If you are injured in a car crash with a rideshare driver, you will need to deal with all of the usual hardships. You may have expensive medical bills, lost wages due to your inability to work while you recover, and extra household expenses for services you need to help care for your family.
In addition to relying on your own No-Fault auto insurance, to get full compensation, you may need to figure out who is liable for your damages. It’s a lot to deal with when you are trying to recover from severe injuries. Our rideshare accident lawyers in Estero can help.
Our team at Viles & Beckman has recovered more than $100 million in awards and settlements for injured Florida accident victims. We are The 5-Star Law Firm®. Call now to schedule your free consultation and learn more about how our Estero car accident lawyers can help.
Why You Need an Attorney
It is understandable if you believe a big company like Uber or Lyft will take care of your costs if you are hurt by one of their drivers. Sometimes, that’s exactly what happens. But rideshare accidents are complex, and in many cases, it won’t be easy to get the compensation you deserve.
Insurance companies may offer lowball settlements and hope you don’t know how much your claim is really worth. Accept their offer, and you lose the right to future compensation, even if you still need help. Or, insurers may try to deny your claim by saying you caused the crash.
Don’t accept a settlement without talking to us first. Our Estero personal injury lawyers will make sure you are treated fairly by insurance companies. We’ll evaluate incoming settlement offers, handle your claim, and prevent common errors that could reduce your compensation.
Expect More, Receive More: Legal Support That Feels Like Family
Identifying Liable Parties After a Rideshare Accident
One of our legal team’s most important jobs is determining who is liable for your damages. We will investigate the accident to find out how it happened. We may review police reports, witness statements, driver logs, and other evidence.
Rideshare drivers for companies like Uber and Lyft are contractors, not employees. Rideshare companies are only responsible for their actions under specific circumstances. Typically, this depends on whether or not the driver was logged into their app and on duty.
If the Driver Is Logged in
When the driver is signed into their rideshare app and actively waiting for an assignment, the rideshare company may have limited liability. If the driver is transporting a passenger or on the way to pick someone up, liability policies up to $1 million could apply.
If the Driver Is Not Logged in
Your accident is no different than any other car crash. Our rideshare accident attorneys in Estero may file your claim with the driver’s auto insurance provider. However, the rideshare company may still be responsible for direct negligence, such as failing to perform a background check.
Compensation for a Rideshare Accident Settlement
The amount of compensation you can recover after a rideshare accident depends on the extent of your damages. In cases involving catastrophic injuries, a settlement or award can be in the millions of dollars.
While each rideshare accident case is different, our team often seeks compensation for damages such as
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Future medical care needs
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Pain and suffering
Timelines for Filing Your Claim
Don’t delay taking action after your rideshare accident. You must seek treatment within 14 days of the accident under Florida’s No-Fault insurance rules. Then, reach out to our Estero rideshare accident lawyers.
The state of Florida only allows a certain amount of time for filing personal injury claims, such as after a car accident. According to Florida Statute § 95.11, that’s two years from the date of your accident. Miss this deadline, and you can lose your ability to pursue legal action.
Certain factors extend or shorten your deadline. Our team can explain which timelines apply based on the facts of your case and keep your claim on track.
Get Help From Our Rideshare Accident Attorneys in Estero
When you are hurt in a car crash with a rideshare driver, you may have a claim against the driver, their rideshare company, or both. As with many car accident cases, unfortunately, the insurance company may look for ways to delay or deny your claim.
You need a legal advocate to help you unravel the relationship between the driver and the company. Our rideshare accident attorneys in Estero can investigate your crash, identify all liable parties, and fight on your behalf for the fair compensation you need to bounce back.
Since 1995, Viles & Beckman have been here to advocate for Florida residents who were injured in an accident due to no fault of their own. We care for our clients as we would our family. Call today to schedule your free consultation and tell us about your car accident.