Hollywood, Florida, Uber And Lyft Accident Lawyer

If you are a Hollywood resident or visitor, you already know how convenient ride-sharing apps like Lyft and Uber can be. These apps have grown in popularity, which means that the laws and regulations aimed at protecting their passengers and drivers are still evolving.

If a person was injured in an accident caused by an Uber or Lyft driver, they have the opportunity to file a lawsuit. This includes drivers of other cars, passengers in other cars, passengers in the rideshare vehicle itself, cyclists or pedestrians in the area. Because rideshare drivers are independent contractors, you will likely have to sue the driver, not the rideshare company. However, companies like Uber and Lyft provide supplemental insurance coverage to their drivers while on the job, so your damages should be covered. Always call 911 at the scene of an accident if you were injured. After you get medical attention, call a lawyer, because you do not have long to file your case.

Contacting an experienced Hollywood Uber and Lyft accident attorney with extensive experience building cases against rideshare companies is vital. I am Jared Newman, and I have the experience and passion you need to get you the recovery you deserve. Make an appointment with me at my firm, Jared Newman, Esq., today by calling 954-281-7709.

Understanding Hollywood, Florida, Uber And Lyft Accidents

I get results because I offer each of my clients a thorough analysis of their cases. Case details are critical for success. Every car accident case is unique, and rideshare accidents are no exception. I know that a good and efficient strategy needs to be developed to cater to your needs and goals and assist you in receiving the compensation that you deserve.

The ride-sharing industry is a relatively new one, and not all car accident attorneys have experience defending ride-sharing accident victims. I am very familiar with Uber and Lyft accidents. In these cases, the rules are unique and complex, and each client has different needs. Therefore, by working with me, you can rest assured that you have hired an experienced and dedicated car accident attorney who will fight on your behalf.

I will analyze your case and help you determine if you can receive compensation for your injuries and, if so, how much money you are entitled to. I work on a contingency fee basis, so you will never have to pay monthly retainers or legal fees before your case is solved. All Jared Newman, Esq., clients benefit from free consultations as well. I only get paid as long as I secure fair compensation from the insurance companies and the guilty party.

If you were hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident in Hollywood, Florida, you can benefit from a free case evaluation. I will answer all your questions and offer valuable advice. Schedule a free case evaluation today, and I will help you get the compensation you deserve.

I Can Help You Recover Damages In Uber And Lyft Accidents In Hollywood, Florida

Ride-sharing is an innovative service that arranges one-time shared rides. People can find rides instantly through a smartphone app. Although ride-sharing is generally considered a safe and efficient way to travel, accidents do happen. The good news is that I am here to help you recover damages if you were injured in a ride-sharing accident.

I can help you recover damages if:

• You were injured (as a cyclist, pedestrian or passenger) in an accident that happened because of a negligent Lyft or Uber driver.
• You were injured as a passenger or rideshare driver in an accident that happened because of another driver or motorist’s negligence.
• You are a Lyft or Uber driver and were seriously hurt in a car accident that happened because of an uninsured or underinsured driver or motorist.

Lyft and Uber accidents are not uncommon. Like any other driver, a rideshare driver can be negligent, and their passengers can suffer injuries as a result. If you were a victim of a ride-sharing accident, it is important to remember that you have the right to be compensated for any injuries that you suffered as a direct result of the accident. Uber and Lyft accidents can be much more complicated than regular accidents because there are several parties involved (the driver, the rideshare company, the insurance company, etc.). I can assess your case and help you determine the best course of action to benefit from maximum compensation.

Rideshare Laws And Regulations In Florida

Local laws and regulations in Hollywood, Florida, stipulate that services like Lyft and Uber must abide by certain rules regarding the type of insurance that their drivers need to carry and who can become a rideshare driver.

Separate insurance rules apply before the driver has accepted a ride (i.e., assigned you as a passenger) and after the driver has accepted your ride and you are riding in the car.

Differentiating between the various situations and the impact that they have can seem more confusing than it actually is. In reality, almost every rideshare car accident in Hollywood, Florida, basically falls into one of these two scenarios:

• If the driver has the application on but has not accepted a rider, the driver must carry $50,000 in bodily injury liability per accident and $25,000 for property damage liability.
• If the driver has accepted a ride request or is driving a rider, the insurance coverage increases to $1 million for bodily injury liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage stops once the rider has exited the vehicle at their intended destination.

What does this mean? If there is an accident during any of these times, the rideshare company’s insurance company covers the damages rather than the driver’s personal insurance company. To find out who will be on the hook for the damages from your rideshare car accident in Hollywood, Florida, speak to me as soon as possible.

What Happens If An Accident Occurs Outside The Time Periods Stated Above?

If the driver is not on the ride-sharing application and is thus unavailable for a fare, then their personal policy is the primary insurance policy if that driver gets into an accident.

The rideshare laws of Florida also require transportation network companies to run background checks on each of their drivers and check their driving and criminal records. By law, any of the following convictions in the past five years make a driver ineligible to work for a rideshare company:

• Indecent exposure or lewdness
• DUI misdemeanor
• Hit-and-run misdemeanor
• Driving with a suspended or revoked license
• Fleeing or eluding the police
• Any felony

Although the aforementioned restrictions seem adequate and sufficient to keep the passengers safe, some argue that they do not go far enough. Taxi drivers, in particular, are unhappy with the fact that these regulations are more permissive than those for taxi companies. Additionally, rideshare drivers are often unfamiliar with the area, so they heavily rely on their GPS systems. This can make them more distracted and less focused on the road. Consequently, traveling by Uber or Lyft can, in some cases, be more dangerous than traveling by taxi or bus.

