Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft have transformed transportation for Florida residents and out-of-state visitors. While rideshare apps offer a convenient way to see the sights or return home after a night on the town, every ride carries the risk of an accident. Unfortunately, it is often the passengers who get hurt in these crashes, suffering catastrophic or even fatal injuries.
If you have been injured in an Uber or Lyft vehicle in the Emerald Coast or Northwest Florida, Browning Law Firm can help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today by calling (850) 344-1736 or by completing our contact form to learn more about your rights in a complimentary case review.
Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents in Florida
Uber and Lyft drivers spend many hours on the road at all times of day, increasing their chances of being involved in a crash. If they are not diligent in following the rules of the road, each passenger they pick up is at high risk of suffering injuries in an accident.
There are many reasons rideshare drivers cause collisions, including.
- Speeding. The more trips rideshare drivers complete, the more money they make. This may be an incentive for drivers to ignore speed limits or drive too fast for conditions.
- Traffic law violations. Uber and Lyft drivers may engage in illegal driving practices, such as following too closely, unsafe lane changes, and other risks that endanger their passengers.
- Distracted driving. Drivers may be texting, accepting new riders, or paying too much attention to GPS devices instead of focusing on the road.
- Fatigue. Rideshare drivers often work multiple jobs, increasing the risk of drowsy driving.
- Inexperience. Uber and Lyft drivers are not required to undergo additional driving training before picking up passengers and may be unfamiliar with road rules when traveling to a new destination.
- Driving under the influence. Alcohol, illegal drugs, and prescription medications could all affect a rideshare driver’s judgment and reaction times.
- Lack of vehicle maintenance. Drivers who ignore tire pressure warnings or fail to get their vehicles serviced place themselves and their passengers at risk.
A Former Florida State Trooper Can Get to the Bottom of Your Crash Case
As a former Florida State Trooper, attorney Coy H. Browning has extensive experience in both the causes and effects of road accidents and has seen the types of injuries that can happen to passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians as a result of negligent ridesharing services. Browning Law Firm is uniquely qualified to examine physical evidence and interview witnesses, allowing us to identify all potentially liable parties to get all the compensation you are entitled to for your injuries.
Liable parties in rideshare accidents may include:
- The rideshare driver. Driver liability for a rideshare accident is complicated, but it is important to note that rideshare drivers are required to carry car insurance to cover any injuries they cause. If you were injured in an Uber, you will need to file a claim against the driver’s insurance policy.
- Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare company. Since rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors, it’s hard to hold Uber and Lyft liable for injuries their drivers cause. However, Florida’s rideshare law imposes limits on who can work as a driver, so the company could be held liable for negligent hiring practices. The law also requires all rideshare companies in the state to carry insurance in case their drivers’ policies don’t cover the full cost of an accident claim.
- Other drivers involved in the crash. We can determine whether the actions of another driver were partially or entirely at fault for the accident.
- The manufacturer of the Uber driver’s vehicle. Automakers and car parts manufacturers may be responsible if a defect in the vehicle led to the crash.
- The mechanic who serviced the driver’s car. We can examine service records to determine if a recent trip to the auto shop resulted in faulty or inadequate repairs.
- Any other third party whose actions contributed to the crash.
Contact Browning Law Firm Today for a Free Consultation
If you or a family member has been injured in a rideshare vehicle in Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Navarre, Crestview, Niceville, or anywhere in the Florida Panhandle, contact us today for your free initial consultation by calling (850) 344-1736 or completing our contact form. Insurance companies are in the business of making money, and their team of attorneys will do everything possible to avoid paying for your injuries. That’s why you need an experienced rideshare attorney to fight for your rights. Our legal team will investigate what happened in your crash, identify all possible liable parties, and get you the compensation you need to recover—and we do not collect any fees until your case is won.