Call Us Today Being in a rideshare accident can feel frustrating and confusing, and it may mean a long road to recovery, depending on the severity of the incident. The last thing you may want to figure out is the legal process, but you can pass that over to a rideshare accident lawyer in North Port.
How Can Florida Law Affect Your Case?
There are a few different specifics about Florida law that may affect your case after a rideshare accident.
These regulations are standard knowledge for an experienced North Port personal injury lawyer from our firm:
- The statute of limitations: In Florida, you generally have a limited amount of time to file a personal injury claim after an accident, typically two years. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your ability to recover compensation entirely.
- Comparative fault (Florida Statutes § 768.81): Florida follows a modified comparative fault system, meaning your compensation may be reduced if you are found partially responsible for the accident. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your total compensation could be reduced by that same percentage. One critical thing to note is that if you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages.
- Liability based on ride status: In rideshare accidents, liability can depend on the driver’s app status. For example, liability changes depending on whether they were offline, waiting for a ride, or transporting a passenger. Florida law outlines specific insurance requirements for each phase, which can directly affect what coverage is available in your case.
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What Steps Should I Take After a Rideshare Accident in North Port?
Here are the recommended steps you should take after you’ve been in a rideshare accident.
Not only can these steps protect your health, but they may also protect your legal options:
Seek Medical Care
First, ensure you are safe, remove yourself from traffic, and seek medical care. Even if you don’t feel anything right away, it’s best to get yourself checked out within 24 hours of the accident, for both safety and insurance purposes.
Call 911 and File a Police Report
Next, you’ll want to call 911 and file a police report. This can be extremely helpful later down the road for evidence, specifically when determining the rideshare driver’s status.
Take a Screenshot of Ride Details
Ride details will matter quite a bit. If you were a passenger, take a screenshot of the ride details, including the driver’s identity, license plate, ride status, and time.
Take Photos and Videos of the Incident
Next, you’ll want to take as many and as clear videos and photos of the scene as you can. This will be crucial when talking to insurance companies, determining liabilities, and assessing property damage.
Report the Accident Through the Applicable Rideshare App
Report the accident in whatever rideshare app you are using. Lyft and Uber both provide accident reporting in their respective apps.
Avoid Speaking to Insurance Companies Without Legal Representation
Avoid speaking to insurance companies on your own, as this may impact potential compensation, depending on the details of your case.
Contact a Law Firm for a Case Evaluation
Having a lawyer negotiate with insurance and handle the legal process that can come after these kinds of incidents will mean less for you to handle. Additionally, it ensures that your rights are protected and the full extent of damages is covered.
At Viles & Beckman, we offer free case evaluations, where we can review the details of your case and outline potential next steps in the legal process.
(239) 334-3933 What Kind of Compensation Could You Receive After a Rideshare Accident?
After a rideshare accident, the compensation you may be able to recover will depend on the severity of your injuries and the details of your case. You may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages, which are meant to address both financial losses and the overall impact the accident has had on your life.
Some of the most common types of compensation include:
- Medical bills and expenses: Coverage for hospital and ER visits, tests and scans, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any ongoing or future medical care
- Lost wages and earning capacity: Compensation if the accident prevents you from working
- Pain and suffering: Damages for the physical pain and discomfort caused by the accident and recovery
- Emotional distress: Compensation for anxiety, trauma, or other psychological effects resulting from the rideshare accident
- Property damage: Compensation for repairs or a total replacement if your vehicle or other property was damaged in the accident
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Damages to cover if your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed
Because rideshare accidents can involve multiple insurance policies, the total compensation available may vary. An experienced firm like ours can help evaluate your case, identify all available sources of compensation, and work to ensure that the full extent of your damages is accounted for.
Click To ContactHow Can a Rideshare Accident Law Firm in North Port Help?
A rideshare accident law firm in North Port can assist with every stage of your case, helping to take the legal burden off your shoulders while you focus on recovery.
One of the most important roles a law firm plays is handling communication and negotiations with insurance companies. Rideshare claims often involve multiple insurers, each trying to limit its liability. Having legal representation ensures that your interests are protected and that you are not pressured into accepting a settlement that does not fully cover your damages.
At Viles & Beckman, our team understands how overwhelming this process can feel after an accident. With more than $100 million recovered for injury victims, we take a hands-on approach to every case, ensuring that no detail is overlooked and that your claim is handled with care and precision. Reach out to us for a free case evaluation.
