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Rideshare apps have changed how we get around in Lakeland and throughout Florida. The convenience of summoning a car with a click, however, does not come without its risks.
Uber and Lyft accidents can leave victims with serious injuries and a complex tangle of legal and insurance issues that require the attention of a knowledgeable attorney. If you or someone close to you has been injured in a rideshare accident, an experienced Lakeland Uber and Lyft accident lawyer at Kogan & DiSalvo is here to help.
The Dangers of Rideshare Driving
Rideshare drivers must work long shifts to earn a decent living. They are screened through routine background checks but not given any special training.
Uber and Lyft drivers are prone to commit the same unsafe driving practices as any driver, including speeding, reckless driving, and intersection violations. Distracted driving is a special concern, as looking at and interacting with a smartphone is not even optional for a rideshare driver—it is inherent to their profession.
When you summon an Uber or Lyft on your smartphone, there is no guarantee that the car that arrives has been serviced recently, or that the driver is rested and alert.
Have rideshare services made roads in Lakeland more dangerous? Studies have found that the presence of rideshare services in a city may increase traffic fatalities by as much as three percent.
Statistics aside, every traffic-related death is a tragedy, and every person injured in an Uber or Lyft accident must deal with serious hardships. The best thing you can do after suffering a rideshare accident is to consult with an experienced Lakeland Uber and Lyft accident attorney who can handle the complex legal and insurance issues often involved in these cases.
Who Is at Fault? The Answer May Be Complex.
If you have been injured in a Lyft or Uber accident caused by negligence, you have the right to pursue compensation for your losses. Who is responsible for your injuries? This question can become very complex in the context of an accident involving a rideshare service.
Like anyone else who owns a vehicle, Uber and Lyft drivers are required to carry their own auto insurance policies. To operate a rideshare vehicle, they must also carry a special commercial insurance policy, which only applies when they have their app turned on and are in the process of giving a ride.
In handling your Lyft or Uber accident claim, we must determine the cause of your accident and identify all liable parties. If the rideshare driver was solely responsible for the accident, we must determine which policy limits apply.
For instance, if you were a passenger at the time, the commercial policy limits, which are significantly higher than ordinary limits, should apply.
If your driver was not at fault, then we must determine who was, whether it was the driver of another car or some other party, such as a vehicle manufacturer.
We are prepared to thoroughly investigate the cause of your accident and hold all responsible parties liable.
You Have the Right to Pursue Compensation
In the wake of a rideshare accident, your injuries may leave you out of work and struggling to pay medical bills. Under Florida personal injury laws, you have the right to pursue compensation for these hardships, but a strong financial recovery is not guaranteed.
Our lawyers are prepared to help you fight for the full dollar value of your claim, including compensation for:
- Medical treatment
- Wage loss
- Loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
When suing a powerful entity such as a rideshare service, you can expect to face an army of lawyers determined to limit and even deny the compensation you need. Our personal injury lawyers are here to give you a fighting chance and hope for a financially healthy future.
What To Do After a Rideshare Accident
In the immediate aftermath of an Uber or Lyft accident, the overriding concern is making sure you and others are out of harm’s way.
Obtain medical treatment for your injuries as soon as possible. Even if your injuries seem minor at first, a thorough examination by a physician may reveal they are more serious than you think.
Any information you can gather from the accident scene can help with a potential legal claim. This information includes:
- The driver’s name
- Photographs of the accident scene, including vehicle damage and skid marks
- Photographs of your injuries
- The contact information of potential eyewitnesses
Report your injury to the police and the rideshare service. When you are safe and have received the medical care you need, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help you understand your rights and options.
Kogan & DiSalvo Can Help
If you are feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of filing a personal injury claim after a rideshare accident, our Lakeland Lyft and Uber accident lawyers are here to take that burden off your shoulders. As Florida’s premier personal injury law firm, we have the experience and resources these complex car accident claims require.
