Business for rideshare companies is booming across America. After all, rideshare services offer a quick, relatively inexpensive way to get where you want to be. Services like Uber are much more convenient than public transportation and often cost less than using a taxi service. In an article by the Orlando Business Journal, data suggests that in 2016-2017 Uber users saved about $349 million annually on car-related costs. (That’s just under three thousand dollars per person.)
While users are saving money, Uber drivers are looking to make more money. For many, working for Uber is a great side-hustle to put a little extra money in their pockets.
It seems like everyone is winning, right?
Maybe not.
Sadly, the high demand for quick transportation and a driver’s motivation to earn fast cash could lead to poor decisions on the road. After all, the more rides an Uber driver gives, the more money he or she makes. This can lead to aggressive driving, poor decisions, and even being distracted behind the wheel. As you are probably well aware, poor driving habits often lead to accidents.
What happens when you are involved in an Uber accident?
Settling an Uber accident claim may be more complicated than settling a typical car accident case. This is especially true if you were injured while riding as a passenger. You probably have more questions than answers. Who do you even contact to request compensation for your injuries? The Uber driver? The driver at-fault? Or even Uber itself? And, if an Uber driver caused damage to your vehicle, should you settle a claim with the driver or Uber?
It’s a bit overwhelming. Let’s face it: Settling a car accident claim is complicated enough. Adding the element of the driver working for a rideshare company like Uber adds another dimension of confusion.
You Don’t Need to Figure It All Out Alone
If you were injured in an Uber accident, the claims process can be tricky. And who wants to deal with all the insurance “red tape” while trying to recover from injuries?
The Ward Law Group knows how to handle Uber accident claims. One call to our practice can answer all of your questions about an Uber accident. While you focus on your recovery, we take care of the legwork to ensure that you obtain fair compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and pain & suffering.
Is English your second language? You may be more vulnerable to unfair settlements. After all, even native English-speaking individuals have a hard time understanding the insurance claims process. Spanish-speaking individuals may settle for much less because they don’t clearly understand what they are entitled to receive after an accident.
The Ward Law Group doesn’t want to see any family suffer. We work hard to sift through the details of your Uber accident, filing the appropriate paperwork and fighting tirelessly to ensure you get the money you deserve. Don’t try settling a claim on your own. You may be missing out on thousands of dollars in compensation. Instead, invest your trust in a team that has extensive experience in dealing with the insurance companies and how they operate.
Personal Injury & Uber Accident Statistics for Hollywood, Florida
A recent study by the University of Chicago and Rice University shows an increase in traffic fatalities after rideshare companies like Uber launch in a city. In fact, the arrival of ridesharing is associated with a 2 to 3 percent increase in motor vehicle fatalities.
As we all know Hollywood, Florida is a great place to live and visit. This bustling metropolitan area has beautiful beaches and popular restaurants and nightlife attractions. However, the congestion of residents, tourists, and those from around the area checking out the Hollywood scene makes it a perfect storm for accidents—especially those involving Uber.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Broward County averages over 40,000 car accidents a year. More than 24,000 of those accidents involve significant injuries. Data is limited on exactly how many of those accidents involve Uber vehicles. As more Uber drivers are on the road, however, one can only assume accidents involving rideshare companies are increasing.
Types of Uber Accident Injuries
As you probably know, Uber drivers use their own vehicles to transport passengers. These drivers must meet certain requirements like owning a vehicle less than 15 years old with 4 doors and no cosmetic damage. In addition, Uber drivers in South Florida must be 21 years old or older. They also must prove three years of driving experience and furnish a clean driving record.
Of course, accidents still happen regardless of the vehicle and driver requirements.
Injuries sustained during an Uber accident are similar to most car accidents. Passengers of an Uber accident, however, may be more at risk for serious injuries.
Think of what you do while riding in an Uber vehicle. Maybe taking time to catch up on emails or social networking. Or relaxing while you get ready for a busy day. You may not even see the accident coming. As a result, you can’t brace yourself for the impact.
You may be entitled to compensation if you suffered from any of these Uber accident injuries:
- Cuts and bruises
- Whiplash
- Muscle or soft tissue damage
- Burns
- Head and neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Herniated discs
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Concussions
- Loss of consciousness or coma
- Organ damage
- Internal bleeding
But that’s not all…
Uber accident injuries aren’t just physical. Sometimes the mental effects of an Uber accident can be just as debilitating. A car accident is a traumatic experience. Some individuals develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after an accident. This can lead to anxiety, disturbing dreams, and excessive fear of getting back in a vehicle. Dealing with pain and the daily hardships of your injuries can also affect your mental health, leading to conditions like depression.
Both physical and mental injuries entitle you to compensation. Of course, you need to prove these injuries are present. This can be hard to do on your own. However, The Ward Law Group has experience providing the supporting evidence to make sure your injuries are taken seriously by the insurance companies.
Florida Law & Auto Accident Compensation
If you were a passenger during an Uber accident, it’s probably not your fault. Unless you were a significant distraction in some way, you should be able to receive compensation for your injuries.
What if your vehicle was involved in an Uber accident? Even if the accident was not your fault, Florida has “no-fault” laws for car accident claims. This means, after a car accident, you must contact your insurance company and use your personal injury protection (PIP) funds allowed by your policy. If the cost of your injuries exceeds your PIP coverage, you can go after the other party for additional damages.
Luckily, rideshare companies like Uber, require insurance coverage well above Florida’s minimum limits. This means that as an Uber passenger or driver affected by an Uber accident, the extent of your injuries will most likely be covered.
Sound a little confusing?
The claims process can be. Don’t worry. The Ward Law Group knows how Florida laws can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Maximizing Your Claim: Immediate Steps to Take After an Accident
First and foremost: Make sure you are safe. If you can, move away from other traffic and get out of harm’s way.
When emergency responders arrive, request medical attention. Even if you don’t feel like you were injured, it’s still best to be assessed by a doctor as soon as possible.
Remember: An accident scene is a traumatic event. You probably have adrenaline coursing through your veins. It may not be until you settle down some that you start to feel some of the effects of your injuries.
If you wait too long to see a doctor, however, you could be jeopardizing your claim. You must seek medical attention no more than 14 days after an accident for your injuries to be considered in your settlement.
If possible, take pictures of the accident scene. Obtain the names and contact information of any witnesses. In addition, make sure that you write down the details you remember from the accident. This may be helpful in case any litigation is necessary.
Before you make any agreements with the insurance company, talk to a lawyer. Insurance companies make their profits by offering the least amount possible for settlements. Don’t put your family’s financial future at risk because of an insurance company’s greed.
How the Ward Law Group Can Help You
By now, you probably realize how complicated it is to navigate an Uber accident claim. But you are not alone. The Ward Law Group will be your ally through this difficult time. A simple call starts the process of getting you the money you need to support your family, aid in your recovery, and recoup expenses for any property damage.
Don’t waste your time with complicated paperwork, frustrating conversations with insurance companies, and fielding offers that seem insulting. Get the help you need now.
Imagine that amazing sense of relief when you’re offered a fair settlement. No more worrying about your family’s future. No more mistreatment from the insurance companies. The Ward Law Group can make that happen.
We want to make sure English and Spanish-speaking individuals in Hollywood, Florida have a trusted personal injury resource. Why not call us today at 855-DOLOR-55 (786-829-6694) so we can start helping you?