Many Pompano Beach, FL, residents use ridesharing services like Uber because they are more convenient and affordable than owning a car and driving it themselves. However, they are not necessarily safer, as their drivers also get involved in car accidents.
If you happen to be in a ridesharing accident that resulted in injuries and property damage, you probably do not know your legal rights. Your Pompano Beach Uber accident lawyer can help you understand and explore possible legal actions to recover compensation from those at fault. The guide our personal injury team has put together below can help you pursue a claim.
Florida Is A No Fault State
In Florida, you cannot take your case to court immediately, even if you have the right to do so. Since it is one of the few no fault states, you must first turn to your auto insurance to recoup economic losses like medical bills and lost wages.
All Florida drivers must carry the minimum required car insurance of $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 in property damage liability (PDL). Regardless of who caused the accident, PIP reimburses up to 80 percent of your covered injuries, while PDL covers damage to the other party’s property you have caused.
However, if your insurance policy is insufficient to cover your injuries, your recourse is to seek compensation from those liable. However, it may be a little different for negligent Uber drivers, as applicable insurance coverage varies based on their status during the time of the accident:
- During a trip or en route to pick up a passenger: Uber provides full third-party liability coverage of up to $1 million for injuries and property damage.
- Logged into the app waiting for a ride request: Uber offers partial coverage of $50,000 in bodily injury per person, $100,000 per accident, and contingent collision coverage with a $2,500 deductible.
- Logged out of the app: Uber driver’s car insurance applies. However, you may only file a claim against their policy for expenses exceeding your PIP coverage limits or serious injuries.
Compensation You Could Receive In A Pompano Beach Uber Accident Case
When bringing a claim against the liable Uber driver, the compensation varies from case to case. The amount depends on the circumstances of your car accident; there is no single formula that you can use. While Florida is a no-fault state, it does not restrict your legal right to pursue damages beyond your policy’s limits when you sustained severe injuries, such as:
- Extensive scarring or physical disfigurement
- Partial or permanent disability
- Substantial and permanent loss of key bodily function
Economic Damages
These are awarded to compensate you for economic losses due to the accident, including:
- Medical bills, such as laboratory expenses, medications, therapy, hospitalization, and doctor’s appointments
- Future medical costs from permanent or significant disability, loss of body function or part, and disfigurement, including treatment and long-term care
- Lost wages
- Future loss of earnings due to accident-related serious injury
- Repair costs or full replacement of damaged property
In addition to these, you may also be eligible for non-economic losses, which are often more difficult to quantify than their economic counterparts.
Non-Economic Damages
You could recover damages for:
- Pain
- Suffering
- Mental anguish
- Inconvenience
You could qualify to pursue these losses when an Uber accident results in losses. While the lasting effects are hard to prove and quantify, they are not impossible when you understand what your next steps should be or work closely with a legal professional.
Can I Get Compensated Even If I Was Partly At Fault?
You can still receive compensation despite being partly responsible for the Uber accident. Florida Statutes § 768.81 does not bar recovery even if you were deemed negligent or have contributed to the collision.
However, your degree of contributory fault will reduce the compensation awarded to you. For example, your compensatory damages amounted to $100,000, but you were 25 percent at fault for the accident. In that case, you could only recover $75,000 from the liable party.
If you think your negligent action didn’t contribute much to the Uber accident, speak to a Pompano Beach lawyer to know how you can protect your legal rights. Apart from determining your percentage of fault, they will also remind you that you only have limited time to take legal action.
You Should Not Wait To File Your Uber Accident Lawsuit
No matter how significant your contributory fault is, you only have four years from the accident date under Florida Statutes § 95.11 to bring a claim against those liable. There is no recourse left for recouping your losses when the window period lapses.
You Have Options After Suffering Uber Accident Injuries In Pompano Beach
Getting the necessary additional coverage for your injuries and losses is challenging, especially while recovering. It becomes more difficult if the liable Uber driver did not inform their insurer of using the vehicle for ridesharing. The insurance company is more likely to deny your claim or offer a low payout. In such events, your alternative is to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Uber accidents are fairly new, and pursuing financial recovery can be daunting for those injured. Moreover, you might not know about all the ways you could fight for compensation. Our car accident lawyers do, though.
Consider Working With A Lawyer To Recover Damages After An Uber Accident
While you could handle the process independently, working with a Pompano Beach lawyer is in your best interests. We will help you understand the entire process and estimate fair monetary compensation for your losses.
We can explain your legal right, help you gather supporting evidence, and negotiate fair compensation on your behalf with an insurance company. We have been providing this service to numerous clients in the area with much success, and we can help you too.
Bear in mind that being injured is not enough proof you must be compensated. You must demonstrate the Uber driver’s undeniable negligence that resulted in your suffering. Again, consulting a Pompano Beach lawyer well-versed in this practice area will help determine what compensation you are entitled to.
Our Team Is Waiting To Hear About Your Pompano Beach Uber Accident
It is your right to pursue fair compensation for what you’ve suffered due to an Uber accident. While you can take legal action on your own, your Pompano Beach accident lawyer can help make the process easier.
Consider seeking assistance from our legal professionals. At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, you will find attorneys familiar with this area of practice. Get started today when you call us an initial consultation.
We Can Help.
