Rideshare services like Uber, Lyft, Via, and Gett have become increasingly popular throughout Fort Lauderdale, FL. These rideshare apps offer a convenient way for people to move around, but unfortunately, accidents with rideshare vehicles can happen just as they do with any other cars on the road.
If you are injured in an Uber or Lyft crash, determining who is responsible and getting the compensation you are legally entitled to can be difficult. It is best to have a skilled Fort Lauderdale Uber accident lawyer on your side as soon as possible to protect your rights.
At Englander Peebles, our Fort Lauderdale rideshare accident attorneys have nearly three decades of combined experience in auto accident cases in Fort Lauderdale and surrounding communities. With tens of millions of dollars recovered in damages for the injured victims, our track record speaks for itself. Call us at 954-500-4878 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
Who is Liable for My Injuries in a Fort Lauderdale Rideshare Accident?
In a case where someone is injured in a rideshare accident in Fort Lauderdale or Broward County, determining who pays for the injuries involves a review of multiple insurance policies. This could include:
Your own insurance for personal injuries (PIP)
The rideshare company’s insurance (e.g., Uber or Lyft)
The personal insurance of the rideshare driver
Insurance from any other driver who shares blame for the accident
Florida operates under the “no-fault” system for auto insurance, which says each driver must have insurance to cover their own injuries no matter who caused the accident. But this insurance might not cover all your medical expenses if you sustained acute injuries that need extensive surgeries or prolonged treatment. In these cases, you might have to demand damages from the other driver or the rideshare company.
Considering the different types of insurance policies in the play, it is prudent to consult with a Fort Lauderdale Lyft accident attorney. If the rideshare driver was not working (their app was off), you might rely on your own insurance. However, if the driver was looking for passengers (app is on but no passenger yet), Uber and Lyft provide some coverage ($50,000 for injuries per person and $25,000 for property damage). If the driver had a passenger or was on their way to pick one up, the coverage jumps up to $1 million.
Dealing with insurance after such an accident can be tough, so getting a Fort Lauderdale Uber accident lawyer early on can help.
Can I File a Lawsuit Against the Rideshare Company in Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on exactly how the accident happened and if the Uber/Lyft driver was on the clock. When on duty, these drivers are protected under the company’s commercial insurance policy, which provides coverage up to $1 million. If your injury was caused by the driver who was working, whether you were a passenger, a pedestrian, or in another vehicle, your Fort Lauderdale Lyft accident attorney might be able to make a claim against Uber’s/Lyft’s insurance policy.
For cases where you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft and got injured due to a collision with a driver lacking proper insurance, the rideshare company’s uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, which also has a $1 million limit, could apply.
If your injuries resulted from an accident with an Uber driver who was off duty, a knowledgeable rideshare accident attorney in Fort Lauderdale can help you determine the right legal strategy to move forward with your personal injury claim.
Common Risk Areas for Rideshare Accidents in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale rideshare accidents often occur in high-traffic areas where rideshare vehicles like Uber and Lyft operate frequently. These areas create conditions for accidents involving rideshare drivers, passengers, and other road users, leading to serious injuries, property damage, and costly medical bills for accident victims.
Downtown Fort Lauderdale
The dense traffic and constant flow of rideshare vehicles picking up and dropping off passengers increase the likelihood of an Uber or Lyft accident. Distracted driving by rideshare drivers or other motorists often leads to crashes at busy intersections.
Las Olas Boulevard
This popular destination for dining and nightlife sees significant rideshare activity. Rideshare accident claims frequently arise from collisions caused by negligent rideshare drivers, leading to injury claims for Lyft passengers and Uber accident victims.
State Road A1A
This scenic highway experiences high volumes of rideshare services, particularly during weekends and tourist seasons. Poor visibility, heavy traffic, and distracted driving contribute to rideshare accident cases in this area.
Broward Boulevard and Federal Highway (US-1)
Major thoroughfares like these are common sites for rideshare accidents due to speeding, distracted drivers, and congested traffic. Accident victims often pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and vehicle damage through rideshare companies’ insurance policies.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
The airport is a hotspot for rideshare services, with Uber and Lyft drivers frequently navigating busy drop-off and pick-up lanes. These congested areas often lead to accidents, and rideshare accident attorneys assist victims in recovering financial compensation for injuries and other damages.
Accident victims involved in Uber or Lyft accidents should consult with a Fort Lauderdale rideshare accident lawyer to understand their legal options. A knowledgeable legal team can help gather evidence, file an insurance claim, and negotiate with insurance adjusters to pursue fair compensation. Whether the accident happened due to a negligent Lyft driver, distracted driving, or inadequate liability coverage from the rideshare company, experienced rideshare accident attorneys will work to secure maximum compensation for physical injuries, medical bills, and property damage.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a rideshare accident, contact a Fort Lauderdale rideshare accident lawyer for a free consultation. Let them handle the legal claims while you focus on recovering from your injuries and getting the compensation you deserve.
Most Common Rideshare Accident Injuries
Rideshare accidents in Fort Lauderdale often result in serious injuries for passengers, drivers, and other accident victims. Without the structural protection provided by larger vehicles, rideshare passengers and pedestrians frequently suffer debilitating injuries that require extensive medical treatment.
Here are the most common injuries seen in rideshare accident cases:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
A sudden impact during an Uber or Lyft accident can cause a passenger’s head to strike a window, dashboard, or seat, leading to life-altering brain injuries. These injuries often result in long-term medical expenses and emotional distress.
