RIDESHARE ACCIDENT?

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have transformed transportation, providing convenient and cost-effective alternatives to traditional taxis and public transport. However, the increasing popularity of these services also brings a rise in rideshare-related accidents. When an accident occurs, the legal and insurance complexities can be overwhelming.

As a leading law firm located in Lake Mary, Florida, we specialize in Seminole County rideshare accident cases, offering expert legal support to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Our team of experienced Lake Mary rideshare accident attorneys at Chubb Law is dedicated to helping victims navigate the intricacies of rideshare laws, insurance claims, and personal injury litigation.

UNDERSTANDING RIDESHARE ACCIDENTS

A rideshare accident involves any collision or incident involving a vehicle associated with a ridesharing service, such as Uber or Lyft. These collisions can occur during an active ride, while the driver is en route to pick up a passenger, or even when the driver is logged into the app but not currently transporting a passenger.

RIDESHARING INSURANCE COVERAGE

Rideshare accidents present unique legal challenges due to the involvement of multiple parties, including the rideshare company, the driver, passengers, other motorists, and pedestrians. Determining liability can be complicated, especially when considering the varying insurance coverages provided by the rideshare companies and the driver’s personal insurance policies. The specific insurance coverage for drivers and passengers in case of an accident can vary depending on the stage of the driver’s trip.

• Offline: When the driver is logged out of the rideshare app, the driver’s personal insurance policy is typically the primary coverage.

• Logged in but no passenger: When the driver is logged into the app but has no passenger, the rideshare company usually provides liability coverage.

• On a trip with a passenger: Once the driver has accepted a ride and has a passenger in the vehicle, the rideshare company provides primary liability coverage with minimum limits mandated by Florida law. Absent exceptional circumstances, according to state law, these limits are at least $1 million for death, bodily injury, and property damage.

Florida’s minimum insurance coverage limits differ for personal auto insurance, commercial auto insurance, and rideshare services. Our knowledgeable rideshare accident lawyers can review the circumstances of your collision and determine which insurance company is responsible for paying for your injuries and damages and whether it maintained the proper coverage. Contact us as soon as possible so we can begin investigating your accident and potential legal claim.

COMMON CAUSES OF RIDESHARE ACCIDENTS IN SEMINOLE COUNTY

Rideshare accidents in Seminole County and throughout Florida can result from various factors, including:

• Driver fatigue: Rideshare drivers can work long hours, increasing the risk of fatigue-related accidents.

• Distracted driving: Using the rideshare app, GPS navigation, or communicating with passengers can divert the driver’s attention.

• Speeding: To maximize earnings, drivers may exceed speed limits, leading to collisions.

• Reckless driving: Aggressive driving behaviors, such as weaving through traffic or abrupt lane changes, can cause accidents.

• Inexperienced drivers: Some rideshare drivers may lack sufficient driving experience, making them more prone to accidents.

• Poor vehicle maintenance: Failure to properly maintain the vehicle can lead to mechanical failures and collisions.

• Third-party driver negligence: Accidents can also be caused by other drivers who fail to yield, drive recklessly, or violate traffic laws.

• Dangerous road conditions: Poor weather, inadequate lighting, or defective roads can all increase the risk of a collision.

TYPES OF INJURIES SUSTAINED IN SEMINOLE COUNTY RIDESHARE ACCIDENTS

Rideshare accidents can cause a variety of injuries, including:

• Whiplash
• Back and neck injuries
• Broken bones
• Head injuries, such as concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains and strains
• Cuts, lacerations, and road rash
• Psychological trauma, such as PTSD and anxiety

If you have suffered an injury in a rideshare accident due to another party’s negligence, contact our rideshare accident lawyers at Chubb Law. We handle rideshare collision cases throughout Seminole County, including Lake Mary, Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Longwood, Oviedo, Sanford, and Winter Springs.

LEGAL RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Rideshare passengers, drivers, and other motorists and pedestrians have certain rights and responsibilities, including the following:

Rights of Rideshare Passengers

As a ridesharing vehicle passenger, you have the right to expect a safe and secure ride. If you are injured in an accident, you are entitled to seek compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Rideshare companies are required to provide insurance coverage for passengers, which typically includes:

• Liability coverage: Protects passengers if the rideshare driver is at fault

• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Covers passengers if another driver is at fault and lacks adequate insurance

Right of Other Motorists and Pedestrians

If you are involved in a collision with a rideshare vehicle as another motorist, cyclist, or pedestrian, you also have the right to seek compensation. Determining liability and the appropriate insurance coverage can be complex, but you are entitled to pursue damages for your injuries and property damage.

