Only some things usually go smoothly with Rideshare services. Sometimes, there are exceptions to the rule. For this, we must understand what alternatives an accident victim has on board this type of service, which in recent years has been linked to the development of technology and applications for smartphones.
Compassionate Advocates for Rideshare Accident Victims in Orlando
Have you been injured in a rideshare accident in Orlando? Are you struggling with medical bills and lost wages due to your injuries?
Whether you were a rideshare passenger or in another vehicle, you shouldn't bear the financial burden of someone else's negligence.
You may have the opportunity to pursue compensation for your losses through a car accident claim.
At The Ward Law Group, our experienced attorneys are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal representation for auto accident victims across Florida.
With a track record of securing millions of dollars in compensation for our clients, we're prepared to fight for your rights. Contact our Orlando ridesharing accident attorneys today for a free initial case evaluation and learn more about your options for seeking compensation for your injuries.
Determining the Value of Your Ridesharing Accident Case
In Orlando, car accident claims operate within the framework of no-fault insurance. This means that accident victims must initially file insurance claims with their insurance providers, regardless of who was at fault.
However, suppose your injuries meet certain severity thresholds. In that case, you may be eligible to step outside of the no-fault system and file a lawsuit against another driver or their insurance company. One exception to this restriction is crash-related property damage, for which you can always file a claim against an at-fault driver after a Florida car accident.
If you have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit after an Orlando rideshare accident, you could seek compensation for:
- Hospital bills and medical costs incurred as a result of the accident
- Incidental expenses, such as out-of-pocket costs for medical travel
- Reduced income from any time missed at work during your recovery
- Projected losses in earning potential if you suffer permanent impairments
- Subjective losses, such as pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life
Of course, numerous factors can affect the amount of compensation you receive for each of these losses. Some of these factors include the severity of your injuries and your ability to work after the accident.
The Ward Law Group can help you estimate your costs and prepare your best possible accident injury claim accordingly.
Understanding Ridesharing in Orlando
Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have experienced exponential growth in popularity since their inception in 2010. In just over a decade, these services have facilitated billions of ride requests worldwide.
With its abundant seasonal visitors, popular attractions, and vibrant nightlife, Orlando has become a hotspot for ridesharing.
While ridesharing services were initially known as safe and convenient alternatives to traditional transportation options, recent data suggests a different reality.
An epidemiological study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed a concerning correlation between the rise in rideshare trips and an increase in injury crashes within specific timeframes and locations.
Many of these accidents occur near transportation hubs where rideshare pickups and drop-offs commonly take place.
In response to the proliferation of rideshare services in Orlando and across Florida, state legislators have enacted new laws to regulate these companies. These laws include stricter driver background check standards and enhanced insurance requirements for rideshare drivers.
Types of Ridesharing Accidents in Orlando
Rideshare drivers are typically ordinary individuals without specialized training or extensive experience on the road. Consequently, the most common types of ridesharing accidents in Orlando closely resemble those of other motor vehicle accidents, including:
- Head-on collisions
- Sideswipe collisions
- T-bone collisions
- Rear-end collisions
- Angle-impact collisions
- Single-vehicle accidents
- Multi-car pile-up accidents
- Rollover accidents
- Distracted driving accidents
- DUI and DWI accidents
- Speeding accidents
- Reckless driving accidents
- Failure to yield accidents
- Improper turn accidents
- Accidents involving defective car parts
These accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, including:
- Head and neck injuries
- Facial and dental injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Back and shoulder injuries
- Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
- Partial or total paralysis
- Seatbelt and airbag injuries
- Abdominal and internal injuries
- Arm, elbow, wrist, and hand injuries
- Dislocated or broken bones
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Amputation and loss of limb
- Bruises, lacerations, and puncture wounds
- Soft tissue strains, sprains, and tears
- Leg, knee, ankle, and foot injuries
- "Road rash" and other burn injuries
- Emotional and psychological injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Fatal injuries and wrongful death
Exploring Rideshare Realities: Orlando Taxi Accident Advocates
Navigating through the aftermath of a rideshare accident demands a nuanced understanding, diverging significantly from conventional car wreck claims. Rideshare drivers, acting as independent contractors for significant corporations, introduce complexities into liability.
Although classified as independent contractors, rideshare companies may bear responsibility for their drivers' actions under specific circumstances. Consequently, the scope of insurance coverage applicable to rideshare accidents varies widely based on each incident's unique circumstances.
Let's delve into the diverse insurance coverage available for different rideshare accident scenarios in Orlando:
- Accidents involving active passenger transport: When rideshare drivers are "on duty" with passengers on board, injured parties, including rideshare passengers or occupants of other vehicles involved in the collision, may access the rideshare company's comprehensive $1 million liability insurance policy.
- Accidents during en-route passenger pickups: Similarly, when rideshare drivers are en route to pick up passengers who have booked their rides via the app, the rideshare company's entire liability policy applies, irrespective of passenger presence at the time of the accident.
