Rideshare Accidents

One of the biggest transportation developments in modern history is the evolution of services like Lyft and Uber, which have made traveling much easier for everyone, everywhere. Before, if you needed a ride and did not drive, you might contact a taxi, take the bus, or ask a friend to drive you. But now, with the introduction of rideshare companies, you simply need to open an app on your phone and enter a few details about your current location and desired destination. Despite the huge advantages of using rideshare apps, however, there are some substantial drawbacks.

For example, rideshare apps introduce complex insurance issues. If you are injured in a rideshare accident, you can suddenly find yourself facing severe injuries and losses. Fortunately, experienced rideshare lawyers can help. At Gerson & Schwartz, our lawyers have the knowledge necessary to help people injured in rideshare accidents pursue the compensation they deserve. Money can be collected for past and future medical bills and expenses, lost income, and other serious harms and losses serious injury victims face.

During an initial free consultation, we can review your options and help ensure your rights as an accident victim are protected. If you were injured in a ride share accident and need help contact a lawyer at Gerson and Schwartz. Our lawyers have experience helping victims injured in uber crashes, Lyft and other rideshare injury cases. We know what to do. Call us at 305-371-6000 or email us at info@gslawua.com to find out how we can help.

When a person takes a bus or taxi, there are certain insurance protections in place for drivers and passengers in case of accidents. Rideshare drivers, however, need not have separate insurance policies. Although rideshare companies sometimes protect passengers through insurance, this is not always the case when other drivers are involved.

Additionally, rideshare companies often have issues when their own drivers submit claims. Because rideshare drivers are classified as independent contractors rather than company employees, it can be hard to know whose insurance policy will cover any resulting damages. Rideshare lawyers understand these nuances and can skillfully fight for the compensation you deserve.

Rideshare companies have commented that their services help to decrease the risk of drunk driving accidents. A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, however, reported that despite the claims of rideshare companies, there is no evidence of an associated reduction in traffic fatalities. Instead, as the number of traffic accidents rises each year, an increase in injuries and deaths are likely. So, while some people claim that rideshare companies have reduced the likelihood of accidents, they have likely had little to no effect.

After an accident with a rideshare driver, it is important to establish whose negligence caused the accidents. Most rideshare lawyers will tell you that establishing fault can be quite challenging.

If you were a passenger in a rideshare vehicle, you were almost certainly not liable for the accident. Rideshare companies generally have policies that clearly address liability based on how an accident occurred. Did your rideshare driver speed or run a red light? Were you rear-ended by the driver behind you, who was following too closely? Each unique situation will warrant an investigation, with the help of your rideshare attorney, to determine which party was at fault, and consequently, how best to pursue the necessary compensation.

Despite the duty of care that rideshare drivers owe to their passengers, they often drive dangerously or negligently. Uber and Lyft do not train drivers or even meet them in person before those drivers can pick up riders on behalf of the company. Both companies only engage in minimal background checks.

Companies that fail to uphold basic standards when hiring drivers put their riders' lives in danger. Other rideshare companies that operate in the Miami-Dare area include:

• Blacklane
• Carmel
• Jayride
• Limos.com
• SuperShuttle
• Talixo
• Zum

A serious accident can happen to passengers of any of the above companies. Some of the most common causes of rideshare accidents in and around Miami include:

• Distracted driving
• Drunk driving
• Fatigued driving
• Speeding

No matter how your accident occurred, one of our rideshare lawyers will perform a detailed examination of your case to determine your legal options.

Florida is classified as a no-fault insurance state. No-fault insurance laws require all car accident victims to pursue compensation from their own insurance companies, no matter who is at fault for an accident. Following a rideshare accident, you can contact your insurance provider to file a claim for compensation.

Certain severe injuries can grant a victim the right to pursue a claim outside of the no-fault insurance system. These include injuries that result in disfigurements, disabilities, or significant loss of bodily function. It can be challenging to hold a rideshare company accountable for catastrophic injuries because they have the money and legal resources to shield themselves from liability in accidents caused by their drivers. If you have been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, our rideshare lawyers can help.

Surviving a rideshare accident can be overwhelming, but there are some important steps to remember to take in the immediate aftermath:

• Car accidents can cause serious injuries. Even if you do not immediately feel injured, you should still contact emergency services and make sure to receive adequate medical screenings. Some medical conditions that are not diagnosable until days or weeks after an accident.
• Provided that it is safe to do so, you should collect insurance information, which includes the other driver's contact information and license plate number. If it is feasible to do so, take pictures of the vehicles in the accident as well as the accident site.
• When speaking to law enforcement, inform them about how the accident occurred and what you experienced. Avoid saying too much, admitting guilt in any way, or letting anyone else provide accident details on your behalf.
• Determine if any witnesses saw the accident occur. Ask these witnesses if they are willing to provide contact information. Testimony provided by witnesses can prove critical if your case ends up going to court.
• Be careful when contacting your insurance company to alert them about the accident. Your best bet is to contact an experienced rideshare lawyer first, who will then communicate with the insurance company on your behalf.

Whether you are a passenger, driver, or other entity involved in a Florida rideshare car accident, remember that you have options. At Gerson & Schwartz, PA, our rideshare lawyers have years of experience fighting for the results that accident victims deserve. We understand how to negotiate with insurance carriers so that you can pursue the maximum amount of compensation you deserve. If insurance carriers do not offer a sufficient amount, our rideshare lawyers are also prepared to fight for you in court. Contact our law office today to schedule a free case evaluation.