Call Us Today A rideshare collision in Sarasota can quickly turn into a question of coverage, fault, and timing. The driver’s status in the app at the moment of the crash can change the insurance policy that applies and how much coverage is available. That detail alone can affect how your claim moves forward.
It may not be clear right away who is responsible for an accident. Our Sarasota car accident lawyer will sort out coverage, handle the insurance calls, and pursue the damages that this crash cost you. Viles & Beckman has served injured clients since 1995 and brings more than 40 years of combined experience to injury cases.
Our rideshare accident lawyer in Sarasota treats every case with care and aims to give clients the five-star experience we are known for. You pay nothing unless we win. Call today to review your legal options during a free consultation.
Our Sarasota Rideshare Accident Attorney Will Build Your Claim
Rideshare claims often involve more than one insurance policy and more than one party. That can slow things down if you try to handle it alone. It can also delay your claim if you are trying to resolve it while recovering from your injuries.
Viles & Beckman will work to resolve your claim while you recover. Our rideshare accident attorneys in Sarasota will:
- Review the crash report and rideshare records.
- Identify all liable parties and insurance policies that may apply.
- Speak with insurance adjusters and handle negotiations.
- Gather proof of your injuries and how they affect your life.
- Push back if blame is placed on you.
Our personal injury lawyer in Sarasota will answer your questions and keep you updated on any changes in your case.
Expect More, Receive More: Legal Support That Feels Like Family
Why Rideshare Accidents Are Handled Differently
Rideshare claims follow a different process than standard car accident cases. The driver’s status in the app changes, as does the insurance policy that applies. Here’s how it usually works:
- App off: The driver’s auto insurance applies
- App on, driver waiting for a ride request: Limited coverage from the rideshare company may apply
- Ride accepted or passenger in the car: A higher rideshare policy applies, often up to $1 million.
It takes time to review app data, trip records, and timing to determine which policy was in effect when the accident happened. Our team will track these details and make sure the right coverage is used.
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How PIP Coverage Applies in Florida
Florida uses a no-fault system, which includes Personal Injury Protection (PIP). If you have your own auto policy, your PIP coverage usually pays first for:
- A portion of your medical bills
- Part of your lost income
This applies no matter who caused the crash. There are limits to PIP, and it may not cover all of your losses. When injuries are serious or go beyond PIP, you may pursue a claim against the at-fault party.
What if You Don’t Have PIP?
If you do not carry PIP, other options may still be available depending on the facts of the crash and the insurance involved. We review your situation and explain what paths may apply.
Whether you were driving your car, riding a bike, or walking, we will look at how the crash happened, which policies apply, and what it will take to move your claim forward.
Click To ContactWho May Be Responsible for a Rideshare Accident?
Knowing which insurance policy applies is one part of the claim. The next question is who caused the crash. In some cases, the rideshare driver is at fault. In others, another driver may have caused the collision.
There are also situations where more than one person shares responsibility, which can affect how damages are paid. Some crashes involve factors that go beyond the drivers, such as:
- A vehicle problem, like brake failure
- Road conditions, such as when signs are missing, or the roadway isn’t maintained
- Weather conditions, such as heavy rain, that affect visibility and stopping distance
These kinds of details are not always clear from the start. Our team looks at how the crash happened, reviews the available records, and identifies who should be held responsible. That step helps us build a claim that reflects what happened and the full impact on you.
If You Were Not a Passenger in the Rideshare
You do not have to be in the rideshare vehicle to bring a claim. Many people hurt in these crashes are in another car, on a bike, or walking nearby.
Can Another Driver File a Claim?
If a rideshare driver caused the crash, you can file a claim just like you would after any other accident. The difference is that the rideshare driver may have more than one policy, depending on what they were doing in the app at the time.
We look at the details of the trip and the timing to identify which coverage applies and how to pursue it.
What if the Rideshare Driver Says You Were At Fault?
In Florida, more than one person can share fault for a crash. You could still recover damages if you are partly responsible for the crash, but your share will be reduced based on your percentage.
However, if you are more than 50% responsible, recovery may not be available. We take a close look at the details and challenge the blame that doesn’t line up with the facts.
Types of Damages in a Sarasota Rideshare Accident Claim
A rideshare accident can change more than just your schedule for the day. It can affect how you feel, how you work, and what you can do from one day to the next.
In many cases, a claim may include:
- The cost of medical care, including follow-up visits and ongoing treatment
- Income you lost while you were out of work, along with any changes in your ability to earn
- The physical pain that comes with the injury
- Repairs or replacement if your vehicle or other property was damaged
- How your routine has changed, whether that’s driving, exercising, or keeping up at home
Our Sarasota rideshare accident lawyer looks at how your life has shifted since the crash and uses that to shape a claim that reflects everything you have experienced.
Wrongful Death Damages in Fatal Crashes
Some rideshare crashes result in the loss of a loved one. These cases focus on how that loss affects the family members left behind.
Under Florida law, eligible family members may seek damages related to:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- The income and support that the person would have provided
- The loss of companionship, guidance, and presence in daily life
- The emotional impact of the loss
If you have lost a loved one in an accident, we are sorry for your loss and want to help your family. Our wrongful death lawyer in Sarasota handles these cases with care and attention, while still moving the claim forward and seeking damages that reflect what your family has lost.
To discuss your legal options and next steps, call us today for a free consultation.
Florida Sets Time Limits for Filing Rideshare Injury Lawsuits
We aim to settle your claim outside of court, but if we must head to trial, we must file your lawsuit by a certain time. Per Florida Statutes § 95.11, the window to file is:
- Two years from the date of the crash in personal injury lawsuits.
- Two years from the date of death in wrongful death lawsuits.
If the deadline in your case expires, it may not move forward in court. Getting started sooner helps our Sarasota rideshare accident attorney preserve records, gather evidence, and keep your options open.
Talk With Viles & Beckman About Your Sarasota Rideshare Case
After a rideshare accident, the paperwork and calls from the insurance company can start right away. Viles & Beckman will take these things off your plate so you can focus on feeling better.
We take the time to sort through the details and build a claim that reflects what this crash has cost you. We are The 5-Star Law Firm™ that has a Board Certified attorney on staff and attorneys who speak Spanish, Russian, and Creole.
We are ready to listen, explain your options, and move your case forward. You pay nothing unless we win. Call us today to get started during a free consultation.
