Rideshare services like Lyft and Uber are a convenient means of transport for tourists and residents alike in Delray Beach, Florida. When you call an Uber, you expect to be transported to your destination safely. Most rideshare passengers don’t expect that they’ll get into an accident, much less sustain serious injuries in one.
Sadly, accidents occur all the time, and with these companies continually expanding, the number of rideshare accidents will only increase. Proving fault in an Uber accident claim is complex and technical, which is why you need a Delray Beach Uber accident lawyer.
Steinberg Law firm provides experienced and passionate representation to victims of car accidents in Delray Beach, FL. To speak with one of our lawyers, please call 877-783-4611 now. We offer free consultations!
Uber and Lyft Accident Statistics
Uber rates its influence on Florida’s gross domestic product at around $1 billion, and a $69 million net impact on the economy.
Here’s a rundown of Florida’s Uber usage.
- 25% of people use Uber in their daily commute.
- Business travel makes up 10% of Uber trips.
- International visitors take 14.5% of trips.
According to a study by the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, traffic death rates have risen roughly 3% nationwide due to Uber and similar apps. This represents over 900 fatalities each year.
An Uber Safety Report reveals that between 2017 and 2018, Uber cars were involved in 97 fatal crashes, which led to 108 deaths.
What Are the Most Common Types of Uber and Lyft Accidents?
The following are some of the most common types of Uber and Lyft accidents.
- Passenger injury resulting from the negligence of the Lyft or Uber driver.
- Third-party injury resulting from the liability of an Uber and Lyft driver
- Passenger injury caused by the negligent actions of another rideshare driver (Lyft/Uber).
- Property damage caused by the negligence of an Uber and Lyft driver.
- Uber and Lyft driver injury because of their own negligence.
- Uber and Lyft driver injury due to the negligent actions of another driver.
- Driver and passenger injury as a result of a malfunctioning or defective vehicle component.
Who Can Be Found Liable in an Uber Accident?
In a normal car accident, insurers generally establish liability with the aid of claims adjusters. These adjusters will assess all of the circumstances surrounding the accident, including medical records, pictures, witness statements, and police records. This data helps establish who’s liable for the accident.
In a normal car accident, the driver who was negligent and caused the accident is liable. Establishing who is liable in an Uber accident is trickier compared to a normal car accident. Things are a bit different since Uber drivers are considered freelancers by the company.
The following parties may be held accountable for rideshare accidents.
Uber or Lyft Driver
Rideshare drivers are expected to exercise an appropriate duty of care when transporting passengers. This means not driving carelessly or recklessly while they have a passenger onboard.
In circumstances like these, you have grounds to file a claim against them. If the crash was between two Uber drivers, then the at-fault driver is liable to the other driver. Also, the Uber or Lyft driver is liable if they get into an accident when the rideshare app is off as it will be considered they were using the car privately.
The Rideshare Companies
Even though rideshare companies categorize their drivers as independent contractors, they can still be held liable for their drivers’ actions and inactions. They are required to protect their clients by doing comprehensive background checks on their drivers to ensure clients aren’t harassed or put in danger.
If any harm comes to a passenger because of negligent hiring practices, the rideshare companies are liable.
Any Related Third Parties
At times, an unforeseen third party may be responsible for the entire mishap. This can include a passenger crossing the road, another driver, or a motorcyclist. In instances like these, you can file a lawsuit against the responsible and/or their insurance carrier.
Also, if the accident happened because of a defective vehicle component, you can sue the parts and vehicle manufacturer.
How Are Uber Accident Cases Different from Regular Car Accident Cases?
Cases involving Uber accidents vary from standard auto accident cases when it comes to Uber’s insurance coverage.
If the Uber driver was using the car while the app is active, Uber is liable for compensation. If the app was inactive, the personal car insurance coverage of the driver will reimburse the victim. Additionally, if the Uber app was active and the driver got into in an accident while waiting for a client request, Uber’s liability insurance comes into play.
