Ridesharing apps such as Uber and Lyft are more popular than ever as people use them to get where they need to be. But what happens if you are injured while riding as a passenger in such a vehicle or if you were crossing the road and struck by a rideshare driver while they were on route?
The Cocoa Beach personal injury team at DeGraff Hicks Law Group can help you recover the compensation you deserve if injured in a rideshare accident.
Call our Cocoa Beach Uber accident lawyers today at (321) 44-SHARK to ensure that your claim is properly handled and that you are adequately compensated.
How Common Are Uber and Lyft Accidents?
With rideshare services like Uber and Lyft becoming increasingly popular in Cocoa Beach and across Florida, accidents involving these vehicles have grown more frequent. Studies show that rideshare-related traffic crashes have risen nationwide as more drivers are on the road to meet passenger demand.
In busy areas such as Brevard County’s highways, tourist zones, and nightlife districts, rideshare vehicles often involve rear-end collisions, distracted driving accidents, and crashes caused by fatigue.
While rideshare companies carry insurance, determining liability can be complicated—making legal guidance from an experienced Cocoa Beach Uber accident lawyer essential for injured passengers, drivers, and others affected.
What Are the Most Common Types of Uber and Lyft Accidents?
The most common types of accidents involving ridesharing vehicles are largely the same as those that involve other passenger vehicles, but with certain unique risk factors such as reliance on navigation apps, frequent stops, and picking up and/or dropping off passengers in busy areas.
Here are three common types of rideshare accidents:
Rear-End Collisions
Accidents involving the Uber/Lyft being struck from behind are incredibly common, usually occurring during sudden stops or at traffic signals. Rideshare drivers can have a difficult time finding passengers in an unfamiliar area and stopping suddenly happens far more often than it should.
Side Swipe Collisions
The possibility of a side swipe accident is heightened whether a vehicle is driving or parked next to a rideshare vehicle because of the numerous distractions that rideshare drivers have. Rideshare drivers can easily lose control of their vehicle when they aren’t focused on the road.
T-Bone Accidents
T-bone accidents usually happen when Uber/Lyft drivers make illegal U-turns while attempting to get to a passenger. Some rideshare drivers will turn randomly at sections of the road where such movements are unexpected resulting in collisions with oncoming vehicles.
Who Can Be Found Liable in an Uber Accident?
Liability is not always straightforward when it comes to Uber accidents. Multiple parties could potentially be held responsible depending on the circumstances of the incident. Here are some potentially liable parties in an Uber accident:
Uber or Lyft Driver
If the Uber or Lyft driver was responsible for causing the accident due to negligent or reckless driving such as by speeding, driving while fatigued or distracted, they can be held accountable for the damages incurred in a rideshare accident.
Rideshare Companies
Rideshare companies can also be liable for damages if there’s evidence of their indirect responsibility for the accident. For example, if the company negligently hired, supervised, or trained the driver or if known issues with the app itself contributed to the accident.
Any Related Third Parties
If a third-party such as another driver caused the accident, they may be responsible for damages, even if they aren’t a rideshare driver. If the other driver was at fault, their liability insurance may pay out claims up to policy limits.
How Are Uber Accident Cases Different from Regular Car Accident Cases?
Uber accident cases differ from regular car accident cases in the following ways:
Multiple Insurance Policies May Apply
Unlike regular car accidents where the at-fault driver’s insurance usually covers damages, Uber accidents involve multiple layers of insurance coverage. It can be complicated to determine which policy applies, which makes it important to have legal representation in such cases.
Complex Liability Issues
Liability usually rests with one or more drivers in a regular car accident. However, Uber accident cases involve other parties such as the Uber driver, Uber’s insurance provider, and third-party drivers. Legal representation is thus important to determine liability.
Uber Drivers Are Considered Independent Contractors
Uber classifies drivers as independent contractors as opposed to employees, which helps protect it from direct liability in most accident cases. Unlike a traditional employer who’s responsible for the action of their employees, Uber can argue that it isn’t legally accountable for the driver’s negligence.
Does Uber Have a $1 Million Insurance Policy for Accidents?
Yes. Uber provides a $1 million liability insurance policy that may cover injuries and damages from accidents—but it only applies in certain situations.
Driver Offline (App Closed)
- Only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies.
- Uber provides no coverage.
