The aftermath of a car accident is never an easy time, especially if you have been seriously hurt. If an Uber or Lyft driver caused your crash, you’ll need to unravel the complicated relationship between these rideshare companies and their drivers to determine liability.
You’ll also have the usual challenges of dealing with insurance providers, who often seem like they are more concerned with their bottom lines than covering your damages. It’s a lot to deal with, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our rideshare accident lawyers in Fort Myers will help.
The team at the Blakeley Law Firm will determine who is responsible for your accident and pursue maximum compensation for your damages. Our car accident lawyers in Fort Myers have recovered more than $250 million in awards and settlements. Call for your free consultation.
Why Rideshare Accidents are Complicated in Florida
It’s always a good idea to consult with an attorney when you are hurt in an accident. Our team can investigate your accident, manage your claim, and deal with insurance companies while you recover from your injuries. We fight to get you paid fast.
An accident involving a rideshare driver is more complicated than most other motor vehicle crashes due to the relationship between the driver and the rideshare company. These drivers are contractors, not employers, and the rideshare company has limited liability in many cases.
To make things even more complex, Florida has a no-fault auto insurance framework and a modified comparative negligence standard for injury cases. Our personal injury lawyers in Fort Myers know how to work within these systems and recover the compensation you deserve.
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When Rideshare Companies May Be Liable for Accidents
There are some circumstances where Uber or Lyft can be liable when their drivers cause crashes. Whether or not the company has any responsibility depends on whether the driver was logged into their app and performing company business at the time of the crash.
If they were logged in and actively transporting a driver or enroute for a pickup, both Uber and Lyft have robust insurance policies that may come into effect. If the driver was logged in and waiting for an assignment, rideshare companies typically provide a lower level of coverage.
Rideshare companies may also be liable if there was negligence in other aspects of the business, such as failing to properly screen new drivers or ignoring customer complaints.
When the Rideshare Driver May Be Liable
If the driver was not logged into the app, your case is just like any other car accident. Our rideshare accident attorneys in Fort Myers will investigate to find out if the rideshare company played a role. If not, we can help you pursue a standard claim.
No-Fault Auto Insurance in Florida
With no-fault insurance, Florida drivers who get into accidents must rely on their own insurance to cover their damages, no matter who was at fault. Every driver is required to have Personal Injury Protection as part of their policy.
This will cover a portion of your medical bills and lost wages, but it has limitations. If your damages exceed what’s allowable under your plan, our team may be able to help you pursue legal action against the rideshare company or the driver.
Call or text 800-602-5000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
Comparative Negligence
The modified comparative negligence system lets you recover damages even if you were partly responsible for the crash, as long as you weren’t more than 50% at fault. Your damages are reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault.
Our attorneys understand the roles comparative negligence, no-fault insurance, and rideshare company liability play in your accident case. We’ll explore all avenues of compensation so you can get the help you need for your recovery.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents in Florida
Contact our Fort Myers rideshare accident lawyers as soon as you can following your accident. According to Florida law, you only have a certain amount of time to file your claim. Miss that deadline, and you lose your right to pursue legal action for your damages.
Per Florida Statutes § 95.11, that’s two years in most situations. The deadline can be tolled in some cases, such as when the accident involved a minor or if the defendant has fled the state. Our team can advise you on the specific timeframe that applies to your case.
Talk to Our Rideshare Accident Attorneys in Fort Myers
Rideshare services like Lyft and Uber are popular alternatives to public transportation and
traditional taxis. Rideshare apps are easy and convenient for consumers to use, and the companies provide a solid side hustle for those who are willing to put in a little extra driving.
But those drivers aren’t trained professionals, and they aren’t necessarily more skilled than any other motorist on the road. If you have been in an accident with one, our rideshare accident attorneys in Fort Myers can help you discover who is liable or what to do next.
Blakeley Law Firm’s team of attorneys and legal professionals has more than four decades of experience, advocating for injured accident victims in Fort Myers. We’re here for you when the unthinkable happens. Call today to schedule your free consultation.
