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Experienced New Port Richey Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer
Nothing beats the convenience of having a car pick you up and drop you off at your requested destination. Whether it’s a trip back from the airport or a safe way to get home after a happy hour with coworkers, Uber, Lyft, and other popular rideshare companies have taken over as one of the most popular modes of transportation.
If your ride is interrupted by a car accident, you may not know how to proceed. If it was your driver’s fault, are you still eligible to file a claim? Do you have to go through the rideshare company first? To ensure you get the most up-to-date information and the compensation you rightfully deserve after your accident, reach out to a qualified New Port Richey personal injury attorney from McPherson & Thomas, P.A. today. With decades of experience, we are happy to help you explore your legal options and obtain the justice you seek.
How Fault Is Determined in an Uber & Lyft Accident in New Port Richey, Florida?
When it comes to determining liability after an Uber or Lyft accident, there are four distinct elements to consider:
- Were you owed a standard of care?
- Was this standard breached by a negligent or reckless action?
- Did this action directly cause an accident?
- Did the accident result in your damages?
A liable party must be established using the four components of negligence to be held accountable in your personal injury claim. A rideshare accident is similar to a regular motor vehicle accident. Your driver is expected to adhere to the rules of the road, as are the other drivers. If someone operates a vehicle while intoxicated or drives dangerously and causes an accident, they may be held liable. Florida currently follows a modified comparative negligence law, meaning blame may be shared for the accident. If you are found to be less than 50% responsible for the accident, you may still recover damages. Contact our well-experienced Uber & Lyft accident lawyers in New Port Richey, Florida, today for legal representation.
What Types of Damages Are You Entitled to After Your Accident?
The aftermath of a motor vehicle accident can leave the victims with whiplash, broken bones, and more serious injuries. A personal injury claim holds the liable party accountable for their actions while simultaneously compensating the victim for their suffering, both physically and mentally. Common examples of damages victims of rideshare accidents are rewarded include:
- Cost of medical bills
- Cost of physical therapy
- Lost wages due to missed work
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Prescription medications
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
Uber and Lyft carry specific requirements for their drivers and the types of insurance policies they keep. In the case of one of their drivers being at fault for the accident, both companies have liability insurance in place to cover your losses. Our New Port Richey rideshare accident attorneys are here to help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve. Injured From An Accident? Call Our Experienced Attorneys
How an Uber & Lyft Accident Attorney in New Port Richey Can Help Your Case
A lawyer is there to help with the confusing and overwhelming nature of a personal injury claim. While you focus on recovering, a New Port Richey Uber & Lyft accident lawyer can begin working on the following aspects of your case:
Gathering Evidence
To demonstrate negligence has occurred, your attorney will begin an investigation into the circumstances surrounding your accident. This includes the collection and assessment of evidence that may be relevant to your case and proving the liable party is responsible for your injuries. Evidence that can be used in a rideshare accident case may include police reports, detailed records, traffic camera footage, and eyewitness testimony.
Much of this information is time-sensitive, which is a good reason to reach out to an attorney sooner rather than later.
Filing Your Claim
Florida currently has a two-year statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim. This deadline begins on the date of the accident, and time can move quickly when you are unfamiliar with the process. With a knowledgeable attorney by your side, you don’t have to worry about missing the deadline and having your claim dismissed or not including adequate representation of the full extent of your injuries.
From there, your Uber & Lyft accident attorney in New Port Richey will handle all communication with the insurance company, including the negotiation period and the final settlement agreement.
Who Is Liable for an Uber or Lyft Accident?
Without a clear portrayal of an accident, it can be difficult to say for certain who is responsible for a crash. Determining who is responsible for a rideshare accident, such as one taking place in an Uber or Lyft, can also be challenging due to the number of parties involved. Depending on the circumstances, any of the following parties may be responsible for your injuries and losses:
- Uber, Lyft, or another applicable rideshare company
- The driver of the rideshare
- Pedestrians
- Passengers
- Another driver
- Owner or renter of the premises
- Employer or employee of the property
- City or state government entity
- Maintenance companies, including third parties
- Vehicle, equipment, or parts manufacturer
There may be cases where other individuals could also be held responsible. In some circumstances, more than one party may be liable, and each one will need to be held accountable to obtain complete compensation.
For assistance identifying liable parties, we encourage you to contact an Uber & Lyft accident attorney in New Port Richey, such as one from McPherson & Thomas, P.A. We can help you identify liable parties, hold them accountable, and obtain the fair compensation you deserve.
What Should You Do After a Rideshare Accident?
After an accident of any kind, deciding what steps you should take next should not be taken lightly. Especially if you are worried about obtaining compensation for your injuries and losses, you will likely need to take legal action against certain parties. However, being cautious and calculated while moving forward will help improve the odds of a positive outcome in your legal matters. We recommend you follow our suggestions for next steps and strategies.
