Fort Lauderdale Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are popular in Fort Lauderdale, but using them comes with risks. Uber and Lyft accidents injure many people each year in the Fort Lauderdale area. If you sustained injuries or lost a loved one in a rideshare accident, contact an experienced Fort Lauderdale Uber and Lyft accident lawyer.

At David I. Fuchs Injury Law, we provide reliable legal support as a trusted, local accident lawyer. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Legal Representation for Passengers Injured in Uber and Lyft Accidents

Florida law can be complex, but Uber accident attorney David I. Fuchs Injury Law is committed to providing reliable legal support for accident victims. We serve all Florida cities located in Broward County, Miami-Dade County, and Palm Beach County. Our office is located at 8 SE 8th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316.

Why Choose David I. Fuchs Injury Law

Since 1988, David I. Fuchs Injury Law has been a relentless advocate for the injured in over 6,000 cases. Our personal injury lawyers understand that every Uber and Lyft accident is different, and all can be life-changing. We have provided legal services for a wide range of accident claims in Florida for 36 years, so we fully comprehend the difficulties associated with your case.

Testimonials

“I cannot speak highly enough of Dr. David I. Fuchs, the injury law expert in Fort Lauderdale. When I urgently needed legal guidance, he was on the spot, providing precise and honest information. David's quick responsiveness, combined with his accuracy and transparency, made a significant impact during a challenging time I was facing due to a total loss in a car accident. I greatly appreciate his professionalism and recommend his services to anyone seeking a trustworthy and reliable injury law attorney in South Florida.” — Israel A.

“I wanted to alert others that Mr Fuchs is the consummate professional and Attorney. I was referred to him by a friend as I required an experienced Attorney who knows the laws in Florida and is willing to fight aggressively for the injured party. He was extremely knowledgeable and patient and answered all of my questions and concerns. Unlike another Attorney in the area who didn't think much of my case and wasn't responsive, he rolled up his sleeves and triumphantly steered the defendant toward a settlement we both desired from the outset. I'd recommend him to any individual that also was injured or sustained damages and requires the expertise that Mr Fuchs can offer.” — Rich K.

“Me. Fuchs was my car accident attorney and was very responsive from the first call. I had medical care the next day and the whole process was smooth. They handled everything with the insurance companies and coordinated all of the necessary medical information. It was a long process and in the end the settlement I received was much higher than anticipated I am more than happy and grateful for the outcome.” — Sean O.

Recent Auto Accident Case Settlements

With a proven track record in managing Uber and Lyft accident cases, we are dedicated to fighting for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our compassionate legal team will support you through every step of the process, providing personalized assistance and sound advice. Contact us today to begin your journey towards justice and recovery.

• $1.8 million for the victim of a traumatic brain injury.
• $325,000 for a client hurt in a multi-vehicle accident.
• $250,000 in a car accident case.
• $225,000 for the family of a victim in a wrongful death lawsuit.
• $120,000 in a Broward County car wreck case.

How Our Attorneys Can Help Your Fort Lauderdale Uber Accident Case

There are myriad factors at play in a ridesharing accident case, and without legal assistance, you could end up with nothing. For example, the driver may have multiple insurance policies in effect, such as their personal insurance policy and their Uber policy. When this occurs, the insurance providers frequently argue over who bears the true financial burden and who escapes responsibility. This situation leaves you, the victim, without recourse as multimillion-dollar companies fight over an injury claim.

With over 30 years of experience, David I. Fuchs Injury Law handles complex rideshare cases while focusing on what truly matters — your recovery and compensation.

Fort Lauderdale Rideshare Accident Statistics

Motorists on the road with Uber and Lyft drivers are not always safe. The risk of being in an auto accident with a rideshare driver may be more significant than you realize.

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have been linked to a 3 percent annual increase in vehicular deaths, resulting in approximately 987 additional roadway deaths each year. What’s even more worrisome is that about 90 percent of Uber and Lyft car accidents occur in urban areas. That puts everyone at risk, including pedestrians.

Fort Lauderdale experiences a high number of car accidents annually, with a significant portion involving rideshare vehicles. If you are one of the many who have suffered at the hands of a reckless rideshare driver, contact a knowledgable Uber accident attorney to get your case started today.

