Experiencing a car accident is always traumatic. If you suffered injuries in a crash involving a rideshare vehicle, a Lakeland personal injury lawyer can help you recover damages.
Brooks Law Group has recovered over $300 million for our clients. If your accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, a rideshare accident lawyer in Lakeland can protect your rights and help you seek compensation.
The Role of a Lakeland Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Rideshare accident claims are typically more complicated than standard car accident claims.
A rideshare accident attorney in Lakeland can assist with your case by:
- Investigating the accident: A lawyer can gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, photographs, video footage, and rideshare records to determine how the crash occurred.
- Calculating damages: A lawyer can assess both your current and future losses to determine the value of your claim.
- Handling insurance companies: A lawyer can communicate with insurance adjusters and work to secure a fair settlement for you.
- Representing you in court: If a settlement cannot be reached, a lawyer can present your case before a judge or jury.
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What Types of Compensation Are Available?
Potential damages in your rideshare accident case may include:
- Medical expenses: You can seek compensation for emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and future medical care.
- Lost wages: You can recover income you would’ve earned while you were unable to work due to the crash
- Loss of earning capacity: You can pursue compensation if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous occupation or earning the same income in the future.
- Property damage: You can seek reimbursement for vehicle repairs or replacement and other damaged personal property.
- Pain and suffering: You can recover damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and the overall impact your injuries have had on your quality of life.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: You can recover damages if your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed.
- Punitive damages: You can recover punitive damages in cases involving especially reckless or intentional misconduct from the at-fault party.
In the event of a fatal rideshare accident, eligible surviving family members can seek compensation through a wrongful death claim.
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How Long Do You Have to File a Rideshare Accident Claim in Florida?
According to Florida Statute § 95.11, you generally have two years from the date of a rideshare accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Florida. If you fail to file your claim within this time frame, you will likely forfeit the right to pursue damages.
Building a strong case takes time, which is why it’s important to get help from a Lakeland rideshare accident lawyer as soon as possible.
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Who Is Liable in a Rideshare Accident?
Several parties can be held legally responsible for a rideshare crash, including:
- The rideshare driver: If the Uber or Lyft driver acted negligently by speeding, texting while driving, or violating traffic laws, they may be liable for the accident.
- Another motorist: Another driver may be responsible if their negligent actions caused the crash.
- A commercial vehicle operator: Truck drivers, delivery drivers, or other commercial operators may share fault if their actions contribute to an accident.
- A vehicle manufacturer: Defective vehicle components or safety systems may provide grounds for a product liability claim.
- A maintenance provider: A company responsible for vehicle maintenance may be liable if improper repairs contributed to the collision.
- An autonomous vehicle operator or company: If the crash involved a self-driving car, such as a Waymo, liability may potentially fall on the company operating the vehicle, a passenger who interfered with its operation, or a third party involved in its manufacturing or operation.
- A microtransit or shuttle operator: Companies operating on-demand vans, electric shuttles, or other shared transportation services, such as Freebee or Circuit, may be liable when driver negligence, inadequate training, or operational failures contribute to an accident.
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How Does Rideshare Accident Insurance Work?
Rideshare insurance coverage differs from traditional auto insurance because multiple policies may apply depending on the circumstances of the accident.
Here’s how it breaks down:
- Driver was offline: If the rideshare driver was not logged into the app, their personal auto insurance policy typically applies.
- Driver was receiving rides: If the driver was logged into the app and available to accept ride requests but had not yet accepted one, limited rideshare company insurance coverage may be available.
- Driver was en route to or transporting a passenger: If the driver was on the way to pick up a passenger or actively transporting one, higher levels of company insurance coverage are generally available.
Can You Sue the Rideshare Company for an Accident?
In most situations, you cannot sue a rideshare company directly for an accident. These companies classify their drivers as independent contractors, which makes it difficult to hold them liable for a crash.
However, there are circumstances where claims against a company may be possible. You may have grounds for a lawsuit if any of the following contributed to your crash:
- Negligent hiring practices
- Failure to conduct adequate background checks
- Retention of dangerous drivers
- Technical issues with the rideshare app
What if You Were Partially At Fault?
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Under this system, you can recover compensation for a car crash as long as you are no more than 50% at fault. However, if you share liability, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
If you are assigned at least 51% liability for the crash, you will be barred from recovering damages.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Lakeland
Some of the most common causes of rideshare collisions in Lakeland include:
- Distracted driving due to app usage
- Looking at GPS navigation systems
- Speeding to complete more rides
- Fatigued driving after long hours behind the wheel
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Unsafe lane changes
- Aggressive driving behaviors
- Driving in unfamiliar areas
- Impaired driving
- Poor weather conditions
Common Injuries in Rideshare Accidents
Car accident injuries can range from minor to catastrophic. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Back injuries
- Herniated discs
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Concussions
- Broken bones
- Facial injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burns
- Knee and shoulder injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
What to Do if You Are Injured in a Rideshare Crash in Lakeland
If you were involved in a rideshare crash in Lakeland, follow these steps:
- Call 911: If you are hurt, ask the dispatcher to send an ambulance and get medical attention immediately.
- Request that an officer be sent to the scene and report the accident: Provide only basic factual information to the police, then request a copy of the police report.
- Do not discuss how you feel: You may not yet understand the extent of your injuries.
- Get the other driver’s information: Obtain the other driver’s license plate number, car registration, vehicle identification number (VIN), insurance information, rideshare service information, and contact details.
- Take pictures of the scene: If possible, take photos of the accident scene before the vehicles get removed and conditions change.
- Visit a doctor: Get evaluated by a doctor right away to rule out internal injuries and document your condition for your claim.
- Retain all documents for your attorney: Save all documentation related to the crash, including police reports, medical reports, and bills related to the accident and your injuries.
- Report the crash to the rideshare company: Inform the company that you were in a crash that involved one of their drivers. Don’t speculate about the cause of the crash or discuss your injuries.
- Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters: Refer them to your lawyer instead.
- Call our Florida accident attorneys: The sooner you get legal representation, the stronger your claim will be.
Book a Free Consultation
Rideshare accident cases often present unique legal challenges. If you were involved in a crash with a rideshare vehicle, a Lakeland rideshare accident attorney from Brooks Law Group can guide you through the claims process and help you recover a fair settlement.
Schedule a free consultation to learn more about your legal options.
Call or text (800) 529-3030 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
