As the first digital rideshare service, Uber has established itself as a major mode of transportation in Florida and across the U.S. Unfortunately, you can be in an accident in an Uber, just as you can in your own car. Although Uber screens drivers for driving history and motor vehicle records, accidents can happen at any time. In fact, motor vehicle accidents are still one of the top causes of death in Florida.
If you or someone you love has been severely injured in an Uber accident, the Panama City Uber accident lawyers at GED Lawyers can help you navigate Florida rideshare laws in order to claim compensation for your injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation with our experienced Panama City rideshare accident lawyers.
Uber Accidents Are Often Preventable
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 36,000 people are killed annually in car accidents. Such accidents are often due to preventable circumstances, including:
- Driving under the influence
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Fatigued driving
- Road rage
- Aggressive driving
- Inadequate vehicle maintenance
- Manufacturer defects
- Road damage or obstruction
These are just a few of the reasons that vehicle accidents occur in Panama City and throughout Florida. If you or a loved one are injured in an Uber accident, our car accident lawyers in Panama City can help you determine the cause of the accident. We will then determine who is at fault, so you can pursue the appropriate avenues for compensation.
Proving Fault in a Panama City Uber Accident
According to Florida Statutes § 627.7407, Florida is a no-fault state for vehicle collisions, but this does not mean that you have no legal recourse if an accident occurs. Rather, all drivers are required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance to cover their injuries and those of their passengers in the event of collision.
If you are injured in an Uber accident, you may be able to file a claim for your injuries through your own PIP insurance, if you have a policy. You may also be able to claim damages through the driver’s PIP, depending on the circumstances. In addition, Uber and other rideshare companies are required per Florida Statutes § 627.748 to carry insurance as a transportation network company (TNC).
Different insurance policies apply depending on the circumstances in which the accident occurs. For instance, an Uber driver injured in an accident while running the Uber app may be eligible to file a claim with Uber’s rideshare insurance, whereas a passenger in an Uber accident could file a claim against the driver’s personal PIP policy.
You May Need to File a Lawsuit
Determining fault becomes increasingly complex when other drivers, commercial vehicles, vehicle defects, or poor road conditions play a part in the accident. No matter who is at fault or which insurance policy covers your injuries, the total cost associated with a severe accident is unlikely to be fully covered by a PIP or rideshare insurance claim.
A Panama City Uber accident attorney at GED Lawyers will know how to determine fault and who you should pursue for compensation. We will negotiate a settlement with the insurance company, and if it is not sufficient for your costs, we can discuss filing a personal injury lawsuit for the remaining damages.
Damages to Include in Your Uber Accident Claim
Damages in an Uber accident claim vary widely depending on the severity of the accident. Even if the accident seems minor, it is a good idea to speak with an attorney about the collision. Car accidents can have long-term physical, psychological, and financial effects that you may not expect.
A Panama City personal injury lawyer who has handled rideshare accident cases in Florida will analyze your case and advise of your legal rights to compensation for your losses. Damages we may seek on your behalf include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Physical and psychological therapy
For more severe or life-altering injuries, you may also seek compensation for:
- Hospitalization
- Surgery costs
- Reduced quality of life
- Accommodations for disability caused by the accident
- Medical devices, equipment, and prostheses
- Life support equipment
- In-home medical care
- Wrongful death
Our Florida rideshare attorneys understand the difficulties you face as an injury victim in an Uber accident. We will work closely with you to evaluate the full scope of the challenges you endured as a result of the Uber accident and work to attain compensation for all your losses.
Protect Your Right to Fair Compensation After an Uber Accident
The legal team at GED Lawyers are here to help you claim financial renumeration for the injuries you sustained as a result of someone else’s negligent behavior. Take the following steps to protect your legal rights after an Uber accident:
- Seek medical attention.
- Contact your PIP carrier if you have PIP coverage.
- Avoid making statements about fault.
- Avoid accepting a settlement or agreement.
- Document everything.
- File an Uber accident report.
- Contact an attorney.
When you are injured in an Uber collision, the at-fault party and insurance companies will do what they can to limit their liability. Florida Statutes § 768.81 establishes contributory fault as the basis for determining a settlement amount. While the law does not prevent you from recovering economic and non-economic damages, it allows the other party to reduce your settlement value based on the amount of fault allocated to each party.
Our attorneys are familiar with the ins and outs of rideshare law in Florida. Allow us to help you with the legal aspects of your accident, so you can spend your time and energy recovering from your injuries.
Our Panama City Uber Accident Lawyers Can Help You File a Claim
The state of Florida has established a statute of limitations for filing an injury lawsuit. It is therefore important to contact the dedicated attorneys at GED Lawyers right away to discuss your Uber accident claim. Our skillful Florida rideshare lawyers will provide you with a free case evaluation, so you can decide how to move forward.
If we decide to work with you, we will gather evidence, establish fault, place a value on your losses, and negotiate with the insurance companies and Uber on your behalf. In the event that we do not reach a fair settlement, we will file a lawsuit prior to the cutoff date to seek the full value of your damages.