High-Risk Areas for Uber and Lyft Accidents in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale roads can often be dangerous, whether it's tourists lost on the highway or locals rushing to stay active. The addition of Uber and Lyft drivers contributes to the existing risks on these busy roads.

Some of the areas where we see a higher risk of accidents include:

• Downtown Fort Lauderdale
• Las Olas Boulevard
• State Road A1A
• Broward Boulevard and Federal Highway (US-1)
• Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport

Causes of Uber and Lyft Collisions

Rideshare accidents have increased as Lyft and Uber have become more accessible across the country. While drivers face the same risks and challenges as personal drivers, the fact that they are paid drivers adds several other factors to the mix. The following are some common causes of rideshare crashes:

• Speeding: Uber and Lyft drivers are incentivized to take more risks with passengers, which often means speeding to get to and from rides quickly. Uber offers bonuses to drivers who complete a specific number of trips within a specific timeframe.
• Inexperience with the area: Some drivers do not know the area well, and 5- and 6-lane highways are not simple to navigate. This inexperience can lead to mistakes and accidents.
• Fatigued driving: Drivers, who are often independent contractors, work long hours to earn the earnings they need. Tired drivers are more likely to cause an accident.
• Distracted driving: Distractions such as adjusting navigational apps or interacting with others in the car can cause accidents. Reading and responding to text messages can also be detrimental to one’s well-being.
• Traffic violations: These drivers could engage in reckless driving, increasing the risk of traffic violations and accidents.
• Driver intoxication: Although Uber and Lyft have zero-tolerance policies for their drivers to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, some drivers do so anyway.

Other factors can lead to an Uber or Lyft accident as well, including improper vehicle maintenance, driving too fast for weather conditions, and inadequate training. If you or a family member suffered serious injuries in an Uber or Lyft accident, it’s crucial you contact an experienced personal injury attorney in Fort Lauderdale to learn how to hold the driver accountable and recover damages.

Common Injuries in Rideshare Accidents in Fort Lauderdale

Many factors contribute to the type of bodily injury and other injuries a person may suffer. Some of the common types of concerns include:

• Whiplash
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Broken bones or fractures
• Spinal cord injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Disfigurement
• Internal organ injuries

Who is Liable for an Uber or Lyft Crash in Fort Lauderdale?

Determining liability is fairly complicated in an Uber accident claim. The liability often depends on the driver's status at the time of the crash and whether or not the driver met Uber’s standards.

If the driver does not have the app on, their insurance company is responsible for any damage they may cause. If the driver is on the app but does not yet have a passenger, some coverage is available to those who have an Uber driver hit their car. Coverage is accessible to those injured while a driver is on the way to pick up or transport a passenger.

However, this only determines who pays if the driver is liable. In many circumstances, the driver is liable for the damage caused by an accident. Liability may shift to Uber or Lyft if they do not properly screen the driver and, therefore, miss disqualifying facts.

If the driver has a felony, DUI, hit-and-run misdemeanor, violent crime conviction, lewdness conviction, or conviction for driving with a suspended license, the company should not approve them. They could be liable if the company permits them to begin driving anyway.

Insurance Requirements for Uber and Lyft Drivers in Fort Lauderdale

In an injury case, it's important to identify all available insurance coverage that may apply to your losses. To do so, we need to consider Lyft's insurance and Uber’s insurance requirements.

If the Driver is Logged Off the App

When not logged in or using the app, the driver’s personal auto insurance coverage applies, which must meet Florida’s minimum requirements of:

• $10,000 personal injury protection (PIP)
• $10,000 property damage liability (PDL)

If the Driver Has Not Accepted a Ride

This happens when the driver is waiting for a ride request. In this situation, the rideshare company or the driver must provide commercial insurance coverage with minimum limits of:

• $50,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $25,000 property damage liability per accident

If the Driver Has Accepted a Ride

When the driver has accepted a ride and until the passenger exits the vehicle, Uber and Lyft must provide at least $1 million in liability coverage per accident, which includes:

• Bodily injury and death coverage
• Property damage coverage
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

Collision and Comprehensive Coverage

Uber typically applies a $1,000 deductible and Lyft a $2,500 deductible, depending on the driver’s policy.