Seek Medical Attention Quickly
If there is a non-zero chance you could have been hurt in an accident, we encourage you to seek medical attention immediately. The sooner medical providers can see you, the earlier they can identify bodily harm, recommend treatments for healing, and prevent long-term damage to your quality of life. Doctors can also provide referrals to additional specialists.
Seeking medical attention will also bode well for your legal claim, as court personnel are more likely to view your case positively when you take your well-being seriously. Be sure to hold onto any medical records given to you during this time.
If you need assistance finding a doctor who is able to assist you, feel free to contact McPherson & Thomas, P.A. We can help you explore your options for medical care or provide you with a referral to a practitioner we already know and trust. Please reach out to us if you need any legal support during your rideshare accident claim.
Communicate With Insurance Carefully
At one point or another, you will likely need to speak to some insurance companies about the incident. During this time, whether you’re speaking to your own provider or one belonging to another party, speak carefully. Please do not share any information that they do not directly request you provide.
We encourage you to share little information with insurance to protect your privacy and improve your odds of fair compensation. Insurance companies prefer to hold out on payouts and keep their profits, so they’re often interested in giving you less financial recovery than you are legally entitled to.
Stay Offline
We encourage you to spend as little time on the internet as possible during your claim. For example, if you are tempted to use your social media, you should deactivate your accounts. Anything you share online could be used against you and damage your privacy protections.
Even if the information does not seem related to your claim, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you need more help understanding the best course of action for using the internet during your claim, we can explain.
Do Not Discuss Your Claim With Others
While talking about your legal troubles may feel helpful, discussing your claim with friends, family, or even strangers could be dangerous. Again, this may reduce the amount of control you have over information and your own confidentiality.
Instead of speaking with others, we only suggest you speak with an attorney. A New Port Richey Uber & Lyft accident lawyer, such as one from McPherson & Thomas, P.A., can protect your privacy through the attorney-client relationship. When you retain us, you have extra support and more control over the information in your claim.
Listen to Your Attorney’s Suggestions
After retaining an attorney, we suggest you follow their recommendations for strategies as closely as possible. While you ultimately make the legal decisions in your claim, your attorney will have access to helpful information and experience that will improve the outcome of your claim.
Even if you have more specific or complex circumstances, your attorney from McPherson & Thomas, P.A. can tailor their recommendations to your particular needs. Please communicate with your attorney before making any decisions in your claim, as this will help your legal representative build a stronger case in your favor.
Consult With Our New Port Richey Uber & Lyft Accident Attorneys Today
Attorneys Ian Thomas and Jack McPherson of McPherson & Thomas, P.A., have devoted over 25 years to the rights of the New Port Richey community. Nobody should have to suffer and pay the consequences of another person’s negligence. Partner today with a firm that has the knowledge, compassion, and people-first mindset necessary to ease your stress and give your case the best possible shot at success.
To start the process today with a free consultation, please call our New Port Richey Uber & Lyft accident attorneys at (727) 848-8892 or use our contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions for Rideshare Accident Attorney in New Port Richey, FL
How does Florida law determine liability in rideshare accidents?
Florida law follows a modified comparative negligence system when an accident occurs involving rideshare vehicles. This means that even if you're partially at fault, you can still pursue compensation as long as you're less than 50% responsible. A qualified uber accident lawyer will investigate all aspects of the collision, including driver negligence, vehicle maintenance, and road conditions. Liability and insurance coverage can involve multiple parties, including the rideshare company, driver, and other motorists involved.
What types of compensation can accident victims recover in Florida rideshare cases?
Accident victims in Florida can seek compensation for various damages including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. When an accident occurs in a rideshare vehicle, both the driver's personal insurance and the company's collision coverage may apply depending on the driver's status. A skilled Florida rideshare accident attorney will ensure you pursue compensation for all applicable damages, including future medical costs and rehabilitation expenses related to your bodily injury.
How does insurance coverage work for Uber and Lyft accidents in Florida?
Uber and Lyft maintain specific liability and insurance coverage policies that vary based on the driver's activity when an accident occurs. If the uber driver is actively transporting passengers or en route to pick them up, the company's commercial insurance typically provides primary coverage. However, if the driver is offline or waiting for ride requests, their personal collision coverage may be the primary source. An experienced uber accident lawyer can navigate these complex insurance layers to maximize your recovery.
When should I contact an attorney after a rideshare accident in Florida?
You should contact a Florida rideshare accident attorney as soon as possible after an accident occurs. Florida law imposes a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, but evidence can disappear quickly. Early legal intervention helps preserve crucial evidence, protect your rights when dealing with insurance companies, and ensure proper documentation of your bodily injury and medical expenses. An attorney can also help accident victims understand their options to pursue compensation through multiple insurance policies and coverage sources.
