Recover the Damages You Deserve
When looking to get from one place to another, many Floridians these days are turning to convenient rideshare services like Uber and Lyft; they are affordable and easy options, especially for those last minute trips. But of all the people who step into an Uber or Lyft without hesitation, few of them know what to do in the event of an accident.
Knowledge is the key to protecting yourself and your right to compensation should you get injured as a rideshare passenger. Also key is hiring an experienced Uber and Lyft rideshare accident attorney who can evaluate your situation and guide you through the process of filing a claim.
The Basics: Establishing Fault and Knowing What it Means for Your Case
As a passenger, determining whether your Uber or Lyft driver or another driver on the road was at fault for the accident is one of the first steps to obtaining compensation from the right source.
In Florida, there is a no-fault insurance law, which can cover up to $10,000 in medical bills regardless of who was caused the accident. In other words, whether your Uber or Lyft driver was to blame, or another driver was to blame, you can expect to have your medical bills covered without hassle, up to the $10,000 limit.
Unfortunately, many injuries are serious, and the costs for medical care can end up far above $10,000. If this is the case for you, there are still options.
Suing the At-Fault Driver for Medical Expenses Exceeding $10,000
When the Uber or Lyft driver is at fault:
Uber and Lyft drivers are classified as independent contractors instead of employees, and suing them personally will be challenging. Suing Uber or Lyft directly for the actions of the driver also isn’t likely to be an option, unless it can be shown that Uber or Lyft knowingly hired a driver who had a dangerous driving record or was otherwise unqualified for the position.
With that said, any Uber or Lyft driver who has a passenger in the vehicle will have a $1 million liability insurance policy that should be available as coverage for your damages. It is important to note that this policy generally only applies to Uber and Lyft passengers, and not pedestrians, cyclists, or drivers of other vehicles who sustain injuries in an Uber or Lyft-related accident.
When another driver is at fault:
If another driver caused the accident, then you will need to sue that driver in order to obtain compensation. The amount of compensation you receive will depend on your damages, and more importantly, the limits of the at-fault driver’s insurance policy.
Unfortunately, many Floridians are uninsured or underinsured, meaning your ability to collect damages could be limited or altogether impossible. Under these circumstances, filing an uninsured or underinsured motorist clam might be an option. To determine whether this route is possible in your case, your best bet is to contact the Fenstersheib Law Group seasoned Uber and Lyft attorneys for a consultation.
Damages You May Be Eligible to Receive
- Medical bills (including inpatient hospital stays, emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, etc.)
- Pain and suffering (e.g., physical disability, psychological distress)
- Lost wages
- Future medical costs
- Future lost wages and lost earning capacity
- In the event of death, family members may file a wrongful death claim
- In the event of gross negligence, punitive damages may be available
Settlements Vs. Litigation
Most Uber and Lyft accident claims are resolved outside of court, without the need for trial. While this leads many people to believe that they can handle the situation without the help of an attorney, hiring one is crucial to maximizing your settlement. In fact, having an attorney could mean ending up with tens of thousands—or possibly even hundreds of thousands—more than you would receive going it alone.
To protect yourself and your right to compensation, consult with an attorney who specializes in Florida Uber and Lyft accidents.
Fenstersheib Law Group, P.A.—Uber and Lyft Accident Attorneys in Florida
The highly experienced and compassionate Uber and Lyft attorneys at Fenstersheib Law Group, P.A. are eager and willing to assess your case and get you on the road to recovery—both physically and financially.
We serve many Floridians out of our offices in Miramar, FL, Hollywood and Hallandale, FL, Fort Lauderdale, FL, West Palm Beach, FL, Orlando, FL, Sarasota, FL, Tampa, FL, and Jacksonville, FL.
Put the stress of dealing with your case in the hands of your attorney. Don’t wait any longer for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your rights are being protected, and that no insurance company will cheat you out of the money you deserve.
Call the Uber and Lyft accident attorneys at Fenstersheib Law Group, P.A., today: 800-TellRobert
Get your questions answered - call us for your FREE consultation at 800-835-5762