Overall, Uber accident cases are more technical and complicated compared to normal ones because of establishing fault and the insurance carrier responsible for reimbursement. So if you get into a rideshare accident, you should contact an experienced Delray Beach Uber accident lawyer.
Does Uber Have a $1 Million Insurance Policy For Accidents?
According to Florida statute 627.748, rideshare companies are mandated to take on a minimum of $1 million in injury liability. But Uber already carries a $1 million insurance policy. When a driver is on the way to pick up a client or has a paying customer in the car, the $1 million (maximum) injury policy kicks in if the Uber driver gets in an accident, either hurting the passenger or any other third party.
The moment an Uber driver accepts a request, Uber’s coverage increases to a liability maximum of $1 million for every accident.
What Type of Compensation Can I Seek in an Uber Accident?
Uber accident victims can potentially recover three types of damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are meant to reimburse you for any financial burden you may have incurred. They encompass medical costs (present and future), property damage, lost earnings, lost earning capacity, etc.
Non-Economic Damages
These damages cannot be easily given a dollar value. They include pain and suffering, emotional distress, depression and anxiety, loss of consortium, diminished quality of life, disfigurement and scarring, etc.
Punitive Damages
These damages aren’t intended to reimburse the Uber accident victim but rather act as punishment to the offender and a deterrent to would-be offenders. Punitive damages will be awarded only when the plaintiff proves that the at-fault party acted egregiously and with disregard for others’ welfare.
Should I Just Accept a Settlement Offer?
After you get into an Uber accident in Delray Beach, don’t accept any settlement offered to you without an accident attorney present. Following an Uber accident, the insurer and responsible party will move fast to get you to agree to a lowball offer.
They will approach you when you’re most vulnerable and cannot make rational decisions. If you accept a settlement offer, you automatically release the at-faulty from liability. It will be in your interest to consult with a Delray Beach Uber Accident Lawyer to advise you and help you calculate the real value of your claim.
How Much Will a Delray Beach Uber Accident Lawyer Cost?
Delray Beach Uber Accident attorneys including Steinberg Law provide their legal expertise on a contingency basis. This means that we won’t bill you for delivering representation until we successfully win the case or reach a fair settlement with the insurance carrier.
Our goal at Steinberg Law is to alleviate the financial and mental burden you may be carrying. If we don’t win, you don’t pay us!
Are there Time Limits For Filing an Uber Accident Claim?
Typically, the time limit to file an Uber accident claim in Florida is four years following the accident date. Depending on the details of the case, this time could be shorter or longer.
It’s crucial that you consult with a skilled Uber accident attorney right away concerning your case to ensure you meet the statute of limitations deadline.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer?
At Steinberg Law, we have extensive experience representing victims of Uber accidents. Here are some of the ways we can help with your case.
Case Preparation / Filing a Lawsuit
Your attorney will investigate the circumstances of your case diligently by reviewing CCTV and dashcam footage, medical records, police reports, and witness statements. This info will assist manage all documents, filing court paperwork, and ensuring that your case has legs to stand on.
Settlement Negotiation
Your Uber accident lawyer in Delray Beach will communicate directly with the insurer and their attorneys to ensure that you get a fair settlement.
Trial Preparation & Representation
If negotiation talks break down, our Steinberg Law attorneys are ready to aggressively represent you in court and advocate for your rights so that you get what is owed to you in full.
Enlist Our Delray Beach Uber Accident Attorneys Today!
Cases involving multi-billion dollar companies like Uber aren’t easy as they will hire their best lawyers to lowball or completely deny your claim. Our accident attorneys at Steinberg Law are experienced and can go toe-to-toe with the best lawyers.
If you want aid with your Uber accident case in Delray Beach, we at Steinberg Law are here and ready to help. Please contact us today at 877-783-4611 to book a free-of-charge case consultation now!