- Accidents during driver wait times: In cases where rideshare drivers are logged into the app but awaiting ride requests, they are not officially "on duty." Nevertheless, they are still deemed to provide rideshare companies a service. Consequently, more limited liability coverage is available, with rideshare companies required to furnish up to $100,000 in bodily injury liability coverage and $25,000 in property damage coverage.
- Accidents involving off-duty drivers: When rideshare drivers are off-duty and not logged into the app, they operate independently of rideshare companies. Thus, the sole insurance coverage would originate from the driver's policy.
Every rideshare accident case is unique and characterized by intricate insurance laws. Consulting a knowledgeable local attorney is paramount. Our team at The Ward Law Group can assist you in navigating Florida law, identifying all potential sources of compensation, and maximizing the value of your settlement.
Steps to Take if Injured in a Rideshare Accident
Enduring a rideshare accident can be a disturbing experience, particularly for individuals seeking to mitigate accident risks by utilizing such services. If you find yourself in this situation in Orlando, consider the following steps to safeguard your well-being and legal rights:
- Seek prompt medical attention to obtain a formal diagnosis for your injuries, which is crucial for your claim.
- Adhere closely to your doctor's care plan to support your recovery process effectively.
- Maintaining a comprehensive "pain journal" documenting your physical and emotional well-being provides valuable evidence for subjective losses.
- Collect evidence from the accident scene, including photos, driver details, witness statements, and relevant documents.
- Exercise caution when communicating with insurance companies or other parties, refraining from posting about the accident online.
- Contact our experienced rideshare accident advocates in Orlando immediately to explore your legal options and receive guidance throughout the claims process.
Managing Medical Expenses After a Rideshare Accident
In the event of a rideshare accident in Orlando, where do your medical expenses fall if you're injured as a ridesharing passenger?
If you've booked a ride request via Uber, Lyft, or any other rideshare app, rest assured that the legally mandated $1 million in liability insurance coverage extends throughout your journey.
When pursuing an injury claim following a rideshare accident in Orlando, the rideshare company should fully cover your medical expenses, provided that the accident occurred while the ride request was active on the rideshare app.
Navigating Comparative Negligence: Protecting Your Rights
In cases where the fault is shared among multiple parties in a rideshare accident, Florida's pure comparative negligence doctrine comes into play.
This legal principle allows you to pursue a claim against another party even if you bear some responsibility for the accident. However, seeking guidance from an experienced attorney is crucial, especially if the other party insinuates your partial fault in the accident.
The Ward Law Group team can provide the expertise and advocacy necessary to protect your rights and pursue just compensation.
Ridesharing Impact on Auto Fatalities: Insights from Recent Studies
Recent findings from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business shed light on increasing roadway deaths in the United States. While in 2010, the country witnessed a historic low in roadway fatalities at 32,885, by 2016, this number had surged to over 37,400.
The introduction of ride-hailing services in 2011 appears to have played a significant role, contributing to an approximate 3 percent annual rise in auto deaths nationwide.
According to the Chicago study, this equates to around 987 additional fatalities each year. Moreover, the study suggests that this upward trend in accidents extends beyond weekends to weekdays.
The Chicago Booth study, drawing on data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), analyzed accident rates in major cities with prevalent rideshare app usage. Here are some critical insights gleaned from their analysis:
- Approximately 1,000 fatal car accidents are attributed to the proliferation of rideshare services daily.
- Between 2017 and 2018, out of 107 fatalities involving rideshare drivers:
- 21% were passengers
- 21% were rideshare drivers
- 58% were third parties
Uber/Lyft Accident Statistics in Florida: An Overview
Referencing data from the Florida Highway and Safety Motor Vehicle's Crash Dashboard for 2022, the FHSMV reported a staggering 249,118 injuries and 3,479 fatalities from accidents in Florida.
Assuming rideshare accidents accounted for only 3% of these fatalities, it implies that Uber/Lyft accidents were responsible for over 100 auto accident deaths in Florida in 2022. These statistics hold regardless of whether you were a rideshare driver, passenger, or involved in a collision with a rideshare vehicle as a third-party driver.
Contact a Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Orlando
Recovering rightful compensation after being involved in an Uber/Lyft accident can be a daunting process. Rideshare companies often deploy multiple insurance adjusters and attorneys to protect their interests, making having a skilled and aggressive legal team on your side essential.
The Ward Law Group offers experienced car accident attorneys dedicated to advocating for your rights.
We provide a no-fee, no-obligation consultation to review your claim and address any queries you may have. Should you choose to engage our services, our attorneys will handle every aspect of your claim, from investigation to assessing liability and exploring compensation options. Don't become another statistic.
Contact The Ward Law Group today at 855-DOLOR-55 to learn how we can help you after an Uber or Lyft accident.