What Compensation Can You Recover After a Florida Rideshare Accident?
If you use Uber or Lyft around Florida, you know how convenient it is, until something goes wrong. When rideshare accidents happen, sorting out the legal and insurance issues can get tricky fast. If you’re hurt in a crash, you have the right to seek compensation. Knowing what you can actually recover is the first step to defending yourself.
Medical Expenses
Florida has a no-fault insurance system, meaning your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) covers your medical costs at first, even if you caused the crash. But serious injuries often exceed what PIP covers. In those situations, you can go after the at-fault driver’s insurance or the rideshare company’s insurance for more compensation.
Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity
If you can’t work because of your injuries, you can claim the income you’ve missed and future income you’re likely to lose. Let’s say your injuries result in long-term disability or you can’t do your old job anymore. In such a case, you could also get compensated for a reduction in your long-term earning ability. Having the right evidence, such as pay stubs, tax returns, and medical reports, can go a long way when trying to prove these damages.
Pain and Suffering
It’s not just about economic damages. Florida law allows accident victims to claim damages for non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering, stress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These damages cover the real, personal impact an injury can have beyond financial losses.
However, to qualify for these damages, your injuries usually need to meet the serious injury threshold as defined under Florida Statutes Section 627.737. Examples of such injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and amputations.
Property Damage
If your car or personal property is damaged in a rideshare accident, you may recover compensation for repair costs or replacement, depending on fault, insurance coverage, and the extent of damage.
Wrongful Death Damages
In the worst cases, where someone dies in a rideshare accident, their family can file a wrongful death claim. Such a claim can cover damages such as funeral costs, lost income, and the emotional pain of losing a loved one.
How Rideshare Insurance Affects Compensation
Rideshare claims can get complex because insurance depends on what the driver was doing. If the rideshare app was off, only the driver’s personal insurance applies. If it was on but waiting for a ride, there’s limited coverage from Uber or Lyft. But if the driver was en route or carrying a passenger, you could have access to up to $1 million in coverage. Determining which policy applies is key to getting the most compensation.
Importance of Legal Guidance
Navigating rideshare accident claims isn’t easy. Insurance companies usually want to pay out as little as possible and may try to shift the blame. That’s why working with an experienced personal injury attorney is crucial. A skilled lawyer can investigate the accident, identify all sources of compensation, and pursue the best possible outcome. If negotiations stall, they can take your case to court.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It’s not legal advice. Every case is different, so consult a qualified attorney about your specific situation.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you were injured in a rideshare accident in Florida, contact an Orlando car accident lawyer at Orlando Accident Attorneys today for experienced, professional legal help.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699/0627/Sections/0627.737.html