Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have transformed the way we get around Coral Springs. You expect your rideshare driver to transport you safely to your destination. But like other motorists in Coral Springs, accidents can happen, especially on some of the city’s more dangerous streets, like Coral Springs Road, Riverside Drive, and Wiles Road. At Kaiser Romanello, P.A., our Coral Springs rideshare accident lawyers understand the complexities surrounding rideshare accidents and the impacts they can have on your life.
Our team of experienced and dedicated Coral Springs rideshare accident lawyers can guide you through the legal process, protecting your rights and recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to hear how we can help.
Why Choose Kaiser Romanello, P.A., for Your Rideshare Accident Claim?
If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident, you know that navigating the aftermath can be a complex and challenging journey.
The Coral Springs rideshare accident attorneys at Kaiser Romanello, P.A., can help you. We have years of experience handling car accident cases, and have recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients. We are committed to helping you navigate the intricacies of insurance claims, liability, and legal procedures.
Our mission is simple: to provide you with the legal support and peace of mind you need during a challenging time. We are here to advocate for your rights and help you on the road to recovery.
Contact us today for your free consultation and begin your journey to justice.
Who Can Bring a Rideshare Accident Claim?
To have a case against a rideshare company or driver, you must have suffered injuries in an accident involving a rideshare driver. A rideshare accident may injure several parties and give them grounds to bring a rideshare accident claim.
These include:
- Rideshare passengers: In an Uber or Lyft accident, passengers inside the rideshare vehicle are at risk of injuries even if they are bucked inside the vehicle.
- Rideshare drivers: Uber and Lyft drivers can also be injured in car accidents with other vehicles or stationary objects.
- Occupants of other vehicles: if an Uber or Lyft collides with another vehicle, the driver or passengers in the other vehicle can be injured.
- Pedestrians and bicyclists: Lyft and Uber drivers must also be on the lookout for bicycle riders and pedestrians. That means they must follow Florida laws when sharing the road with cyclists and yield to pedestrians at crosswalks.
What Damages are Available in an Uber or Lyft Accident Claim?
Florida generally limits damages in most rideshare accident claims to economic damages, which are out-of-pocket expenses related to your accident injuries.
These include:
- Medical expenses: You can seek compensation for all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to your injuries, including hospital bills, doctor’s visits, surgeries, prescription medications, rehabilitation, and future medical care if applicable.
- Lost income: If you had to miss work due to your injuries, you can claim compensation for your lost income or wages and potential future earnings if your injuries result in long-term disability or reduced earning capacity.
If your injuries are severe and meet specific criteria under Florida law, you may recover non-economic damages, sometimes called pain and suffering damages. These damages lack a monetary value and, therefore, are more difficult to quantify.
Non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Physical impairment or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment in life
- Loss of companionship/consortium
Who Pays for Damages in a Rideshare Accident in Coral Springs?
Florida is one of just a handful of no-fault insurance states when it comes to motor vehicle accidents. This means that, regardless of fault for the accident, each driver’s own car insurance policy covers the medical expenses and lost income for themselves and their passengers.
Under Florida law, all drivers, including Uber and Lyft drivers, must purchase a minimum amount of car insurance, which includes:
- Personal injury protection (PIP): $10,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $10,000 per accident
Florida also requires drivers to seek medical treatment for their injuries within 14 days of the accident in order to claim this benefit.
If your medical bills and lost income exceed the other driver’s PIP threshold, or if you suffered a permanent injury, as defined by Florida law, then you may file a third-party claim against the at-fault party and their insurance provider. If the rideshare driver caused the accident, you may bring a claim against the rideshare company.
Florida law doesn’t allow accident victims to recover pain and suffering damages unless their injuries result in:
- Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function
- Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability
- Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement
A Coral Springs rideshare accident lawyer at Kaiser Romanello will know whether you qualify for noneconomic damages and how to justify your claim to the insurance company or jury.
What Type of Insurance Do Coral Springs Rideshare Drivers Have?
Like other motorists in the state, rideshare drivers in Florida must carry at least $10,000 in personal injury protection coverage per accident and $10,000 in property damage liability per accident.
Uber and Lyft also provide additional coverage in the event one of their drivers gets into an accident. Here’s what they provide and the circumstances under which they provide it:
When the Rideshare Driver App is Offline or Turned Off
The rideshare driver’s personal car insurance coverage applies.
