If you’re eager to make the most of this summer—especially as things are slowly returning to a pre-pandemic state—you’re not alone. Millions are excitedly crafting plans to enjoy what summer in Florida has to offer.
Whether you’re planning on reuniting with the vibrant nightlife or just visiting some of the most sought-after tourist spots, you may be counting on rideshare services like Lyft and Uber to get from point A to point B.
But before you do, it’s important to be aware of what you might be getting into—and more importantly—what to do if the unexpected happens: your Uber or Lyft driver gets into an accident.
Safety of Uber and Lyft: What’s Summer Got To Do With It?
For starters, summertime in Florida means higher rider volume for both Lyft and Uber. And this means that your driver may be more inclined to drive just a little bit faster, and check their driver app just a bit more frequently to accept new rides and maximize their profit before the end of their shift.
Higher speeds plus more distraction equals greater risk of an accident.
On top of that, a lot of part-time Uber and Lyft drivers start driving in the summer, which means they’ve been out of the game for a while, and may even be dealing with an updated version of the app or other changes since their last shift.
Altogether new Uber and Lyft drivers also hit the road, looking for some extra cash over the summer. This is true for college kids, teachers who only work during the school year, and other people whose primary jobs are seasonal. This means that you could be getting in the car with a brand-new Uber or Lyft driver, who may not even be familiar with the area.
Catching a ride on a hot summer night? This carries the additional risks that apply to any sort of nighttime driving.
Year-Round Safety Issues Involving Uber and Lyft Drivers
While summer certainly poses some unique safety issues, an Uber or Lyft accident can occur at any time—no matter what season it is.
In part, this is because rideshare services are largely unregulated in Florida. While some rules have been implemented for the safety of Uber and Lyft passengers, such as background checks for drivers and mandatory insurance minimums, the potential for dangerous conditions persist, some of the most striking being:
- No professional training is required for Uber or Lyft drivers, meaning very inexperienced drivers could be behind the wheel.
- There are no time or shift limits placed on drivers, meaning they could drive for hours on end with no rest, leading to fatigue and inattention.
- No rules requiring vehicle inspection or maintenance are required, meaning an Uber or Lyft driver’s brakes could give out, tires could blow, engine could stall, etc.
Passenger in an Uber or Lyft Accident? Here’s What To Do.
So, it happened…The thing that didn’t even cross your mind before you stepped into that Uber or Lyft, thinking only of where you’re headed and what you’ll do once you get there. But before you did, your driver got in an accident, bringing your night to a screeching halt.
Step #1: Call the police. As the passenger in an Uber or Lyft accident, call the police and request that an officer come to the scene and make an accident report. It is not unheard of for Uber and Lyft drivers to blame their passengers for an accident; ensuring that an officer interviews everyone at the scene and documents their observations can help shield you from liability and protect your right to compensation for any damages you suffered.
Step #2: Seek medical attention. You might not feel injured in the immediate aftermath of an accident, but it’s wise to see a doctor anyway, as this will ensure that the accident and potential injuries are documented. For instance, if you report a slight discomfort in your neck, which progresses to serious pain over the course of a few days, you will have evidence linking your injury to the accident.
Step #3: Gather information at the scene of the accident. While the responding police officer should do this, they often miss critical pieces of information, whether it’s the contact information of an important witness or photographs of the damage to the vehicles. Should you need to file a lawsuit, having this information can help your attorney identify the liable parties and pursue the appropriate source of compensation for your damages.
Step #4: Report the accident. As soon as you are able, it is important to report the accident to the rideshare company as well as your own insurance company.
Step #5: Contact an Uber & Lyft rideshare accident attorney. Protect your rights, your interests, and your ability to rest assured knowing you have taken the right steps after an Uber or Lyft accident. An experienced Uber & Lyft accident attorney will be able to evaluate your case, identify liable parties, and begin pursuing compensation for any injuries you’ve suffered.
Fenstersheib Law Group, P.A.: Uber & Lyft Accident Attorneys in Hallandale, FL
Highly knowledgeable, experienced Uber & Lyft rideshare accident attorneys who are eager to meet you, evaluate your situation, and protect your rights: that’s what you’ll find at Fenstersheib Law Group, P.A.
We serve many cities throughout Florida, including Miramar, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Orlando, Sarasota, Tampa, and Jacksonville.
Don’t sit around with questions about your Uber or Lyft accident: call us for answers at 800-TELL-ROBERT.
Get your questions answered - call us for your FREE consultation at 800-835-5762
