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Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare Accident AttorneyProfessional Representation for Victims of Uber, Lyft & Other Rideshare Accidents

As the popularity of rideshares increases, so does the risk of rideshare-related accidents. More and more people are choosing to use rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft over traditional transportation methods.

rideshare accident lawyerWhile these companies provide a convenient, effective, and affordable option for those who do not wish to drive themselves, the fact remains that there are more rideshare accidents now than ever. If you are involved in an accident with a rideshare vehicle—either as a passenger, a driver or passenger of a separate vehicle, or a pedestrian or cyclist—you may be entitled to compensation for your damages.

Rideshare accident claims can be very confusing. Because of this, it is imperative that you speak to a seasoned Uber and Lyft accident lawyer who has experience handling these unique types of cases. At The Fran Haasch Law Group, we can help you ensure that your rights are protected and that you are fully aware of all your legal options.

Causes of Rideshare Accidents

Some of the most common causes of rideshare accidents include:

  • Distracted driving – When drivers are distracted, they are not paying attention to the road and are more likely to cause an accident.
  • Speeding – Speeding is one of the leading causes of accidents, regardless of whether you are a rideshare driver or not.
  • Driving under the influence – Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is never a good idea, leading to serious accidents.
  • Fatigue – Fatigue can cause a rideshare driver to make mistakes on the road and lead to accidents.

Are Passengers Protected In A Rideshare Car Accident?

In most cases, rideshare companies provide some level of protection for passengers. However, it is important to check with the specific company to see what is covered. You should also contact a rideshare accident attorney. They will negotiate with the insurance company and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

What You Should Do If You Are Involved in a Rideshare Accident

If you are involved in a rideshare accident, you should follow the same steps as any other car accident.

  • Seek Immediate Medical Care for Anyone Involved – If you are involved in a rideshare accident, you should seek medical assistance. Even if you do not think you are injured, it is always best to get checked out by a medical professional.
  • Contact the PoliceThe police will create a report of the accident, which can be used as evidence in your case.
  • Get the Contact Information of Witnesses – If there are any witnesses to the accident, it is important to get their contact information. Witnesses can provide valuable testimony if your case goes to trial.
  • Take Photos of the Scene – If you are able, take photos of the accident scene. These photos can be used as evidence in your case.
  • Do Not Admit Fault – It is important that you do not admit fault for the accident. If you do, it could jeopardize your case.

Contact a Florida Rideshare Accident Attorney

If you have been involved in a rideshare accident, it is important to contact an experienced Florida attorney. The attorney will review the facts of your case and help you determine the best course of action.

Insurance Coverage Requirements for Rideshare Drivers

Under Florida state law, rideshare drivers must carry personal auto insurance. This includes the minimum PIP coverage allowed ($10,000 per person or $20,000 per accident) of $1 million in liability coverage. They must also carry the $1 million coverage required of rideshare companies. Additionally, most rideshare drivers must have $50,000 in coverage when they are not actively driving a passenger.

Who Is Liable for Rideshare Accidents?

car accidentThe circumstances involved in your accident will not only determine who is liable but also how much you will be able to recover. There may be several liable parties in any given Uber or Lyft accident. These include:

The Rideshare Company

This applies when the driver has the app turned on, is actively looking for passengers, or is carrying a passenger at the time of the incident. Because Lyft and Uber drivers are considered independent contractors, not employees, drivers and riders sometimes have difficulty obtaining compensation after an accident. However, Florida law has strict requirements on who can work as a driver, so Uber and Lyft may be held responsible if they were negligent in their hiring.

The Driver

A Lyft or Uber driver may be at fault for the accident and therefore liable for your injuries and other damages. This includes times when the driver does not have the app on or is not currently picking up passengers for rideshare purposes.

A Third Party

In rare circumstances, a third party may be partially at fault for the accident. This includes situations involving defective car parts, poor road design, and more.

What If You Are Injured as a Rideshare Driver?

If you are an Uber or Lyft driver involved in an accident that leaves you injured, you may have several options for pursuing compensation.

Rideshare Insurance Coverage

In a Lyft or Uber accident, you will be protected by your company’s $1 million coverage as long as you had the app turned on when the accident occurred.

In other words, if you were looking for a passenger or had a passenger at the time of the crash, your company’s insurance should cover you. The coverage amount may be lower if you were simply looking for a passenger instead of having a passenger in your vehicle.

What If I Am At-Fault?

You will likely not be covered if you are at fault for the accident. It is important that you fully understand your rideshare company’s policies regarding accidents and liability. If you are involved in an accident as a rideshare driver and are not sure of your rights or what to do next, contact The Fran Haasch Law Group as soon as possible.

Florida’s Comparative Fault Doctrine

In the state of Florida, there is a comparative fault doctrine. As of March 2023, Florida’s legal fault system has shifted from a pure comparative fault model to a “greater percentage of fault” model under HB 837. The implementation of this new model means that individuals who are more than 50% responsible for their own harm are prohibited from receiving any compensation for their damages.

This is why it is so important to have an experienced attorney on your side who can help prove that the other party was at fault for the accident.

How Do I Prove Negligence After a Rideshare Accident in Florida?

To prove negligence after a rideshare accident in Florida, you will need to show that the other party was at fault. This can be done by looking at the police report, eyewitness testimony, and other evidence.