Getting Compensation for Your Uber or Lyft Accident

What does this insurance coverage mean for you when you are involved in an Uber or Lyft car accident as a passenger? It means that your attorney has many avenues to explore as they investigate the accident and work to establish liability. It may come out that the company did not properly vet the driver and failed to uncover a history of DUIs, which would put liability on the shoulders of the company. If the company failed to properly vet the driver, such as ignoring a history of DUIs, the company may be held liable.

Regardless, tracking the financial and non-financial losses you suffer is important. This may include repair estimates from mechanics, medical reports indicating the extent of your injuries, and a receipt for your car insurance deductible. Other losses that drivers or passengers may be compensated for include:

• Medical bills, including all past and future medical expenses for treatment, including hospitalization, surgery, treatments, doctor visits, physical therapy, medication, and rehabilitation.
• Lost wages, including lost hours and salary at work, benefits, and retirement earnings missed, as well as bonus payments and future income if your earning capacity is changed.
• Pain and suffering damages throughout your recovery.
• Property damage, such as the repair or replacement of your vehicle, and any other personal property lost.
• Loss of consortium, such as changes in relationships and your ability to maintain your life.
• Disability, including permanent loss of the ability to work.
• Disfigurement, such as damage from scarring, burns, and other forms of disfigurement.

You may also obtain additional forms of compensation depending on the nature of the accident, the severity of your injuries, and other factors. You may also pursue wrongful death damages through a wrongful death claim if an Uber or Lyft accident killed a close family member. Such damages can help cover final medical expenses and funeral and burial costs.

Who Can Recover Compensation After a Rideshare Accident?

After a rideshare accident, various parties may be eligible to recover compensation depending on the circumstances of the accident and the applicable laws. Here are the key parties who may seek compensation:

• Rideshare passengers: Passengers who were in the rideshare vehicle at the time of the accident are generally entitled to compensation for injuries sustained.
• Rideshare drivers: Drivers may be eligible for compensation for injuries sustained while providing rideshare services.
• Other drivers and passengers: If the accident involved multiple vehicles, drivers and passengers not affiliated with the rideshare service may be eligible for compensation.
• Pedestrians and cyclists: Pedestrians and cyclists who are involved in a rideshare accident may be entitled to compensation for their injuries.
• Third parties: In some cases, individuals who are not directly involved in the accident but suffer harm as a result (such as property damage or economic loss) may also be able to seek compensation.

Insurance coverage can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the accident, including whether the rideshare driver was on duty, whether they had accepted a ride, or whether they were actively transporting a passenger.

If you’re involved in a rideshare accident in Fort Lauderdale and believe you qualify for compensation, you should consult an experienced rideshare accident attorney right away to learn of your options and to get help dealing with the complicated claims process.

What Should I Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Fort Lauderdale?

If you are involved in an Uber or Lyft accident in Fort Lauderdale, you should take certain steps to protect your legal rights. Here’s a general guide on what you should do after an Uber or Lyft accident:

• Check yourself for injuries and move to a safe location if possible.
• Report the accident to law enforcement and obtain a copy of the police report.
• Exchange contact information, insurance details, and vehicle information with all parties involved in the accident.
• Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, license plates, and any relevant road signs or signals.
• Preserve any evidence related to the accident, such as receipts, photographs, and witness statements.
• Seek medical attention even if your injuries appear minor. Some symptoms may take time to appear.
• Keep records of all medical treatment and expenses.
• Notify your auto insurance company about the accident and follow their recommendations for filing a claim.
• Be cautious about making statements to insurance adjusters or representatives of the rideshare company.
• Contact an experienced Lyft or Uber accident attorney to help build your case.

Contact a Fort Lauderdale Uber Accident and Lyft Accident Attorney Today

As an Uber accident lawyer, our legal team at David I. Fuchs Injury Law is ready to help you. Our Fort Lauderdale rideshare accident attorneys are dedicated to providing you with aggressive legal support and reliable resources as we gather evidence to build your claim. When you contact our law offices, we go to work to protect your rights and educate you on your legal options.

Contact our rideshare accident lawyer today to request a free case evaluation. You pay nothing upfront and receive a free, no-obligation consultation. To schedule a consultation with an Uber and Lyft car accident lawyer, reach out to us online or call us at (954) 568-3636.