Rideshare accidents can be a traumatic experience and can leave victims with costly medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. If you have been injured in a rideshare accident, it is important to hire a knowledgeable and experienced Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer to help you get the compensation you deserve.
A Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer can ensure that your rights are protected and that your claim is properly evaluated and presented in court. On this page, we will discuss why it is important to work with the Schiller Kessler Group to get the compensation you deserve.
Understanding the Complexities of Rideshare Accidents in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rideshare accidents may seem straightforward at first glance, but there are actually several complexities that come into play. One of the main factors that make these accidents unique is the question of liability.
Unlike traditional car accidents where the at-fault party is usually the other driver, ridesharing service accidents can involve multiple parties who may share responsibility for the incident. This can include the rideshare driver, the rideshare company, and even other drivers on the road.
Determining Liability
Determining who is liable and responsible for compensating you for your injuries and damages can be a challenging task. Rideshare companies often have complex insurance policies that may offer coverage at different stages of the trip, such as when the driver is waiting for a ride, en route to pick up a passenger, or during an actual ride. Navigating through these policies and understanding how they apply to your specific situation can be confusing.
Gathering Evidence
Furthermore, gathering evidence and proving negligence in rideshare accidents can also be complicated. Rideshare companies typically have strict regulations and requirements for their drivers. Still, it may be difficult to obtain information and records that can demonstrate negligence on the part of the driver or the company.
That is why it is crucial to have a knowledgeable and experienced Fort Lauderdale rideshare accident attorney by your side. They will have a thorough understanding of the legal complexities involved in rideshare accidents and can help you navigate through the intricacies of your case.
From investigating the accident, gathering evidence, and determining liability to negotiating with insurance companies and fighting for your rights in court, our team will ensure that your case is handled with care.
More people choose The Schiller Kessler Group because they know that we’re a cut above other personal injury law firms.
Common Rideshare Accident Injuries
Rideshare car accidents can result in a variety of common injuries. The impact of the collision and the speed at which it occurs can lead to severe injuries, including:
- Whiplash: Sudden jolts can cause the neck and spine to hyperextend, leading to pain and limited mobility.
- Fractures: Fractures can occur on any part of the body, with broken bones often requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- Head injuries: Concussions and traumatic brain injuries can also result from the force of a car crash impact.
- Soft tissue injuries: Sprains and strains cause pain and discomfort.
These injuries can cause pain and discomfort and may require ongoing medical care. It is important to seek medical attention immediately following a rideshare accident, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
By understanding the common injuries that can occur in a rideshare car accident, you can better understand the potential damages and the importance of hiring a Fort Lauderdale rideshare accident lawyer to help you navigate the legal process and seek the fair compensation you deserve.
No matter what time of day it is, you can contact The Schiller Kessler Group to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
Determining Liability
Determining liability in a rideshare accident can be a complex process. Unlike traditional car accidents, where the other driver is usually at fault, rideshare accidents can involve multiple parties who may share responsibility. This includes the Uber driver, the rideshare company, and even other drivers on the road.
To determine liability, an investigation into the accident will need to take place. This may involve gathering evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage. It may also require examining the driver’s records and the rideshare company’s policies and procedures.
A Fort Lauderdale rideshare accident attorney will have the knowledge and experience to navigate through the complexities of determining liability. They will understand how to analyze the evidence and build a strong case to prove negligence on the part of the responsible parties. This can include demonstrating that the rideshare driver was distracted, under the influence, or driving recklessly.
What Should You Do After a Rideshare Accident in the Greater Fort Lauderdale Area?
After experiencing a rideshare accident in Fort Lauderdale, it’s crucial to know what steps to take in order to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.
Prioritize Health and Safety
You should prioritize your health and safety when on the accident scene. Seek immediate medical attention for any injuries you have sustained, even if they seem minor at first. Not only is this important for your well-being, but it also creates a documented record of your bodily injuries that can be used as evidence later on.
Gather Information
Next, gather as much information as possible about the accident. Take photos of the scene, noting any damage to the vehicles involved and obtaining contact information from witnesses. It’s also important to report the accident to the rideshare company and file a police report. These steps will help establish the facts of the accident and can be valuable in building your case.