When the Rideshare Driver is Available or Waiting for a Ride Request
Uber and Lyft provide the following coverage for third-party liability if their driver’s personal car insurance doesn’t apply:
- $50,000 in bodily injury per person
- $100,000 in bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 in property damage per accident
When the Rideshare Driver is In Route to Pick Up Riders and During Trips
Uber and Lyft provide the following car insurance on behalf of their rideshare drivers in the event of an accident:
- $1 million third-party liability
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury and/or first-party injury insurance
- Contingent comprehensive and collision up to the actual cash value of the car with a $2,500 deductible
How Do I Know if I Have a Rideshare Accident Case?
When determining fault in a car accident, insurance companies, law enforcement agencies, and sometimes courts assess the circumstances of the accident to establish who is primarily responsible for the collision.
The at-fault party ‘s actions or negligence led to the accident. You must prove negligence in a personal injury case involving a rideshare accident.
To show negligence, you must establish:
- Duty of Care: The first element involves establishing that the defendant owed a duty of care to the plaintiff. In the context of an Uber or Lyft accident, this typically means showing that the driver owed a duty of care to passengers and other road users. Both Uber and Lyft drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely and follow traffic laws.
- Breach of Duty: The second element is proving that the defendant breached their duty of care. This requires demonstrating that the driver or the rideshare company failed to meet the standard of care expected under the circumstances. Examples of breaches in a rideshare accident might include speeding, running a red light, or driving while distracted.
- Causation: The third element involves establishing a direct link between the defendant’s breach of duty and the plaintiff’s injuries. This means showing that the defendant’s actions were a proximate cause of the accident and subsequent harm. In a rideshare accident, you need to demonstrate how the driver’s negligence directly led to the collision and the resulting injuries.
- Damages: The fourth and final element is proving that the plaintiff suffered actual damages as a result of the accident. Damages can include medical bills, property damage, pain and suffering, lost wages, and any other losses or expenses incurred due to the accident.
How Can a Coral Springs Rideshare Attorney Help Me With My Case?
A rideshare accident lawyer can be immensely helpful if you’ve been involved in an Uber or Lyft accident.
An attorney with Kaiser Romanello, P.A., can:
Offer Legal Experience
Rideshare accident cases can be legally complex. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws and regulations related to ridesharing services, as well as personal injury and liability laws. They can provide legal advice and ensure you understand your rights and options.
Determine Liability
A key aspect of a rideshare accident case is determining liability. Your attorney can investigate the accident thoroughly, gather evidence, and interview witnesses to establish who was at fault. You need this to determine responsibility for compensating you for your injuries and damages.
Deal With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies may minimize or deny your claim altogether. Your attorney can negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring you receive a fair settlement covering your medical expenses, property damage, and other losses.
Navigating the Legal Process
Your attorney will guide you through the entire legal process, which may include filing a lawsuit if a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations. They will handle all the necessary paperwork, court filings, and legal procedures, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Calculating Damages
Your attorney can calculate the full extent of your damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and whether you qualify for pain and suffering damages to ensure you seek the appropriate compensation.
Advocating for Your Best Interests
Your attorney’s primary goal is to protect your interests and ensure you are treated fairly throughout the process. They will represent you in negotiations against the insurance company and court if necessary, advocating for the best possible outcome for your case.
Fighting for Maximum Compensation
Our experienced attorneys know how to build a strong case to maximize your compensation. They may consult with experts, gather evidence, and use their legal skills to present a compelling case on your behalf.
Peace of Mind
Knowing that you have a skilled attorney on your side can provide you with peace of mind during a stressful time. You can focus on your recovery while your attorney handles the legal aspects of your case.
Contact a Coral Springs Rideshare Lawyer at Kaiser Romanello, P.A., Today
If you suffered injuries in a rideshare accident, you shouldn’t have to face the legal complexities and insurance battles that arise.
The experienced Coral Springs rideshare accident attorneys at Kaiser Romanello, P.A., are here to fight for your rights and recover the compensation you deserve. Let us advocate for you after a rideshare accident. We will make your peace of mind and financial recovery our top priorities.
Take the first step in your journey to justice and call us at (844) 877-8679 or through our online form for your free consultation. We’ll review your case, provide expert guidance, and outline a strategic plan to help you move forward.
