Uber/Lyft Accidents
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Uber & Lyft Accidents In North Miami Beach
Rideshare companies, such as Uber and Lyft, have revolutionized the way we travel. The ability to order a vehicle with the click of a button provides an unprecedented level of convenience to our daily transportation. However, as these companies quickly grew, so did the number of passengers sustaining injuries while using their services. Especially in popular tourist destinations like North Miami Beach where people frequently use rideshare transportation services, there is a much higher risk of Uber and Lyft accidents. Although these ridesharing accidents are unique, they are not uncommon. Due to the number of parties involved in a typical Uber or Lyft accident, including the company itself, it’s always recommended to speak with an experienced North Miami Beach Uber/Lyft Accident attorney first.
Determining Liability After An Uber/Lyft Accident In Miami
Like any car or truck accident case, determining liability is a critical step. As the victim of an Uber/Lyft accident, determining which party was at fault will control who is responsible (or whose insurance company is responsible) to compensate you for your injuries. Insurance companies often like to point fingers at the other driver to avoid paying damages. This back-and-forth can be particularly frustrating when you were simply the passenger of an Uber/Lyft at the time of the accident. An experienced North Miami Beach Uber/Lyft accident attorney can help you navigate these unfamiliar waters and make the process as simple as possible for you.
We are familiar with the games insurance companies try to play when attempting to avoid paying for their driver’s negligence. For someone inexperienced with the insurance claims process, these complications can significantly delay or prevent financial recovery. As experienced Miami personal injury lawyers, Florida Legal’s priority is to avoid typical delays and obtain a speedy recovery for our clients.
What To Do If You Were Injured In An Uber/Lyft Accident
If you sustained injuries as an Uber/Lyft passenger, someone else’s negligence was the cause of your damages. Generally, there are several important factors to consider when determining which party is responsible for your injuries. One possibility is that the Uber/Lyft driver was at fault for the accident. Fortunately, if this is the case, both Uber and Lyft have commercial insurance policies that will cover up to $1 million for the accident.
Another possibility is that the other vehicle’s driver was at fault. Under these circumstances, the at-fault driver’s insurance will be primarily responsible for paying for your damages. The coverage amount of a standard, at-fault driver will depend on the particular insurance policy. If an at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, then Uber/Lyft’s UM/UIM policy will typically cover damages up to $1 million. These specific instances are not always understood, and that’s why it’s best to consult with a North Miami Beach Uber/Lyft accident lawyer right away.
Understanding Uber And Lyft Accident Claims
According to Uber and Lyft, their drivers are not employees. Instead, Uber and Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors. Although there is a lot of controversy around this, and many believe it will eventually change, Uber and Lyft continue to treat drivers as independent contractors. The independent contractor distinction is essential to understand because employees have different legal rights than independent contractors. For instance, employees have the right to unemployment benefits. More importantly, a company is likely to be held legally responsible for its employees’ negligence, but not for its independent contractors.
In any case, you should remember that as the passenger of an Uber/Lyft, if the rideshare driver was at fault for the accident, then Uber or Lyft’s insurance coverage will likely apply. When you discuss the details of your rideshare accident with a North Miami Beach Uber/Lyft accident lawyer, your attorney can properly advise you on the best steps to take to receive compensation for your injuries. If you’ve been injured by an Uber or Lyft driver, call Florida Legal today for a free case evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Types of Damages Are Available to Uber Accident Victims?
This is a common question we hear from victims involved in any kind of car accident. It’s common to wonder who will pay your medical bills or pay to have your vehicle repaired. Under Florida personal injury laws, injured parties are entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages in Florida reimburse you for past and future out-of-pocket expenses, including:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Future medical expenses
- Lost future earning capacity
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitative care
- Long-term care
- Property damage
- And more
What Causes Most Uber Accidents in Miami Beach?
Uber drivers are human like anyone else and accidents happen, however, they have the same responsibility as other drivers when it comes to safety. If you an Uber or Lyft driver demonstrate negligence while driving and cause an accident as a result, you and your North Miami Beach Uber/Lyft attorney can hold them accountable. Some of the most common causes of Uber and Lyft accidents in Miami include:
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Tailgating
- Speeding
- Pulling over to pick up/drop off passengers in an unsafe location
- Aggressive driving
- Unsafe passing
- Illegal turns
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Drunk driving
- Illegal drug use behind the wheel
- Defective vehicle components
- Hazardous road conditions
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After An Uber Accident in Florida?
The statute of limitations in Florida controls when a court will accept a claim of negligence against a defendant driver and their insurance company. It is essential that injured parties understand the statute of limitations for Uber/Lyft accidents and file a claim as soon as possible following the incident. According to Florida Statute §95.11, the statute of limitations in Uber/Lyft accident cases is generally four years. If a plaintiff does not have a case in court within this time limit, the court may dismiss their case.
Contact A North Miami Beach Uber/Lyft Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured due to a Lyft or Uber driver’s negligence, you have the right to compensation. At Florida Legal, we’re proud to advocate for clients who’ve been injured or harmed by unsafe practices. We understand how difficult and stressful these cases can be, luckily we have a proven track record when defending our clients against others’ negligence. If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident and believe you have a personal injury case, contact our North Miami Beach Uber/Lyft accident attorney today for a free consultation.