Miami Rideshare Accident Attorneys Helping Clients to Recover Damages for Injuries

You may have heard of or are commonly utilizing the services of a rideshare company such as Uber or Lyft. These companies have wildly grown in popularity as a means of getting to where we need to go without our own transportation or when we choose not to drive.

They are increasingly common due to the convenience and relatively cost-effective approaches that they offer. Want to be a responsible driver? Don’t want to drive to a sporting or concert event and deal with parking? Call a rideshare company.

With the growing popularity across the US comes unfortunate side effects such as complaints or accidents. If you have been injured in an accident involving a rideshare service, contact the experienced rideshare accident attorneys at Galimidi Law today to explore your options.

Are Rideshare Drivers Required to Carry Insurance?

As of 2017, rideshare companies are legally required to provide insurance while the driver is logged in to the digital network or while they are providing services. There are minimum levels for bodily injury and death per person, per accident, and a minimum for property damage.

While the driver is engaged in business and has a passenger per a prearranged ride, the coverage limits jump significantly. For example, the minimum coverage for death or bodily injury per person while logged in may be $50,000. While they are engaged in business and carrying a passenger, the limits jump to $1,000,000.

What is Comparative Fault?

Establishing fault in an accident is crucial to determining who and what amounts each party can recover for damages sustained. Many states follow the comparative fault rule, meaning that all parties involved are assigned a percentage of fault they are responsible for in the accident, and this amount proportionately reduces any compensation that is awarded. However, it is important to note that Florida is a modified comparative fault state which means that if you are found to be 50% or more responsible for the accident, you will not be able to recover.

Why is this important? If your actions contributed to the accident, your portion of the total damages would be reduced according to the percentage of fault you found to have had in the accident. In some cases, this can include whether or not you were wearing a seatbelt as a passenger while in an Uber or Lyft. It is essential to wear your seatbelt and follow all other safety guidelines while driving or as a passenger at all times.

What Can I Do Immediately Following an Accident to Protect Myself?

One of the main priorities is your health and safety. Get to a doctor if you require medical attention as soon as possible, and be thorough in your questions and complaints so the staff can ensure all of your concerns are addressed.

In many cases, injuries will take some time to present themselves. For instance, soft tissue injuries such as concussions don’t always present reasons for concern immediately but need to be addressed to rule out further damage that may be present.

Gather as much documentation as you can. Documentation includes pictures or videos of the cars involved, the area, the weather or road conditions, and more. Get as much contact information as you can from area people as witnesses or other key players in the accident.

It is essential not to assume fault or guilt at this time. Allow yourself time to work with an experienced attorney who can help you to piece together the facts rather than assuming you did something wrong and reporting on the police report or to the insurance companies.

How are Most Rideshare Accident Cases Handled?

Generally speaking, most cases involving Uber, Lyft, or other ride-sharing companies are settled out of court. You must remember that if the driver that shared the most fault in the accident were the driver working for Lyft or Uber, they would have an entire team of legal representatives and insurance negotiators that will likely be working with them to protect the name of the company. This team of representatives does not have your best interest at heart. It is also why working with an experienced and trusted attorney can be in your best interest.

Why Hire an Attorney?

Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer allows you to rely on the wealth of knowledge built over decades of working with personal injury cases. It’s unlikely that you have skills in negotiation, for example, and this is a crucial step that most people aren’t prepared for after an accident. It can lead to settling for far less than you deserve, especially if you are against a team of experienced negotiators protecting their rideshare company. As previously discussed, having someone dedicated to your best interests rather than their client or large rideshare company is invaluable.

Don’t allow yourself to be in a position that requires you to settle for less. Even seemingly insignificant accidents can quickly create the perfect storm of financial distress with mounting medical bills and time away from your career to attend to your injuries.

Start immediately by seeking a lawyer with a proven track record of assisting accident victims and their families throughout the process from start to finish. Call our office today at (786) 442-7681 to get started.