What are Ridesharing Accidents?

Ridesharing has changed the scene of localized commute by replacing the conventional taxi system. Mobile applications like Uber and Lyft let you call a cab from anywhere at any time. You don’t have to stand by the roadside to hail a cab or wait for long. You can choose between a variety of privately owned vehicles, depending on your budget, personal preference, or the number of total passengers. Your ride is confirmed in a few clicks and arrives in a matter of minutes. The best part is that ridesharing drivers cannot overcharge you because you pay according to a standard fare structure.

Ridesharing accidents refer to car crashes that happen while you are travelling with a ridesharing service or when you collide with a ridesharing driver while driving your own car, riding a bike, or travelling on foot. Either way, it can be complicated to determine that who is at fault and who will pay for your damages. The good news is that ridesharing companies have insurance policies worth a lot of money, but getting your hands on that money is far from easy. Florida Rideshare Accident Attorney has the skill and experience to fight for you and acquire the compensation you deserve.

Determining Liability in a Ridesharing Accident

Under normal circumstances, the driver who is found to be responsible for the collision is supposed to reimburse the damages sustained by the other party. The difference in rideshare accidents is that the at-fault driver was on the job when the incident occurred, which is why his/her employer shall shoulder the liability. However, the liability is not always clear or the ridesharing company may attempt to refuse to take responsibility. The intervention of a knowledgeable personal injury attorney is necessary to tackle the formidable situation.

Most of the time, ridesharing companies are only willing to provide reasonable compensation if a passenger was present in the Uber/Lyft vehicle at the time of the accident. The company may only agree to a pay a small portion of the damages if the driver was logged in, but there was no passenger riding with them. The insurance coverage is usually insufficient in these cases, especially if the accident caused fatal injuries to a pedestrian/biker and/or extensive damage to property.  

Compensable Damages

If you have encountered an auto accident with an Uber/Lyft driver or while using the ridesharing service, you could be looking at several expenses to make up for your loss. Some damages are temporary or reversible, while others have permanent or long term consequences. The injuries incurred in an accident may require extended medical treatment and/or have a huge impact on your lifestyle. Therefore, you have to think about ongoing and future costs you will encounter because of the accident. A fair settlement will help you meet all your financial needs while you are recovering or allow you to cope with a lifelong disability.

You may expect to receive compensation for the following damages:

• Injuries requiring medical attention and treatment
• Pain and suffering
• Lost income/wages
• Wrongful death
• Funeral expenses
• Cost of medication and medical procedures (tests, surgery, etc.)
• Essential medical devices/equipment for coping with a condition or disability
• Healthcare at home or nursing home costs
• Physical and mental therapy
• Loss of consortium/companionship
• Loss of enjoyment (inability to live a normal life)
• Automobile repair or replacement
• Cost of other valuable property damaged by the accident