The Statute of Limitations for Rideshare Accidents in Florida

If you are considering filing a lawsuit after a rideshare accident, it is important to know that there is a statute of limitations in Florida. For most personal injury lawsuits, the statute of limitations is two years from the accident date. This means that you have a limited time to file your lawsuit.

What is Covered in a Rideshare Accident Claim?

If you have been involved in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Some of the things that may be covered in a claim include:

Economic Damages

Economic damages are those that reimburse an accident victim for financial losses. These can include lost wages, medical bills, and property damage.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are more subjective. They can include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are designed to punish the at-fault party and deter future harmful behavior. These are not available in all cases, however.

It is important to note that each case is different, and the amount of compensation you may be entitled to will depend on the facts of your case. An experienced Florida rideshare accident attorney can help you determine what you may be entitled to.

What The Fran Haasch Law Group Can Do For You

At The Fran Haasch Law Group, we focus on helping you and your family recover. We pursue personal injury lawsuits, and wrongful death claims to obtain full compensation for damages such as pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost earnings, property damage, and more.

With over 21 years of experience, we draw on constant medical research to help clients recover after being injured in auto accidents in Tampa Bay and the surrounding areas. Founding personal injury attorney, Fran Haasch, is a lifetime member of the Multimillion Dollar Advocates Forum and a member of the American Association for Justice, the Florida Justice Association, and the Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers Association.

Our attorneys are skilled and experienced litigators. We are not afraid to take your lawsuit to trial if necessary. No matter how complicated your case, our firm is here to help you navigate the legal process from start to finish.

We Get You the Compensation You Deserve

personal injury compensationAt The Fran Haasch Law Group, we understand that no amount of financial recovery can undo what you have been through. However, a fair settlement or jury verdict can ease the financial burden of unexpected medical bills, lost income, and other economic and non-economic damages associated with your accident.

We have obtained multi-million-dollar jury verdicts and settlements in cases involving auto accidents, as well as claims concerning wrongful death and catastrophic injuries.

Here are a few of our car accident case results:

  • $1.8 million for our client in Pinellas County who was injured in a car accident
  • $1.8 million for a 33-year-old female client in  Hillsborough County who was lawfully stopped for a left-turning vehicle ahead when she was rear-ended by the defendant vehicle, which was then rear-ended by the vehicle behind it, causing the client to feel two impacts. This resulted in multiple back surgeries and an infection which caused the client to be hospitalized several times.
  • $1.6 million for a 25-year-old female passenger on a motorcycle when the defendant cut across the client’s path. The client was thrown over 200 feet from the motorcycle. The accident resulted in a fractured leg, broken finger, back surgery, and many other injuries.
  • $1.55 million for a 46-year old male in Pasco County who was stopped at a red light on U.S. Highway 19 in Pasco County and was rear-ended by the defendant at a high rate of speed.
  • $1.35 million for a client in Pasco County. The defendant turned left in front of our client, causing the client’s vehicle to flip and resulting in many injuries.
  • $1.34 million for a 69-year-old male client in Orange County who was in the left turn lane when the defendant came across his pathway while attempting to turn and collided with the client. The accident resulted in multiple severe injuries, including a fractured pelvis, broken ribs, punctured lung, a broken arm that required surgery, and several lacerations.
  • $1.3 million for a 33-year-old female client in Pinellas County who was rear-ended while stopped at a traffic light with her three children in the car with her. The accident resulted in multiple surgeries and complications.
  • $1.025 for our client injured in a car accident in Hillsborough County.
  • $1.0 million for a client in Hillsborough County rear-ended in stop-and-go traffic on the interstate.

Hire a Florida Rideshare Accident Lawyer Today

At The Fran Haasch Law Group, we are committed to fighting for your fair recovery. We strive to help injured individuals and the loved ones of those wrongfully killed, secure the full, fair recovery they are owed. We offer dedicated legal representation for car accident victims and victims of bicycle, rideshare, and semi-truck accidents. 

If you feel you have been the victim of a car accident through no fault of your own. Our attorneys are prepared to help you navigate the legal process and work toward securing the maximum compensation you are owed. Call (727) 637-0100 or contact us online to get started on receiving maximum compensation for your personal injury case.

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At The Fran Haasch Law Group, we understand that no amount of financial recovery can undo what you have been through. However, a fair settlement or jury verdict can ease the financial burden of unexpected medical bills, lost income, and other damages associated with your accident.

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Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Are Ready to Fight For You

At the Fran Haasch Law Group, we understand how devastating a motorcycle accident can be. We know what it’s like to share the road with negligent drivers because we’re avid bikers ourselves. As proud sponsors of local clubs, active participants in local biking events, and partners with several motorcycle-based magazines, our attorneys are committed to helping fellow motorcyclists.

We understand personal injury law for motorcyclists and are dedicated to protecting motorcycle rider rights. We take getting justice for our clients seriously, and we back down from no insurance company.

If you feel you have been the victim of a motorcycle accident through no fault of your own. Our motorcycle accident attorneys are prepared to help you navigate the legal process and work toward securing the maximum payment you are owed. Call (727) 784-8191 or contact our motorcycle accident lawyers today for a free case evaluation to get started on receiving the compensation you deserve for your motorcycle injury case.

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Contact The Fran Haasch Law Group online or by phone to speak to an experienced attorney in Clearwater today.

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