering, and, in some cases, punitive damages if the driver’s behavior was particularly reckless.

At Britto & Herman, our experienced personal injury lawyers will seek maximum compensation on your behalf under Florida law for injuries from car accident cases involving ridesharing services. Our legal team manages insurance company communications and investigates to secure evidence from the auto accident scene when applicable.

An important step after seeking medical attention is to request a free case evaluation to protect your legal rights. We will seek to determine whether you have a valid claim during your complimentary consultation.

Schedule a Free Consultation Today with Britto & Herman Injury Lawyers in Jupiter, Florida to Discuss Your Rideshare Accident Case

At Britto & Herman Injury Lawyers, the paramount focus of our law firm is seeking justice for accident victims in all Florida counties. Our commitment to effectively representing clients in a rideshare car accident claim is demonstrated by our track record, which spans over a decade of positive differences made in the lives of our clients throughout Florida.

We genuinely want to assist you, so contact us today for a free case evaluation with an experienced rideshare car accident attorney by calling (561) 835-5555(561) 835-5555 or filling out our online form. Allow us to passionately fight on your behalf and seek the compensation and justice you need.

Time is of the essence in rideshare accident cases, so it’s crucial to take prompt action. Britto & Herman Injury Lawyers is here to render unwavering support and guide you through the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected following the negligence of others in Florida.

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