Neck and Back Injuries
Whiplash is a common injury in rideshare accidents, especially in rear-end collisions. Severe cases can lead to spinal cord injuries, paralysis, or chronic pain, requiring accident victims to seek compensation for ongoing medical care.
Broken Bones and Fractures
The force of a collision often leaves rideshare passengers with broken arms, legs, ribs, or other fractures. These injuries can limit mobility, leading to significant lost wages and other accident-related expenses.
Internal Injuries
The blunt force of a car accident may cause internal bleeding or organ damage, which requires emergency medical attention. Left untreated, these injuries can become life-threatening.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Rideshare accident victims often experience torn ligaments, sprains, and other soft tissue injuries. These injuries, while less visible, can lead to chronic pain and mobility issues, impacting quality of life.
Lacerations and Abrasions
Shattered glass and debris at the accident scene can leave rideshare passengers with severe cuts and scrapes. These injuries sometimes require stitches, surgery, or skin grafts, leaving lasting scars.
Emotional and Psychological Trauma
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common among rideshare accident victims. Anxiety, depression, and fear of driving are emotional injuries that often accompany physical harm, increasing the need for fair compensation.
Rideshare accident attorneys in Fort Lauderdale help injured passengers, drivers, and pedestrians pursue compensation for these injuries. Whether you’re dealing with medical expenses, lost wages, or emotional distress, an experienced legal team can handle the legal process so you can focus on recovery.
If you suffered injuries in a Fort Lauderdale rideshare accident, contact a rideshare accident lawyer for a free consultation. They will work to gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries and other damages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rideshare Accidents
1. What is the difference between a personal auto accident and a rideshare accident?
Rideshare accidents involve unique factors, such as whether the driver was on duty and how the rideshare company’s insurance applies. These factors complicate the claims process compared to personal auto accidents, making it essential to work with a rideshare accident lawyer.
2. What should I do if the rideshare driver’s insurance doesn’t cover my damages?
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft typically provide additional liability coverage when drivers are on duty. If the driver’s personal insurance falls short, their company’s rideshare insurance may cover your damages. A rideshare accident attorney can help you navigate these claims.
3. Can I file a claim if I was a pedestrian hit by a rideshare vehicle?
Yes, pedestrians injured by Uber or Lyft drivers may file a claim against the driver, the rideshare company’s insurance, or both, depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.
4. What happens if the rideshare driver was not logged into the app during the accident?
If the driver was not logged into the rideshare app, they are considered off duty, and their personal auto insurance would apply. In such cases, rideshare companies are not liable for the accident.
5. Do rideshare companies always provide $1 million in coverage?
The $1 million coverage applies only in certain circumstances, such as when the driver is en route to pick up a passenger or has an active passenger in the vehicle. Coverage limits vary when the driver is waiting for a ride request or off duty.
6. Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Florida follows a comparative negligence system, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you share some fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
7. What damages can I recover after a rideshare accident?
Accident victims may recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and, in severe cases, emotional distress. A rideshare accident attorney can help calculate your claim’s full value.
8. How long does it take to settle a rideshare accident claim?
The timeline depends on the complexity of the case, the extent of your injuries, and negotiations with insurance companies. Some cases resolve in months, while others may take longer if they go to trial.
9. Is there a deadline for filing a rideshare accident lawsuit?
Florida law allows two years to file a personal injury claim after an accident. Acting quickly ensures evidence is preserved and strengthens your case.
10. Do I need a lawyer to file a rideshare accident claim?
While you can file a claim on your own, working with a rideshare accident lawyer increases your chances of recovering fair compensation. They handle negotiations, gather evidence, and navigate the legal process on your behalf.
Why Choose Englander Peebles as Your Uber Accident Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale?
To win a case for an accident with a ride-sharing service like Uber/Lyft, you need strong evidence to show who is at fault, how the accident happened, and the extent of your injuries and losses. At Englander Peebles, our experienced rideshare accident attorneys in Fort Lauderdale have the skills, experience, and resources to secure the following types of evidence:
Photographs capturing the condition of the road, position of all vehicles, any tire marks, damage to the vehicles, and any injuries.
The official police report
Statements from any witnesses
Footage from security or dash cameras showing the accident
Reports from accident reconstruction experts
Reports on any substance use or accident history of the negligent driver
Your medical documents (scans, prescriptions, and treatment records)
Bills for hospital stay, treatments, therapy, and medications
Documents proving your income loss (pay slips, tax documents)
Statements from medical, accident analysis, and financial professionals
In a case where someone is injured in a rideshare accident in Fort Lauderdale or Broward County, determining who pays for the injuries involves a review of multiple insurance policies. This could include:
It depends on exactly how the accident happened and if the Uber/Lyft driver was on the clock. When on duty, these drivers are protected under the company’s commercial insurance policy, which provides coverage up to $1 million. If your injury was caused by the driver who was working, whether you were a passenger, a pedestrian, or in another vehicle, your Fort Lauderdale Lyft accident attorney might be able to make a claim against Uber’s/Lyft’s insurance policy.
To win a case for an accident with a ride-sharing service like Uber/Lyft, you need strong evidence to show who is at fault, how the accident happened, and the extent of your injuries and losses. At Englander Peebles, our experienced rideshare accident attorneys in Fort Lauderdale have the skills, experience, and resources to secure the following types of evidence: