Rideshare Accident Lawyer West Palm Beach, FL

After a rideshare accident in West Palm Beach, an injured passenger, driver, pedestrian or cyclist may find himself or herself with medical expenses, lost wages and a question of who is responsible for the coverage. Unlike what a typical car accident attorney in Palm Beach County would handle, an Uber or Lyft accident could have various insurance coverage based on the rideshare driver’s actions at the time of the accident.

A rideshare accident lawyer in West Palm Beach, FL can investigate the driver’s status and identify which insurance policies might apply and seek recovery from the driver. The team at Jacobson Injury Firm is dedicated to representing those who have been hurt in rideshare or motor vehicle collisions throughout West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County.

What Makes Uber and Lyft Accident Claims Different?

Paid rides via Uber and Lyft can be more complex to insure following an accident, as drivers’ personal vehicles are used for the rides. Florida Statute 627.748 provides for specific insurance requirements for transportation network companies and their drivers.

Coverage typically is afforded based on what the driver was doing at the time of the collision.

When the driver is in an off-duty position, the coverage requirements generally do not apply to rideshare. Florida has minimum $50,000 bodily injury coverage per person, $100,000 property damage coverage per incident and $25,000 property damage coverage per person when the driver is logged in the app and waiting for a ride request.

Florida mandates at least $1 million in primary liability coverage for death and bodily injury, as well as property damage, once the driver accepts a passenger and is on the way to pick up or transport a passenger.

Uber accident lawyers in West Palm Beach or Lyft accident lawyers in West Palm Beach will be able to investigate the status of the driver’s app, and figure out which coverage was in place at the time of the accident.

When Rideshare Accidents Happen in West Palm Beach, Who’s to Blame?

Rideshare drivers frequently encounter traffic, and they are also making use of GPS directions to guide them, finding passengers, and acknowledging information from the rideshare application. These distractions may take a driver’s attention away from the road and allow an accident to occur in a blink of an eye.

Some of the most frequent causes include distracted driving, speeding, failing to maintain a safe distance, failing to yield right of way, driver fatigue and impaired driving. NHTSA distracted driving research connects thousands of annual fatalities to exactly these behaviors.

There are also roads in West Palm Beach that are heavily trafficked and frequented by ride-share cars. Okeechobee Boulevard, Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard, Military Trail, US-1, and I-95 are possible locations for accidents, particularly in and around commercial areas, passenger pick-up/drop-off locations and busy intersections. Florida crash records for Palm Beach County show these corridors consistently among the highest-volume crash zones statewide.

A rideshare accident attorney in West Palm Beach can inspect the site of the accident, police report, witness statements, photos of the accident, and any available electronic evidence to find out how the crash came about.

Who’s at Fault in an Uber/Lyft Accident?

It is not always a rideshare driver who can be at fault. The collision may have been preventable had it been caused by another driver, or more than one driver might be at fault.

One other aspect of complexity is insurance coverage. Uber coverage might be relevant depending on the driver’s app status, liability coverage of another driver might be relevant, and other applicable coverage may become relevant.

Also, under Florida law, Uber and Lyft drivers could be considered an independent contractor if statutory requirements are met. But, being an independent contractor is not a defense to Florida’s insurance for TNCs and drivers.

An Uber accident attorney in West Palm Beach FL or a Lyft accident attorney in West Palm Beach FL can conduct an investigation and look into who may be at fault and insurance policies available following the crash. Pedestrians and cyclists injured by a rideshare driver may also have a claim, and our pedestrian accident lawyer serving in West Palm Beach and bicycle accident attorney in Palm Beach County handle exactly those situations.

What Type of Compensation Can Be Obtained?

There is no fixed amount that is owed in an Uber or Lyft accident. The amount of compensation will depend on the extent of the injuries sustained, the extent of any financial loss suffered, what insurance is available and the circumstances of the collision.

When supported by the evidence, a claim can ask for damages for medical costs, rehabilitative care, lost wages, decreased earning potential, property damage, pain and suffering, and future medical treatment.

In serious collisions, rideshare passengers may suffer catastrophic injuries including traumatic brain or spinal injuries, broken bones, organ damage, or disabilities. When a collision proves fatal, families may pursue a wrongful death claim in Palm Beach County. Medical records, employment details, bills and evidence of how an injury impacts on a person’s life can all contribute to the establishment of damages.

A West Palm Beach Uber accident lawyer or West Palm Beach Lyft accident lawyer could assess these losses, not using the generic estimate of settlements that do not consider and do not reflect the facts of an individual case.

What Are Some Florida Laws That Impact a Rideshare Accident Claim?

More than one person may have caused an accident and Florida’s comparative fault laws may impact recovery. Florida Statute § 768.81 allows the reduction of damages based on the claimant’s percentage of fault. A person who has more than 50% of the fault in a negligence action subject to the statute will not be entitled to a damages recovery.

Additionally, there is a time limit for filing a lawsuit. Under Florida Statutes § 95.11, negligent claims generally carry a two-year time limit, though exceptions may apply.

An initial communication with a rideshare accident lawyer serving Palm Beach County early will be advantageous to retain evidence and establish deadlines before time passes and evidence is lost.

What to Do After a Rideshare Car Accident?

Post Uber/Lyft collisions should prioritize medical care first. It is important to note that injuries might not have an immediate effect, so you do not have to assume that an injury hasn’t happened if you don’t see any signs of injuries. For serious crashes on West Palm Beach roads, St. Mary’s Medical Center is the closest trauma center.

Report accident to law enforcement authorities as appropriate, whether that means contacting the West Palm Beach Police Department, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office for unincorporated areas, or Florida Highway Patrol Troop L for crashes on I-95 and state roads. In addition, passengers should keep their Uber/Lyft information, such as the driver’s contact details, electronic receipt, and pick-up/drop-off details and any related messages via the app.

Photos of the cars, roadway, injuries and area can be helpful evidence. If available, the contact information of the witnesses and the police report should also be saved.

Injury can manifest in various ways, and insurance companies might ask for statements or may pay settlement before they know the full extent of the injury. Discussing the matter with an Uber accident lawyer Palm Beach County or Lyft accident lawyer Palm Beach County prior to accepting an offer can assist an injured party comprehend the losses that must be taken into consideration.

What Can Jacobson Injury Firm Do?

The first step in the investigation at Jacobson Injury Firm is to determine what happened, who may be responsible and what coverage there was on the day of the collision. Adam Jacobson personally handles every rideshare matter from intake to resolution, giving clients direct attorney access throughout.

Our staff can examine the driver’s rideshare status, police report, medical records, photos, and witnesses, and more, to determine the truth. We also deal with insurance companies, determine the damages that have been documented and negotiate for compensation. You can review our case results to see what that approach has produced for past clients.

When a claim demands litigation, we do so when the insurance company won’t make a reasonable settlement offer, and will not settle a claim just because the insurance company wants it settled.

Call a Rideshare Accident Lawyer in West Palm Beach.

A Uber or Lyft accident can have an impact on your health, livelihood, transportation and your normal duties. With multiple drivers and insurance companies involved, it can be challenging to know where to seek restitution without the proper investigation.

A rideshare accident lawyer in Delray Beach or anywhere across Palm Beach County, our firm handles it all under one roof.

Call Jacobson Injury Firm for a free consultation if you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident. Our West Palm Beach rideshare accident lawyer will examine the situation and let you know your legal rights.

No fees if no compensation is recovered for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rideshare Accidents in West Palm Beach

Can I bring a claim against another driver if they drove into the Uber/Lyft I was in?

Yes. If the accident was caused by another driver, the other driver’s insurance may provide coverage for the passenger, and possibly other insurance policies. Depending on the circumstances of the accident and insurance policies, there are a number of different options available.

What should I do to remove data from my Uber/Lyft account after an accident?

Keep an electronic record of the trip receipt, driver’s name and vehicle information, pick-up and destination information, and any messages or notifications regarding the ride. The Florida legislature requires TNCs to provide an electronic receipt to its passengers containing information regarding their ride, such as origin, destination, time, distance and fare.

Can a pedestrian or cyclist file a claim if I am injured by a rideshare driver?

Potentially. Passengers are not the only ones eligible to file rideshare accident claims. A pedestrian or cyclist who has suffered an injury caused by the negligence of an Uber or Lyft driver may have a case and the driver’s app could dictate which insurance will cover the claim.

What if there are multiple cars involved in an Uber or Lyft accident?

There could be multiple parties involved in a multi-vehicle accident and multiple insurance companies involved. A review of the actions of each driver may help to pinpoint who is liable for what and what policies might offer some compensation.

Do Uber and Lyft accident cases require a court appearance?

Not necessarily. There are many personal injury cases that are settled with insurance companies. When there is any issue with who is at fault or an insurance company refuses to pay a reasonable amount for a settlement, then a lawsuit may be necessary. The team at Jacobson Injury Firm works towards preparing the claim with a potential lawsuit in mind to enable the case to progress when a fair settlement cannot be made.