Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft have made it easier to get around in Florida. Instead of navigating traffic yourself or worrying about finding parking, you can just relax in the backseat of an Uber or Lyft vehicle. Unfortunately, however, the increase of rideshare vehicles on the road had increased the number of vehicle accidents. If you sustained injuries in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents
Uber and Lyft drivers can get into vehicle accidents just like drivers of regular passenger cars. Here are some of the most common causes of rideshare accidents.
- Speeding. The more passengers rideshare drivers pick up, the more money they ultimately make. Some Uber and Lyft drivers may even drive above the speed limit to get more passengers. Unfortunately, speeding can lower their reaction time and increase the risk of an accident.
- Fatigued driving. Rideshare drivers aren’t restricted to the number of hours they can work each week. As such, some drivers may spend long hours on the road to make more money. Driving too long without a break, however, can eventually take its toll. Drivers who are running on little sleep may lose focus of the road ahead or even fall asleep behind the wheel.
- Assaults. Uber and Lyft conduct background checks on all of their drivers. However, some drivers may slip through the cracks. Many passengers have reported getting sexually or physically assaulted by their rideshare drivers.
- Distracted driving. Uber and Lyft drivers are faced with a number of distractions, from texting to searching for passengers on their rideshare app. They may also chat with their passengers. Unfortunately, distractions can take their mind and eyes off the road, increasing the chances of a collision.
- Poor vehicle maintenance. While rideshare drivers are expected to maintain their vehicles, not all of them fulfill this obligation. Poor vehicle maintenance can also result in rideshare accidents. For instance, if a driver does not get his or her failing brakes repaired, he or she can cause an accident.
Liability in a Rideshare Accident
Liability in rideshare accidents is more complex than liability in a regular car accident. Uber and Lyft provide $1 million in liability insurance for their drivers. Whether or not a rideshare company’s insurance will cover your injuries depends on your individual circumstances. For instance, if you were injured in a vehicle accident as an Uber or Lyft passenger, the company insurance policy may likely cover your losses. On the other hand, if you were hit by an off-duty Uber or Lyft driver, you may be able to file a claim against the driver’s personal insurance policy.
Either way, it’s important to have a rideshare accident lawyer, like one from Presser Law, P.A., on your side. He or she can assess your case and advise you of all your options. An experienced lawyer knows how much your case is truly worth and will fight hard for your right for compensation.