You were injured in a ridesharing accident. You don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. You are going through a lot of pain and you have a legal process ahead of you.
Let a West Palm Beach Rideshare Accident Lawyer handle your case, protect your rights and obtain fair compensation. Call for a free consultation.
Understanding Liability In A West Palm Beach Rideshare Accident
Companies like Uber and Lyft provide private transportation services not only to residents of West Palm Beach but also to tourists.
These services are widely used by many people, leading to increased traffic on the streets. Most of the drivers are independent contractors who often work long hours each day.
You’re involved in an accident while using these apps, so you can feel overwhelmed. You never expect something like this to happen when you leave your house.
Determining liability in these types of accidents can be very complicated, especially because multiple parties may be involved. Additionally, figuring out what qualifies as fair compensation can be challenging.
This is why having a West Palm Beach Rideshare Accident Lawyer on your side is the best thing you can do to navigate the legal process. Here are the parties that may be held responsible in these types of accidents:
- The Rideshare Driver: Uber or Lyft drivers can be held responsible if they committed a traffic violation or acted negligently on the road.
- The Rideshare Company: Companies like Uber and Lyft may be held accountable in certain circumstances, such as if the driver was waiting for a ride request or actively transporting a passenger. A detailed analysis will be needed to establish the company’s responsibility.
- Another Driver: An external driver may be liable if they were driving recklessly or negligently and caused the accident.
- Vehicle Manufacturers or Mechanics: If the vehicle had a defect or mechanical issue, the manufacturer or mechanic may be held responsible.
- Government Entities: If the road had hazards, such as defects or poor maintenance, a government entity could be responsible for the accident.
- Pedestrians or Passengers: If a pedestrian or passenger contributed to the accident by committing a traffic violation or acting recklessly, they might also be held liable.
Most Common Causes Of Rideshare Accidents
In rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, passengers expect to reach their destination safely. Drivers are required to follow traffic laws and avoid reckless behavior while driving.
Unfortunately, unexpected accidents can happen. Rideshare accidents are increasing and have had a significant impact in the city of West Palm Beach.
The best steps to take are to first contact a doctor who can help you with your recovery, and then call a West Palm Beach Uber Accident Lawyer to handle the legal process on your behalf.
Here are the most common causes of rideshare accidents:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers may be distracted or make mistakes, leading to serious accidents.
- Driver Fatigue: Many drivers work long hours, and fatigue increases the likelihood of accidents by reducing reaction time.
- Speeding: Driving at high speeds or rushing to complete trips can cause severe accidents, as drivers may lose control of the vehicle.
- Failure to Obey Traffic Laws: Ignoring traffic regulations makes driving more dangerous and significantly increases the risk of accidents.
- Inexperienced Drivers: Some drivers start working for rideshare apps without the necessary experience, making it harder for them to handle certain situations on the road.
- Poor Weather Conditions: Rain, fog or hail can make roads slippery, increasing the chance of losing vehicle control.
- Improper Vehicle Maintenance: Neglecting regular vehicle maintenance can lead to mechanical failures and serious accidents.
- Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol: Impaired drivers often lose control of their vehicles and fail to react appropriately.
- Unsafe Parking Locations: Drivers waiting for passengers in unsafe areas can increase the risk of collisions.
Injuries Resulting From Rideshare Accidents
Being involved in an accident often results in injuries. The severity of these depends on the circumstances of the collision.
Some injuries may be minor, while others are much more serious. That’s why it’s important to have a doctor evaluate you as soon as possible to start your recovery. Additionally, many accidents result in psychological trauma that may require long-term treatment.
A West Palm Beach Rideshare Accident Lawyer, on the other hand, will be with you throughout the legal process to help you file the appropriate claim and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Here are the injuries commonly seen in these cases:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Head and brain injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Cuts, lacerations and bruises
- Facial injuries
- Internal injuries
- Fractures
- Amputations
What To Do After A Rideshare Accident
Being involved in a rideshare accident can be overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure how to respond at the moment. It’s essential to prioritize your health while also protecting your rights and making a claim if necessary.
Here’s what you should do to protect yourself:
- Call 911: Notify the police immediately to report the accident. The police report they provide will be crucial for any future claims.
- Seek Medical Attention: Regardless of whether you feel injured, see a doctor to evaluate any potential injuries and assess the severity of the situation. A medical report is also essential for the legal process.
- Gather Information: Take photos and videos of the scene and collect as much information as possible, including the names, contact details, driver’s license numbers and insurance information of those involved.
- Get Witness Statements: Collect contact information from witnesses who saw the accident. A Lyft accident attorney can later take their statements to strengthen your case.
- Report the Accident to the Rideshare Company: Notify the rideshare app (Uber, Lyft, etc.) about the accident, as they have internal protocols for handling such situations.
- Contact a Legal Professional: A West Palm Beach Car Accident Lawyer can help you gather the necessary evidence, file a claim and ensure the responsible party pays for the damages caused. They’ll guide you through the process and work to secure the maximum compensation for your losses.
