Rideshare Accident Lawyer Serving Palm Beach County, FL

If you were injured in an Uber accident, an attorney can protect your rights

In Palm Beach County, rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft offer quick and affordable transportation options for residents and visitors alike. However, with the convenience of ridesharing comes the risk of serious car accidents and injuries. If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident in Palm Beach County, it’s important to understand your rights and potential options for seeking compensation.

Navigating the aftermath of a rideshare accident can be complex, especially when dealing with multiple insurance policies and corporate entities. At The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A. in Palm Beach Gardens, Mr. Shomo has the knowledge, experience, and resources to effectively navigate rideshare accident claims in Florida and guide you through the legal process with confidence.

Mr. Shomo and his team will work tirelessly to investigate the accident, gather evidence, and determine liability. Whether you were a passenger or another motorist injured in a rideshare accident, our law firm will protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Why do Uber and Lyft accidents happen?

Accidents involving Uber and Lyft drivers, whether operating Uber XL, Uber Black, Lyft XL, or Lyft Lux Black, often stem from the rideshare driver’s distraction or engagement in unsafe behavior while behind the wheel. Reckless or negligent actions encompass various activities, such as:

Texting while driving
Searching for directions
Communicating with a rideshare customer
Speeding or other reckless driving behaviors
Running red lights or other hazardous driving practices

Like other road users, rideshare drivers can have their focus diverted by different distractions. Without 100% focus on the task of driving, distracted driving increases the risk of accidents on the road. Some potential distractions that Uber and Lyft drivers may face include:

Navigation systems
Communication with passengers
Mobile devise
Personal phone calls
Fatigue from extended driving hours
Less driving experience

Who is at fault for a rideshare accident?

Like other types of auto accidents, multiple parties can be found liable for the crash. Depending on the circumstances, the rideshare driver or another motorist could be legally responsible. The rideshare company is generally not liable as such, but depending on the situation, their insurance may cover the driver (more on that in a moment).

Since Florida operates under a no-fault insurance system, regardless of fault, in the event of a rideshare accident, PIP insurance may cover medical expenses, for both drivers and passengers involved. But you can still choose to take further legal action if your injuries are severe.

If you’re unsure about filing a lawsuit against the rideshare driver or the rideshare company, consulting with an experienced attorney is crucial. An experienced Uber accident lawyer can help assess the details of the accident, determine liability, and guide you on the best course of action while looking out for your best interests.

Florida rideshare insurance

Rideshare insurance in Florida, designed for Uber, Lyft, and other transportation drivers, operates similarly to other states. When rideshare drivers are involved in accidents, coverage varies across four stages:

Period 0: When the app is off during regular use, the driver’s standard auto insurance applies.
Period 1: While the app is on, and the driver is waiting for a passenger, their personal rideshare insurance kicks in. Some liability coverage is also provided by the rideshare company.
Period 2: When the driver is paired with a passenger and is en route to pick them up, the rideshare company’s auto insurance takes over. Some personal rideshare insurance policies may still offer coverage.
Period 3: Once the passenger is in the car, the rideshare company’s commercial auto insurance is active. After dropping off the passenger, it reverts to Period 1.

Uber provides a $1 million insurance coverage policy in Florida. This policy typically comes into play when a rideshare driver is actively engaged in a trip, from the moment they accept a ride request until the passenger reaches their destination. The liability coverage can potentially cover injuries to passengers, other drivers, pedestrians, and property damage caused by the rideshare driver.

How much is my rideshare accident worth?

In the aftermath of a severe rideshare accident, the financial toll can be substantial, encompassing costly medical expenses and the potential loss of income, amounting to many thousands of dollars in damages. If the injuries sustained have long-term implications, the impact on your life could be lasting. Filing a claim with your Florida no-fault insurance provider or seeking further compensation through a lawsuit can provide recovery for the following damages and more:

Emergency room bills
Hospital stays
Surgical and other treatment expenses
Additional medical costs like tests, medications, or equipment
Lost wages
Temporary or permanent disability
Pain and suffering

How can a rideshare accident attorney help?

Claims involving rideshare accidents can be confusing and overwhelming to navigate without proper guidance. With the rise of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, the landscape of personal injury claims has become increasingly complex. If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident, you may be unsure of how to proceed or where to turn for help.

Our law firm has extensive experience in handling rideshare accident claims in Palm Beach County and has a proven track record of success in advocating for our clients’ rights. With his compassionate support and experienced representation, you can focus on your recovery while Mr. Shomo and his team handle the legal complexities of your case. To learn more, schedule a free consultation with our law firm today.