Driver Online, Waiting for a Ride Request
- Limited liability coverage:
- $50,000 per person for injuries.
- $100,000 per accident total for injuries.
- $25,000 per accident for property damage.
Driver En Route to Pick Up Passenger or During a Trip
- $1 million liability coverage applies.
- May also include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
What Types of Compensation Can I Seek in an Uber Accident?
Victims of Uber accidents often face financial and emotional struggles. If you were injured, you may have the right to seek a wide range of damages.
A skilled Cocoa Beach Uber accident lawyer such as those at DeGraff Hicks Law Group can help you understand the different type of compensation you can pursue, which include:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are those that result in financial loss following an Uber accident and may include:
- Medical expenses: Covers the cost of surgeries, hospital stays, emergency care, follow-up appointments, and medications.
- Property damage: Cover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle or any personal items damaged in the accident.
- Lost wages: Cover any income missed while recovering from your injuries.
- Future medical bills: Covers any ongoing physical therapy, medical treatment, as well as future care needs.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are those without a defined monetary cost and include:
- Emotional distress: Covers any mental health struggles resulting from the accident such as PTSD, depression, or anxiety.
- Pain and suffering: Covers compensation for both the emotional stress and physical pain caused by the accident.
- Scarring or disfigurement: If the Uber accident left you with injuries that affect your daily life or confidence.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If the injuries sustained in the Uber accident limit your ability to enjoy or participate in hobbies or various social activities.
Punitive Damages
In rare instances, particularly when the Uber driver engaged in reckless behavior or extreme negligence, the court can award punitive damages. Such damages are aimed at punishing wrongdoers and discouraging similar actions.
For instance, if the Uber driver was speeding or driving while intoxicated in a school zone when the accident happened, punitive damages may apply. Fortunately, the experienced Cocoa Beach Uber accident lawyers and legal team at DeGraff Hicks Law Group can help you prove that you’re entitled to punitive damages.
Should I Just Accept a Settlement Offer?
No, you shouldn’t accept the first settlement offer provided by Uber’s insurance provider. Initial settlement offers are generally low and aimed at minimizing the payout and may not fully cover the aforementioned damages.
If you accept the settlement offer too soon, you risk missing out on the full compensation you are entitled to. A better option would be to consult with an experienced Cocoa Beach Uber accident lawyer from DeGraff Hicks Law Group who can negotiate a fair settlement.
Are There Time Limits for Filing an Uber Accident Claim in Florida?
The statute of limitations in Florida for personal injury claims, including Uber accident claims, is generally 2 years from the accident date. Still, you should consult an Uber accident lawyer near you promptly to preserve evidence and file the claim on time.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer?
Uber/Lyft accident victims can find it difficult to navigate the legal process as well as negotiate fair compensation on their own. This is why it’s so important to seek legal assistance.
A skilled Cocoa Beach Uber accident lawyer can:
- Assess the full extent of the victim’s losses and damages
- Collect relevant evidence supporting the victim’s claim, such as witness statements, medical records, and expert testimony
- Negotiate with the insurance companies on behalf of the Uber accident victim to secure fair compensation
- Representing the accident victim in court in case settlement negotiations fail.
Why Should I Choose DeGraff Hicks Law Group?
Navigating the legal process shouldn’t add to your stress if you have been injured in an Uber accident in Cocoa Beach, Florida. The legal team at DeGraff Hicks Law Group is available to explain your rights and options.
We offer the following:
- Free claim assessment
- Comprehensive claim management
- Zero upfront costs
- Pursuit of maximum compensation
- No fees unless the claim is successful.
Our Uber accident lawyers near you are here to fight for you and get you the compensation that you deserve.
Your Recovery Starts Here—Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Cocoa Beach Uber Accident Lawyer
Uber and Lyft are enjoying tremendous growth in popularity, but they have equally been associated with a growing risk of dangers on the road. Unfortunately, they are regularly involved in accidents and the impending legal matters can be complicated to understand.
If you have been injured in an Uber accident in Cocoa Beach, Florida, you need the legal team at DeGraff Hicks Law Group to protect your rights against insurance providers dedicated to minimizing your claim and compensation.
Call us today at (321) 44-SHARK so that our Cocoa Beach Uber accident lawyers can help you recover the compensation you deserve!