Contact a Lawyer
Once you have taken these initial steps, it’s essential to contact a Fort Lauderdale rideshare accident lawyer right away. An experienced lawyer will guide you through the legal process, handle communication with insurance companies, and fight for your rights. They will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. With their knowledge, they will ensure that you are fully compensated for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Act Fast
Remember, time is of the essence after a rideshare accident. The sooner you consult with a lawyer, the better chance you have of obtaining the compensation you deserve. Don’t hesitate to seek legal assistance to protect your rights and navigate the complex process of a rideshare accident claim.
A Fort Lauderdale Lawyer Can Help You Recover From a Rideshare Accident
When passengers or other motorists are injured due to the reckless actions of an Uber or Lyft driver, it can be difficult to determine how the victim should go about pursuing financial compensation. Fortunately, a skilled lawyer can help you take the right course of action.
Depending on the details of your collision, an attorney may advise you to:
File a Claim With Your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance
Since Florida is a no-fault state, Fort Lauderdale car accident victims must first file an insurance claim with their own personal injury protection (PIP) insurance provider. A successful PIP claim can yield the compensation you need to cover your medical bills and other accident-related losses.
That said, filing a strong claim can be difficult, especially if you’re badly injured and preoccupied with attending medical appointments. Luckily, our attorneys can investigate your accident and obtain the evidence required to file a winning claim.
File a Claim With the Driver or Rideshare Company’s Insurer
If you’ve suffered injuries in a rideshare collision, the rideshare company’s coverage could provide the compensation you need to pay your medical bills. However, since Fort Lauderdale Uber and Lyft drivers are technically contract employees, the company’s coverage will only be available under certain circumstances.
If the accident occurred after the rideshare driver had accepted a ride, while they were driving to pick up a customer, or while they were transporting a customer, you’ll be able to file a claim with the rideshare company’s insurer.
If the collision occurred when the driver wasn’t technically working, a Fort Lauderdale Uber accident lawyer can help you file a claim with the rideshare driver’s insurer. You may also be able to pursue damages from a third party if another motorist contributed to the crash.
File a Personal Injury or Wrongful Death Lawsuit
If your insurance claim gets denied, you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. A lawsuit may also be appropriate if your spouse or family member was killed in a rideshare accident.
Whether you need to pursue damages via a personal injury lawsuit or wrongful death action with a Fort Lauderdale wrongful death lawyer, an attorney from our team can make sure your suit is filed correctly. They’ll compile relevant evidence, represent you in court, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Compensation You Could Receive With a Fort Lauderdale Lawyer’s Help
If our South Florida rideshare accident attorneys advise you to pursue a lawsuit, you could obtain a number of damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Cost of ongoing and future care
- Cost of rehabilitative therapy and assistive devices
- Vehicle repair costs
- Property damage
- Decreased earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Funeral costs
- Loss of consortium
Statute of Limitations for Rideshare Accident Lawsuits in Florida
In Florida, all civil suits must be filed within a certain period. Depending on the type of lawsuit you’re filing, you’ll have to comply with one of the following statutes:
- Personal injury statute of limitations: Rideshare vehicle injury victims have two years from the date of their collision to submit a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
- Wrongful death statute of limitations: Under Florida Statute 95.11 (4)(d), family members of fatal rideshare accident victims have two years from the day of their loved one’s passing to file a lawsuit.
If you wait too long to file your lawsuit, you could miss the state-imposed deadline, leaving you with few or no other routes to compensation. To avoid missing out on potentially life-changing damages, reach out to our Fort Lauderdale team ASAP.
You Can Trust the Schiller Kessler Group With Your Case
Our firm of Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers, Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyers, and Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyers has represented car crash, motorcycle accident, and truck collision victims since 2004. During our careers, we’ve helped wrongfully injured individuals recover from a variety of different injuries and financial losses. At this point, our team has the experience and legal knowledge necessary to tackle any case, no matter how complicated or severe it is.
You can be confident that our Fort Lauderdale rideshare accident attorneys will be able to create an effective strategy for your case and demand maximum compensation for your losses. Our team can work tirelessly and pursue every possible avenue of compensation so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
Schedule a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a Greater Fort Lauderdale Uber or Lyft accident, you’re probably confused about which type of claim or lawsuit you should pursue. At the Schiller Kessler Group, we understand how difficult it can be to move forward after a bad collision, which is why we’re here to guide you along the path to compensation.
A Fort Lauderdale rideshare accident lawyer from our firm can review the details of your accident and build a strong case for your compensation. When it comes time to represent you at the negotiating table or in court, they’ll take an aggressive approach and fight for the payment you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your right to compensation.
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