Responsibilities of Rideshare Drivers

Rideshare drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely and adhere to traffic laws. They are also required to maintain appropriate insurance coverage while using the rideshare app. Drivers must follow the terms and conditions set by the rideshare companies, which include maintaining a valid driver’s license, ensuring their vehicle meets safety standards, and complying with all relevant laws and regulations.

STEPS TO TAKE AFTER A RIDESHARE ACCIDENT IN FLORIDA

Being involved in a rideshare accident can be a traumatic experience. Knowing the steps to take immediately after the accident can protect your legal rights and strengthen your case. If you are involved in a rideshare collision in Lake Mary or another Seminole County location, take the following steps:

Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention

Your safety and well-being are top priorities. If you are able, move to a safe location and check for injuries. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you do not feel hurt, because some injuries may not be immediately apparent and can worsen over time.

Call the Police

Contact law enforcement to report the accident. A police report is a crucial piece of evidence that will document the details of the collision, including the parties involved, witness statements, and any traffic violations. Ensure you obtain a copy of the police report for your records.

Gather Information

Collect as much information as possible at the scene of the accident, including:

• Names, contact information, and insurance details of all drivers involved
• The rideshare driver’s name and rideshare company, like Uber or Lyft
• Vehicle make, model, and license plate numbers
• Contact information of any witnesses
• Photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries

Report the Accident to the Rideshare Company

Inform the rideshare company about the collision through their app or customer service. Both Uber and Lyft have procedures for reporting accidents, and prompt reporting is essential for initiating insurance claims.

Avoid Discussing Fault

Avoid admitting fault at the scene of the accident or when speaking with the insurance company. Simply provide a factual account of what happened. Do not give a recorded statement without first speaking with an attorney.

Contact a Lake Mary Rideshare Accident Attorney

Consulting with an experienced rideshare accident lawyer is crucial to navigating the complexities of your case. Our attorneys can help you understand your legal rights, assess liability, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.

DETERMINING FAULT IN A LAKE MARY RIDESHARE COLLISION

Ridesharing accidents in Lake Mary or other Seminole County area can involve multiple parties, making it crucial to determine who is liable for your injuries. Potential parties at fault include the following:

• The rideshare driver: If the rideshare driver’s negligence caused your accident, such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence, they can be held responsible.

• Other drivers: If another driver caused the collision, their insurance may cover your damages.

• The ridesharing company: Ridesharing companies have a duty to ensure their drivers meet certain qualifications and maintain appropriate insurance coverage. The company may be liable if they fail to properly vet the driver or provide adequate insurance.

TYPES OF COMPENSATION RECOVERABLE IN A SEMINOLE COUNTY RIDESHARE ACCIDENT CLAIM

If you have been injured in a rideshare accident in Lake Mary or another Seminole County location, you may be entitled to compensation for various damages, including:

• Medical expenses: This category covers all past, present, and future medical costs associated with your injuries from the rideshare accident. Recoverable medical expenses can include hospital bills, doctor’s appointments, surgery costs, prescription medications, rehabilitation therapy, physical therapy, and medical equipment like a wheelchair or crutches.

• Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover compensation for lost wages during your recovery period. This can include salary or hourly wages, commissions and bonuses, vacation pay, and sick leave.

• Loss of earning capacity: In some cases, your injuries may permanently impact your ability to earn a living. You can recover compensation for lost earning capacity if you can demonstrate a decrease in your future earning potential due to the accident.

• Pain and suffering: This category compensates you for the physical and emotional pain and suffering you have endured as a result of the accident. The severity of your injuries, the duration of your pain, and the emotional impact of the collision are all factors considered when determining pain and suffering compensation.

• Mental anguish: Mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can arise after a traumatic accident. Compensation for mental anguish acknowledges the emotional distress caused by the collision.

• Property damage: If the rideshare accident caused damage to your personal property, such as your car or belongings inside the vehicle, you can seek compensation for repairs or replacements.