- Avoid Making Statements: It’s best to let your Lyft crash lawyer handle all communication related to the case. Speaking on your own can potentially harm your claim.
What Will A West Palm Beach Rideshare Accident Lawyer Consider When Fighting For Compensation?
Every case is unique, which is why an Uber crash lawyer will thoroughly investigate your situation to determine what you truly deserve.
Your claim will vary depending on your specific circumstances and what factors the West Palm Beach Rideshare Accident Lawyer considers, such as:
- The severity of your injuries.
- The time it will take for your recovery.
- How strong the evidence is in your case.
- The degree of fault of the responsible party.
- The pain and suffering you’ve experienced.
- The loss of quality of life.
- Whether you’re able to work after the accident.
- If you’ve sustained any disabilities.
- Any property damage you’ve incurred.
A West Palm Beach Lyft Accident Lawyer will fight tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you truly deserve. After everything you’ve been through, it’s important to seek justice for your case. Call LaBovick today to get help from experienced professionals.
Deadline To File A Claim In West Palm Beach
In West Palm Beach, Florida, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. This deadline is set by the Statute of Limitations.
While every case is different and exceptions may apply, the general rule is that you must file within this timeframe. If you miss the deadline, you could lose your right to pursue a claim.
This is why it’s important to take action as soon as possible. You’ll need the help of an experienced West Palm Beach Rideshare Accident Lawyer who understands these types of cases. They can assist you in gathering the necessary evidence to build a strong case and work toward a successful outcome.
Why You Need An Experienced West Palm Beach Uber Accident Lawyer On Your Side
Rideshare accidents are often more complicated than they appear, involving lengthy legal processes that can be difficult to navigate alone.
Having an attorney by your side ensures you’re guided through each step and prepared to handle any obstacles that arise.
Here’s why hiring a West Palm Beach Lyft Accident Lawyer is essential:
- Understanding Local Laws and Rideshare Company Policies: An attorney is familiar with the laws and policies specific to these cases and knows how to advocate effectively on your behalf.
- Investigating and Collecting Evidence: Your attorney will gather all the necessary evidence, such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements, to build a strong case and defend you effectively.
- Maximizing Compensation: They’ll assess all the damages you’ve suffered to ensure you receive fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and more.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. An attorney will handle negotiations to ensure you aren’t shortchanged and will fight for you at every step.
- Ongoing Support: While you focus on recovering, your attorney will manage the legal burden, keeping you informed and handling the complexities of your case.
- Representation in Court: If your case goes to trial, your rideshare lawyer will present a solid strategy to defend you and fight for the best possible outcome.
- Meeting Deadlines: Filing a claim requires adhering to strict deadlines and missing them could mean losing your right to compensation. An attorney will act quickly to ensure everything is submitted on time.
Having skilled Lyft car accident attorneys allows you to focus on your recovery while they handle the legal intricacies, ensuring your rights are protected and you receive the justice you deserve.
Contact Our West Palm Beach Lyft Accident Lawyer Today
You or a loved one has been injured in a rideshare accident so we can help you hold the at-fault party accountable.
We are LaBovick, a legal team with more than 30 years of experience in these cases and with offices all over Florida so you can go to the one nearest you.
Our West Palm Beach Rideshare Accident Lawyer wants to win your case and fight for your justice. We want to take on the insurance companies for you and put you in touch with the best doctors to take care of your treatment.
We have many positive reviews and because of them our law firm is the top rated on Google Reviews (4.8).
We want to know about your case and give you the best personalized attention. That is why we listen to the details of your case and accompany you throughout the legal process.
We have with each of our clients a relationship of communication, commitment and trust. We want to know what happened to you in order to offer you the best options for your situation.
We do not want money to be a problem for you. We know you have a lot of expenses and we can’t ask you for something up front. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay us until we win your case.
Since 1992 we have represented clients throughout Florida with professionalism and integrity. We are proud to contribute and help our clients in this difficult situation. We always seek justice for their cases.
We create value by exceeding the expectations of all customers. We take care of our customers’ needs, looking for the most beneficial solutions.
We continue to strive daily to gain knowledge and competencies. We work using the most advanced technology to give our customers the attention they deserve.
Contact our Uber & Lyft accident lawyer to schedule your free consultation. Don’t wait any longer and start acting now. We are here for you.
FAQs related to West Palm Beach Rideshare Accident Lawyer
WHY DO I NEED A RIDESHARE LAWYER?
Insurance companies will most likely try to reduce your compensation, so you need a lawyer to protect your rights and get justice for your case.
WHAT DAMAGES CAN BE CLAIMED IN A RIDESHARE ACCIDENT?
You can claim for lost wages, medical damages, loss of quality of life, loss of property, pain and suffering, among others.
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO FILE A RIDESHARE ACCIDENT CLAIM?
In Florida, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. This is due to the Statute of Limitations.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO HIRE A LAWYER FOR THESE CASES?
Most attorneys, like LaBovick, work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing until we secure a win for you.