Proving An Uber Or Lyft Driver Is At Fault For An Accident In Hollywood, Florida

In order to recover damages from the other driver (and their insurance coverage) through a lawsuit, you will have to show that the driver’s negligent or reckless behavior behind the wheel caused the accident that resulted in your injuries. In a car accident injury lawsuit, fault can be established in a number of different ways.

Typically, if a driver was violating the rules of the road in a way that they might have been pulled over and cited, you can prove fault. This may include violations such as speeding, going through red lights or stop signs, or having faulty brake lights.

You are more likely to succeed if you were rear-ended by an Uber or Lyft driver. In almost every rear-end collision, the driver in the rear is found to be at fault. This is because Florida law requires that drivers provide an ample amount of space between their vehicles and the ones in front to allow for safe stops. Rear-end collisions create a forceful impact that causes the people in the front car to jolt forward, often causing injuries such as whiplash and concussions.

Rideshare vehicles are more likely than others to swerve through traffic in order to maximize their time on the clock. This includes sudden stops near the side of the road. If an Uber or Lyft driver fails to check their blind spots before changing lanes or forgets to use their turn signals or hazard lights, they put others, particularly cyclists, in immediate danger and will be liable for the consequences.

While Uber and Lyft drivers are technically professionals, they are still human. Do not rule out the possibility that the rideshare driver who caused your accident was drunk or under the influence of drugs at the time of the accident. Always call 911 after an accident. If the driver’s impaired state caused you serious injury, you may be entitled to punitive damages, an additional form of damages that punishes a defendant’s particularly reprehensible behavior. Talk to me today about what you may recover in your lawsuit.

What Damages Can I Help You Recover After A Rideshare Accident?

Uber and Lyft accidents can be much more difficult to navigate than taxi accidents and other types of car crashes. Rideshare drivers are independent contractors rather than employees, so determining who is at fault depends on many different aspects. Because it is not always clear who the liable party is, you should always contact a car accident attorney.

If you were injured and required medical care after a rideshare accident, I can help you recover financial compensation for:

• Transportation expenses to and from medical appointments
• Medical bills associated with the rideshare accident
• Medication and rehabilitation expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Psychiatric treatment
• Reduced quality of life
• Lost wages

Many factors can lead to an Uber or Lyft accident. Drivers can be inexperienced, negligent or distracted, or their driving might be affected by bad weather and traffic conditions. However, the most commonly reported cause of rideshare accidents in Hollywood, Florida, is negligence. Many drivers display irresponsible behavior behind the wheel, and, unfortunately, they sometimes completely disregard the safety of their passengers.

What Should You Do After An Uber Or Lyft Accident In Florida?

In the chaos of a car accident, it may be difficult to think straight. That is why it is important to have a couple of key steps in mind so that you give yourself the best chance of obtaining recovery down the line. Below are several of the most important actions you can take following an Uber or Lyft accident in Hollywood, Florida.

Call 911

No matter how severe the accident is, you should always call 911 when you feel that another driver was in the wrong. The at-fault driver might try to convince you that you can resolve the issue privately or that you are overreacting. But a police report can be a valuable tool for your recovery, especially when filing a claim with an insurance company. The officer dispatched to the scene will collect much of the critical information about the accident, such as insurance policy numbers, driver’s licenses and witness statements.

Take Pictures

Unfortunately, much of the vital information about your accident will be lost once you leave the scene. For this reason, you should attempt to create as much visual documentation of the accident as possible. Even if you ultimately do not need it, it is always better to be safe than sorry. You should attempt to capture photo and video evidence of the damage to the vehicles, license plates, street signs, weather and road conditions, and tire marks left on the road by the vehicles involved.

Talk To Witnesses

After you leave the scene, tracking down any impartial witnesses to the accident can be next to impossible. You should attempt to get contact information from as many bystanders or other people involved in the accident as possible. In particular, if you were hit by an Uber or Lyft driver who was transporting a fare at the time, you should be sure to speak with the passenger or passengers in the rideshare. These individuals will have a unique and direct perspective on the accident that will be hard to get elsewhere.

Go To The Hospital

It is imperative that you get medical care after an accident, even when you believe that you have escaped an accident without injury. Many conditions that might result from a collision may be difficult to detect immediately after the accident. Such conditions, including brain injuries, internal bleeding and whiplash, may worsen over time and could even become life-threatening. Your journey toward recovery for your injuries only begins once you obtain actual medical documentation of your harms.

Statute Of Limitations For Hollywood, Florida, Uber And Lyft Accident Lawsuits

You must meet certain time restrictions for filing your lawsuit if you hope to recover. In Florida, if you are a car accident injury victim, you must file your official claim within four years of the date of the accident. If you miss that deadline, you will be unable to recover anything from your claim. That is why it is so important that you speak with me as soon as you can.

Get Quality Legal Help After A Hollywood, Florida, Uber Or Lyft Accident

If you were involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, it is important to know how to react and what to do to receive fair compensation. If you want to ensure that as many of your physical and psychological damages as possible are compensated, contact me and get a free consultation. For more information, contact Jared Newman, Esq., today by calling 954-281-7709.