Rideshare companies are redefining the way we think about travel. However, when their rideshare vehicles are part of an accident, they can bring about complex legal and financial concerns. If you or a loved one suffered harm in a rideshare accident, you could be eligible to collect various forms of financial compensation for your damages.
After an accident in Tampa, our Uber and Lyft rideshare accident lawyer will work to build a case and help you recover compensation. As part of our efforts, our team will keep you updated on the status of your case. In addition, our Tampa car accident lawyer will communicate on your behalf throughout our time together.
Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Crashes in Tampa, FL
Rideshare services have many risks, some of which could lead to severe injuries. One of the most common reasons for a rideshare accident is distracted driving.
An Uber or Lyft rideshare driver has to keep track of many things: directions, new requests, taking proper breaks, and communicating with passengers to get a good review.
However, if the driver isn’t experienced enough to multitask and causes an accident, we could place liability on the at-fault driver for your injuries.
Another cause of rideshare crashes is drivers navigating new roads. Unfamiliar roads can have unexpected obstacles or turnarounds that could cause the driver to panic and get into an accident.
Rideshare drivers are expected to drive safely but still arrive on time for new riders, which can cause extreme fatigue, another common cause of crashes. When a driver is tired, they are less likely to recognize hazards and stop before they cause a collision.
Our team of Tampa Uber and Lyft rideshare accident lawyers can help you determine the cause and liable parties for your injuries.
Statute of Limitations for Tampa Car Crashes
As the state time limit in Florida Statutes § 95.11 shows, personal injury victims generally have two years to bring their case, and those bringing a wrongful death case also have two years to do so.
Therefore, rather than waiting to begin the legal process, it helps to be proactive and contact our legal team immediately after an incident.
This approach will allow our lawyers to compile evidence, speak with other parties related to your situation, and build your case.
Waiting too long to file can make you ineligible to recover damages because after two years pass, our Uber and Lyft rideshare accident lawyers can no longer hold the at-fault parties accountable via a lawsuit.
Constructing a Case After a Rideshare Accident in Tampa
When you are part of a rideshare accident, you have rights. However, many victims are quickly confused by the legality surrounding popular rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft.
On top of this, your role in the crash may impact your case. For example, someone in the back seat of an Uber has a different case from someone who is struck by an Uber driver driving their vehicle.
These nearly limitless variations can be confusing, and consulting a legal team after a rideshare accident can clarify the situation. An experienced personal injury lawyer from our team will help clear up your confusion while building a strong case.
However, you should be aware that state, local, and federal laws may limit your ability to seek legal assistance after an accident.
Collecting Evidence Is a Major Key to Compensation After a Tampa Car Accident
A lawyer from our firm will get to work on investigating the incident in detail once we take you on as a client. The investigation stage may take time, depending on the details of the accident. Our lawyers often collect the following forms of evidence to strengthen their investigation:
- Photos of the accident scene and your injuries
- Videos of the aftermath of the accident
- Phone records
- Witness reports
- Surveillance camera footage
- Police reports
Once our Tampa Uber and Lyft rideshare accident lawyer collects evidence, they will work on establishing a liable party. Liability is a complex subject requiring a close examination of the law.
Our legal team will look into all angles of an accident as they strive to identify and establish a liable party. A thorough investigation of both the accident and the law will work to move your case forward.
Seeking Financial Compensation After a Rideshare Accident
As a victim, you have the right to pursue justice. A lawyer on our team will assist you in this effort. You may be entitled to collect financial compensation to cover the following damages:
- Lost income
- Past and future medical bills
- Property damage
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation program costs
- Surgeries and operations
- Loss of consortium
- Prescription medications
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emergency medical intervention and transportation services
- Assistive medical devices and equipment
- Psychological trauma
If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft rideshare crash, a rideshare accident attorney in Tampa who understands the complexities of these cases can be beneficial. At our law firm, we have extensive experience representing victims of rideshare accidents.
As a result, we understand the unique legal issues when dealing with these cases and are dedicated to fighting for your rights.
Negotiating With the Insurance Company After an Uber or Lyft Rideshare Collision
Whether you were riding as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft or one of the companies’ drivers collided with your vehicle, negotiating with popular rideshare companies is much more difficult than it may initially seem.
This is because both Lyft and Uber provide insurance coverage when the app is on and the drivers are either waiting for requests or en route to pick up riders. When the app is off, the driver’s personal insurance coverage applies.
Regardless of the nature of the collision, our Tampa rideshare accident lawyers are ready to defend against all insurance companies.
When we’re negotiating with a rideshare company’s lawyers and insurance adjusters, they may twist the situation, implying you, the rideshare crash victim, are at fault. Of course, if they try this, we’ll quickly present them with clear evidence of the rideshare driver’s negligence.
We won’t let them get away with denying your claim for compensation or putting the fault on you. However, we’ll try to make this process as easy as possible, so you don’t prolong your injury recovery with stress.
Steps You Should Take After a Rideshare Collision
After you suffer injuries in a rideshare crash, there are a few actions you should take. Our Tampa personal injury attorney recommends that you:
- Seek immediate medical attention. You should ensure that your injuries are being treated and stick to the treatment plan your doctor prescribes. Also, your medical records can serve as important evidence in your case, proving you need compensation for your medical expenses.
- Call the police so they can compile a report. The police report will contain information about how the accident happened, who the negligent driver is, and whether any witnesses saw the Lyft or Uber vehicle’s actions before the crash.
- Save proof of the accident. If you took any photos or videos after the crash, save them and bring them to your lawyer. Also, if you have any notes about the ridesharing companies or your feelings at the accident scene, your attorney could use this information to supplement your case.
- Consider speaking with the experienced auto accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine. Our team is ready to help you seek fair compensation and hold the responsible party accountable for their actions.
Contact Our Tampa Rideshare Accident Attorneys Today
A Tampa Uber and Lyft rideshare accident lawyer from the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine will stand up for your rights. Our team is here to communicate with drivers, rideshare companies, witnesses, and any other parties involved in your case on your behalf.
As part of our defense of your position, our team will investigate the accident to collect detailed forms of evidence and establish a liable party. Call us or fill out the contact form on our website to meet with us for a free legal consultation. You focus on getting better, and we’ll care for everything else.
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