Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer in Orlando, FL

Uber and Lyft have become popular ridesharing services and an economical means of transportation. Ridesharing phone apps are easy-to-use. You simply order an available car to give you a ride to a destination. Despite their popularity, many people question whether ridesharing is safe. A University of Chicago Research report found that ridesharing services have accounted for a 3% increase in traffic-related fatalities since their introduction.

It can be challenging to get back on your feet after an injury-causing accident, particularly if you face significant medical bills and extended future treatment or therapy. The Orlando personal injury lawyers at Fighter Law have the experience and knowledge needed to help you obtain the financial compensation you deserve.

Causes of Uber or Lyft Accidents in Central Florida

Ridesharing is an unregulated industry. Unlike limousine drivers or taxi drives, Uber and Lyft drivers use their own cars and are not required to obtain any specialized licensing. Without any professional training, inexperienced Uber or Lyft drivers could make mistakes that can result in accidents.

There are several reasons an Uber or Lyft driver could be involved in an accident. The following are common causes of ridesharing accidents:

• Fatigue: Uber or Lyft drivers frequently work on a part-time basis for the ridesharing company, and they usually work another job. If a driver has not had enough rest, they could be at risk of falling asleep at the wheel, impaired judgment, or delayed ability to react.
• Distractions: Talking or texting on the phone may increase the chances of being involved in an accident.
• Road rage: Spending so much time in traffic could cause an Uber or Lyft driver to lose patience with other drivers and drive erratically.
• Driving a poorly maintained vehicle: Uber or Lyft drivers can endanger passengers when their cars have unmaintained brakes, tires, or other mechanical failures.

You should seek the counsel of a personal injury lawyer if you have been injured due to someone’s negligence or intentional actions. If the other party is liable, your attorney will try to negotiate a settlement to cover your expenses. If they cannot get a settlement that covers all your needs, your lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court.

Common Injuries from an Uber or Lyft Accident

An Uber or Lyft accident can result in injuries to passengers, occupants of other vehicles, and drivers. While some people recover quickly from their injuries, others might experience more severe injuries that result in longer-term or permanent impairments.

Injuries that are common for victims of ridesharing accidents include:

• Neck, back, and whiplash injuries: These are severe and debilitating injuries that can damage the ligaments and muscles of your neck, as well as your spinal discs, leaving you in chronic pain.
• Spinal cord injuries: The spinal cord is a critical connection between the brain and the rest of the body. The severity of spinal cord injury depends on whether the spinal cord is damaged or severed, either wholly or partially. The victim could be left with incurable paralysis.
• Traumatic brain injuries: A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury that results in bruising, bleeding, or tearing of the brain. The severity of these injuries varies widely. Serious TBIs can lead to permanent mental impairment and other chronic problems.
• Burns: Burns cause significant pain and discomfort. Severe burns can damage deep tissues, requiring surgery to repair. This can result in scarring, disfigurement, and restricted movement.
• Broken bones and joint damage: A car crash’s impact can break bones or joints in an accident. Damaged ligaments, tendons, muscles, and other soft tissue can cause severe pain and incapacitation.

In a personal injury accident, injured victims are likely to have medical costs that must be covered. The victim’s injuries may be so severe that they require time off work temporarily or permanently. Trust an experienced personal injury lawyer who is familiar with Florida law to help you file for compensation for your medical costs and damages.

Recovering Damages for Personal Injuries in an Uber or Lyft Accident in Central Florida

Ridesharing drivers are not employees of Uber or Lyft. They are independent contractors. Drivers are required to provide evidence that they possess at least the state minimum for car insurance to be hired by a ridesharing company. The minimum limit required in Florida is $10,000 of personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 of property damage liability coverage.

Uber and Lyft advertise the availability of insurance up to $1 million for their drivers; however, that coverage does not apply if the driver is not logged into the ridesharing company’s app at the time of the accident. Florida requires ridesharing companies to provide insurance coverage from the time a driver accepts the ride request until the ride is completed.

According to Florida law, car accident victims who are seriously injured due to another driver’s negligence can pursue a lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver if the victim meets the criteria for serious injury.