Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have become an everyday part of life in Florida. These apps make it easy for people to get around without needing to drive themselves. While convenient, ridesharing isn’t without its risks. Accidents involving rideshare vehicles happen just like other traffic incidents, and they bring their own set of unique questions and challenges. If you or a loved one has been involved in a rideshare accident in Florida, it is important to understand what a rideshare accident case is and how it might be different from a regular car accident.
Richard Guzman’s expertise focuses on one primary objective: to offer tactical legal analysis, guidance, and result-driven solutions. The Guzman Firm is dedicated to providing you with the knowledgeable and competent counsel you deserve.
Attorney Richard Guzman
A rideshare accident case involves a legal process where someone seeks compensation for injuries, damages, or losses suffered during an accident involving a rideshare vehicle. This process is a bit more complicated than a typical car accident case because it often involves multiple parties. In a rideshare accident, not only the drivers but also the ridesharing company and their insurance policies may play a role. This can lead to confusion over who is responsible and who should pay for the damages. At, The Guzman Firm, PLLC, we are here to guide you through the legal process and help you navigate the complexities of your case.
What Makes a Rideshare Accident Case Different?
The main difference between a rideshare accident and a regular car accident lies in how insurance works. In a typical car accident, the insurance of the drivers involved usually covers the damages. However, in a rideshare accident, the driver might be covered by their personal insurance, the ridesharing company’s insurance, or even both, depending on the situation. Florida law requires rideshare companies to carry insurance policies that protect both passengers and drivers. The amount of coverage depends on whether the driver was waiting for a ride request, on their way to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting a passenger.
For instance, if the driver was using the rideshare app but had not yet accepted a ride, their personal insurance might be in effect. On the other hand, if they had accepted a ride or had a passenger in their car, the ridesharing company’s insurance policy may provide more extensive coverage. This division of responsibility makes it essential to understand who is at fault and what type of insurance applies in each situation. Navigating this can be overwhelming, which is why many people choose to work with a law firm familiar with rideshare accident cases.
Who Is Responsible for a Florida Rideshare Accident?
Determining responsibility in a rideshare accident can be tricky. In most car accidents, one driver is typically found to be at fault, and their insurance company is responsible for paying for the other party’s damages. However, rideshare accidents often involve multiple factors. The rideshare driver, other motorists, the rideshare company, or even a third party like a pedestrian or bicyclist may all share some level of responsibility.
“Richard is deeply invested in his community and is a professional of purpose and integrity. As our legal counsel, his strategic approach, proactive communication, and commitment to our organization’s needs and goals have helped us navigate challenges as well as build important partnerships.” “I go to Richard Guzman because of trust. He was recommended by my dear sister that had the pleasure of working with Mr. Guzman. By having a direct recommendation, I did not doubt that he could ease my worries and that I would be backed by a knowledgeable, trustworthy professional.”
Dejha C.
Piero S.
For example, if the rideshare driver was not paying attention to the road and caused an accident, they would likely be held responsible. However, the rideshare company could also be responsible if the driver was logged into the app and working for them at the time of the accident. In some cases, poor road conditions or defective vehicle parts may also contribute to the accident, meaning that other parties, such as the city or a car manufacturer, could be held responsible.
Florida follows a system of comparative negligence, which means that more than one party can be held partially responsible for an accident. If you were involved in a rideshare accident and found to be partially at fault, your compensation might be reduced based on the percentage of your fault. This makes it even more important to gather strong evidence to support your claim and minimize any blame that might be placed on you.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in Florida
If you are involved in a rideshare accident, the steps you take immediately afterward can make a big difference in your case. First, you should make sure that everyone involved is safe and seek medical attention right away if needed. Even if you don’t feel injured at first, some injuries may not become obvious until later. Getting checked out by a doctor not only protects your health but also creates a medical record that can be important for your case.
Next, it’s important to report the accident to the police. A police report can be valuable evidence when trying to determine who was at fault. You should also report the accident to the rideshare company, especially if you were a passenger in the rideshare vehicle at the time of the crash. Most ridesharing companies have procedures in place for handling accidents, and reporting the incident ensures that the company’s insurance comes into play.
Make sure to gather as much information as you can from everyone involved. This includes the drivers’ names, contact information, and insurance details. If there were witnesses to the accident, their statements can also help your case. Additionally, taking photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries can provide crucial evidence later on.
Finally, avoid speaking to the other driver’s insurance company before consulting with an attorney. Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly and for less than what you may deserve. Speaking with a lawyer first ensures that you know your rights and understand the full value of your claim before agreeing to any settlement.
Compensation in a Florida Rideshare Accident Case
Victims of rideshare accidents may be entitled to compensation for a variety of losses. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and more. The amount of compensation depends on several factors, such as the severity of the injuries, the extent of the property damage, and the impact the accident has had on the victim’s life.
One important aspect to consider is that rideshare companies generally carry higher insurance limits than individual drivers. This means that if the rideshare company is found to be at least partially responsible, there may be more compensation available. However, this does not guarantee that the process of securing compensation will be easy. Rideshare companies and their insurance providers often have legal teams working to minimize payouts, so having a knowledgeable attorney on your side can help protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
It’s also worth noting that if you were a passenger in a rideshare vehicle at the time of the accident, you are almost never considered at fault. This means that your chances of securing compensation are generally higher, as long as you can prove that the accident caused your injuries or other damages.
Why You Need a Lawyer for a Rideshare Accident Case
Handling a rideshare accident case on your own can be confusing and stressful. Not only are you dealing with the injuries and emotional toll of the accident, but you’re also faced with navigating the complicated legal landscape of rideshare accidents. This is why many people choose to work with a lawyer who understands Florida’s laws and has experience handling cases involving rideshare companies.
An attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence, deal with insurance companies, and ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve. They can also guide you through the legal process, explaining each step along the way. Since rideshare companies and their insurance providers have their own legal teams working to protect their interests, it is crucial to have someone on your side who is looking out for yours.
If you have been involved in a rideshare accident in Florida, The Guzman Firm, PLLC is here to help. Our dedicated team understands the complexities of rideshare accident cases and is ready to fight for your rights. Whether you were a passenger, a driver, or another party involved, we will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact The Guzman Firm, PLLC today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward getting the justice and recovery you need.