• Scarring and disfigurement: Permanent scarring or disfigurement resulting from the accident can be emotionally and psychologically damaging. Compensation can be recovered to acknowledge this lasting impact.

• Loss of consortium: If your injuries have significantly impacted your ability to maintain a normal marital relationship, your spouse may be entitled to compensation for loss of consortium.

• Punitive damages: In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party for egregious or reckless conduct that led to the accident. However, punitive damages are rarely awarded in rideshare accident cases.

The specific damages you are entitled to recover will depend on the unique circumstances of your case. Your Florida rideshare accident attorney from Chubb Law will work diligently to identify all recoverable damages and fight to maximize your compensation.

SHARED FAULT IN A LAKE MARY RIDESHARE ACCIDENT

If you are considering filing a claim for compensation after your Seminole County rideshare accident, understanding the concept of shared fault, also known as comparative negligence, is crucial. Florida’s comparative negligence system determines how much compensation you are entitled to recover based on your own contribution to the accident’s cause.

In a nutshell, comparative negligence means that the blame for a collision can be shared among multiple parties. In a rideshare accident, this could involve the rideshare driver, another motorist, or you, the passenger. You could potentially share responsibility for the accident or your injuries if you distracted the driver, failed to wear a seatbelt, or opened a car door into oncoming traffic.

Florida’s comparative negligence system operates on a percentage basis, meaning the jury will determine the percentage of fault attributable to each party involved in the accident. This percentage directly impacts your compensation award. However, as long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the accident, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your injuries and losses.

TIME LIMITS ON PERSONAL INJURY LAWSUITS IN FLORIDA

In Florida, understanding the statute of limitations is crucial if you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence and want to pursue compensation. The statute of limitations establishes the deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit in court. Missing this deadline can significantly impact your ability to recover damages.

The standard statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits in Florida is two years from the date of the accident that caused your injury. There are a few exceptions to the two-year rule, including when a government entity is involved or when the injured person is a minor. Our team of knowledgeable personal injury lawyers can determine the applicable statute of limitations for your rideshare accident.

Missing the statute of limitations deadline in Florida can have serious consequences. If you file your lawsuit after the deadline, the court can dismiss your case, barring you from compensation for your injuries, regardless of the merits of your claim. Contact us as soon as possible so we can investigate your claim timely and advise you on the best course of action for your specific situation.

HOW OUR LAKE MARY RIDESHARE ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS AT CHUBB LAW CAN HELP

Navigating the complexities of a rideshare accident claim can be challenging. Our skilled Seminole County rideshare accident lawyers at Chubb Law can help in the following ways:

• Expertise in rideshare laws: Our attorneys specialize in rideshare accident cases and have a thorough understanding of the specific laws and regulations that govern rideshare services in Florida. We stay up to date with the latest legal developments to ensure you receive the most effective representation.

• Thorough investigation: We conduct a comprehensive investigation of your rideshare accident to gather all necessary evidence, which includes reviewing the police report, obtaining medical records, analyzing witness statements, and consulting with accident reconstruction experts if needed. Our thorough approach ensures that no detail is overlooked.

• Determining liability: Determining liability in a rideshare accident can be complex due to the involvement of multiple parties. Our attorneys meticulously analyze the facts of your case to establish who is at fault and consider factors such as driver negligence, vehicle maintenance issues, and the rideshare company’s responsibility.

• Negotiating with insurance companies: Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. Our lawyers have extensive experience negotiating with insurance adjusters to secure fair compensation for our clients and handle all communications with insurance companies to ensure your rights are protected.

• Maximizing compensation: Our team is committed to helping you obtain the maximum compensation available for your injuries and losses. This may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.

• Representing you in court: Our attorneys are prepared to take your case to court if negotiations do not result in a fair settlement. We have a strong track record of success in personal injury litigation and will vigorously advocate for your rights in front of a judge and jury.

CONTACT US AFTER YOUR FLORIDA MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT FOR A FREE CASE EVALUATION

Navigating the aftermath of a rideshare accident in Seminole County can be daunting, but you do not have to do it alone. Our Lake Mary rideshare accident lawyers are here to provide expert legal support and to fight to obtain the compensation you deserve. With our deep understanding of rideshare laws, thorough investigation process, and commitment to client success, we are your trusted partners in achieving justice.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a rideshare collision, contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation. Let us help you take the first step toward recovery and secure the best possible outcome for your case.