Ridesharing companies like Lyft and Uber have certainly experienced their fair share of attention in the media over recent months and years.
To be sure, these businesses, which allow riders to hail a driver through the use of an app, have often found themselves embroiled in bitter legal battles with local or state governments regarding insurance requirements, driver oversight, and a number of other issues.
Sadly, one ridesharing company is in the spotlight again in Florida after one of its drivers allegedly caused an accident that took the life of a local motorcycle rider. This tragic event spurred the filing of a wrongful death lawsuit by the widow of the deceased rider, yet may also have larger implications for ridesharing companies as a whole.
Miami Woman Sues After Death of Her Husband
The aforementioned case was filed by Poliana Perez, a Miami woman whose husband, Loiner Perez, was struck by a Lyft driver while riding his motorcycle on Halloween. According to a recent report published by CBS Miami, the Lyft driver allegedly failed to yield the right-of-way to Mr. Perez, turning left into him and striking his motorcycle directly. The 29-year-old mailroom supervisor was killed as a result.
To add grief to an already tragic event, Mrs. Perez was pregnant at the time of the accident, and, as of the writing, was forced to face the delivery and caretaking of their child without the presence of the father.
The case filed by Mrs. Perez targets Lyft specifically, alleging that the ridesharing company “hires untrained, distracted, fatigued drivers to carry paying customers.” Although Lyft does require drivers to maintain a clean driver’s license, undergo a background check, and carry $100,000 in liability insurance, according to the report, the attorney for Mrs. Perez asks if this number is truly enough to compensate for the death of a loved one and all that this implies.
Complications of Being Involved in an Accident with a Rideshare Driver
Being involved in an accident with a driver working for Lyft, Uber, or another ridesharing business can come with numerous complications. Most importantly, the victim of the accident may be able to pursue compensation from both the rideshare driver, as well as the business itself. This is due to the fact that rideshare drivers may be classified as employees instead of independent contractors, and, as such, victims can target the company under the doctrine of vicarious liability. (It is important to note, however, that the law on this is ever-changing, highlighting the importance of retaining the services of a Lyft car accident attorney.)
Ultimately, the task of filing a lawsuit certainly should not be undertaken alone. Because a serious car accident can lead to devastating injuries, such as broken bones, brain injuries, paralysis, and, in the worst cases, death, it is in the victim’s or his or her family’s best interests to retain an experienced professional to help fight for due compensation. A dedicated Lyft car accident lawyer is a useful asset when filing a claim for damages.
Contact a Lyft Car Accident Attorney in Florida Today
There is no reason you should file a claim or lawsuit without an experienced attorney on your side. Attorney Jarrett Blakeley has significant experience advocating on behalf of injured victims in Florida, and is prepared to assist you with your case today. For more information and a free consultation on your case, call the office at 954-253-9445 to speak with us as soon as possible.