Fighting for those who have been injured in uber and lyft car accidents in Florida
At Gerber Law in Venice, serving Sarasota, Tampa, and all of Florida, our Venice personal injury legal team understands the complexities surrounding rideshare accidents. If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft car accident, navigating the personal injury legal landscape can be challenging. We are here to provide dedicated and knowledgeable legal representation to help you recover the financial compensation you deserve. Learn how we can help you with a free case review.
Call Gerber Law today at 941-484-2700 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our rideshare accident attorneys in Sarasota & Venice.
Common Injuries in Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents can lead to various injuries, varying from minor to severe. Understanding the common injuries that can happen in these accidents is crucial for building a solid case. Passengers, pedestrians, and drivers alike may experience:
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: The sudden impact of a collision can cause the head to jerk violently, resulting in whiplash and other neck injuries.
- Head Injuries: The force of a rideshare accident can result in head injuries, varying from concussions to more severe traumatic brain injuries.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Accidents could cause damage to the spinal cord, leading to long-term complications and affecting mobility.
- Broken Bones: Fractures and broken bones are common due to the impact of the collision.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Muscles, tendons, and ligaments may be strained or torn, causing pain and limiting mobility.
- Emotional Distress: Beyond physical injuries, rideshare accidents can lead to emotional trauma, affecting mental well-being and daily life.
Who Is Liable in a Rideshare Car Accident in Florida?
Rideshare accidents are not as straightforward as traditional automobile accidents when it comes to determining liability. Determining liability in a rideshare accident can be intricate, as multiple parties may share responsibility, including:
- Rideshare Drivers: If the rideshare driver’s negligence caused the accident, they may be held liable.
- Other Motorists: If another driver’s actions contributed to the accident, they could be held responsible.
- Rideshare Company: The rideshare company may be held liable, especially if their policies, training, or vetting process contributed to the accident.
For instance, if the rideshare driver was at fault, they might be personally liable. However, if the driver was logged into the rideshare app at the time of the accident, the rideshare company’s insurance policy with the insurance provider may come into play. Alternatively, if another motorist caused the accident, that driver’s insurance might be liable.
Tactics Used by Rideshare Companies to Reduce Liability
Our Venice personal injury attorneys have seen how rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft often employ tactics to reduce their liability and payout. They may claim that their drivers are independent contractors rather than employees, which can complicate matters. Sometimes rideshare companies will claim that their app was not activated and claim you were not covered by their insurance policy provided by the insurance provider. They might also dispute the severity of your injuries or question whether you were indeed a passenger at the time of the accident.
What to Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Venice, Florida
If you’re involved in a rideshare accident, take the following steps:
- Seek Medical Attention: Prioritize your health and well-being by seeking prompt medical attention for injuries.
- Contact Law Enforcement: Report the accident to law enforcement, ensuring an official police record is created.
- Gather Information: Collect information from all parties involved, including names, contact details, insurance information, and witness statements.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, damages, and any relevant details.
- Avoid Giving Statements: Refrain from providing statements to insurance companies without legal counsel.
- Contact an Attorney: Consult with an experienced rideshare accident attorney to understand your rights and options. By letting a Venice personal injury attorney take charge of your case, you can focus on your recovery and healing after the crash.
What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Rideshare Accident Claim in Florida?
When pursuing a rideshare accident claim in Florida, it’s essential to be aware of the potential damages that can be recovered. Gerber Law stands by your side to navigate the legal complexities and help you seek compensation for the following:
- Medical Expenses: Injuries sustained in a rideshare accident often require medical attention, and you may be eligible to recover the costs associated with hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and ongoing treatments.
- Lost Wages: If the accident leads to time away from work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, ensuring financial stability during your recovery.
- Property Damage: The impact of a rideshare accident can result in damage to your vehicle. You have the right to seek compensation for repairs or replacement.
- Pain and Suffering: Beyond economic damages, you may be qualified for compensation for the physical and emotional pain from the accident.
- Wrongful Death Damages: In tragic cases where a rideshare accident leads to the loss of a loved one, Gerber Law is committed to helping families pursue wrongful death damages, including funeral expenses and loss of financial support.
- Punitive Damages: In certain circumstances, punitive damages could be awarded to punish the responsible party for gross negligence or intentional misconduct.
How Gerber Law Can Help You
Our rideshare accident attorneys at Gerber Law offer comprehensive assistance, including:
- Investigation: Thoroughly investigate the accident to determine liability and gather evidence.
- Insurance Negotiations: Skillfully negotiate with rideshare companies and insurers to ensure fair compensation.
- Legal Advocacy: Provide strong legal advocacy in negotiations or litigation to pursue maximum compensation.
- Client Support: Offer compassionate support, guiding you through the legal process and addressing your concerns.
At Gerber Law, we know that more drivers in the area rated as a haven by Coastal Living means there are more risks for accidents. You may use rideshare services on a night out to avoid drinking and driving, while your car is in the shop, or to go out of town without parking at the airport. No matter the reason you choose to use Uber or Lyft, our rideshare accident attorneys are well-versed in the tactics used by rideshare companies and their insurers. We’re committed to helping you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. With years of experience serving Venice and the surrounding areas, we’re ready to assist you with your rideshare accident case.
Contact Our Rideshare Accident Attorneys in Sarasota & Venice Today
Don’t let a rideshare accident disrupt your life any more than it has to. The experienced rideshare accident attorneys at Gerber Law are here to fight for your rights as we have done for all of our clients for these types of cases as well as cases in related practice areas.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you recover the compensation you deserve. Call 941-484-2700 to schedule an appointment with our Sarasota & Venice rideshare accident lawyers.