Uber/Lyft Accidents: What You Should Know About Rideshare Lawsuits
If you were in any kind of crash that involved a rideshare vehicle, you need a qualified car accident attorney on your side. The lawyers at Chanfrau & Chanfrau understand the complexities of these kinds of cases. We've spent years representing accident victims in Holly Hill, Daytona Beach, Palm Coast, and other Central Florida communities.
Below are some general considerations when it comes to ridesharing vehicle crashes. If you need to speak with a car accident lawyer about your experience, we encourage you to reach out to us today for a hassle-free and complimentary case review.
Affected Parties in a Rideshare Crash
Uber accidents and Lyft accidents can affect all types of people throughout Central Florida. Here's a brief rundown of who may seek legal action after a ridesharing collision.
Drivers Hit by an Uber or Lyft Vehicle
If you were commuting and got hit by an Uber or Lyft, you can file an injury claim. This covers accidents involving cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs, as well as accidents involving motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters. Rear-end, t-bone, and head-on collisions with a rideshare vehicle can lead to serious injuries.
Pedestrians and Bicyclists Hit by a Rideshare Vehicle
Bicyclists or pedestrians involved in Lyft or Uber accidents can sustain catastrophic injuries depending on the nature of the crash. This is especially true of hit-and-run accidents due to negligent, inattentive, or distracted drivers.
Passengers in a Rideshare Vehicle
If you were riding in an Uber or Lyft at the time of a car accident, you can potentially sue the negligent party for causing injuries and damaging any of your belongings in the crash.
Surviving Loved Ones of Accident Victims
Families that lose a loved one in a wreck can file a wrongful death lawsuit after a fatal accident. This helps address the financial losses and emotional toll that a fatal crash can take on the people closest to the victim.
Rideshare Drivers Hit by Negligent Motorists
Rideshare drivers aren't always at fault for a crash. If you were driving an Uber or Lyft and got hit by another negligent driver, our personal injury attorneys can help you hold that party accountable.
How Long Do I Have to File a Legal Claim?
In the state of Florida, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit or wrongful death claim.
While two years sounds like a lot of time, it's a good idea to speak with the lawyers at Chanfrau & Chanfrau as soon as possible. We have three law offices in Volusia County and Flagler County, which allows us to serve a large population of people here in Central Florida. We encourage you to set up a free consultation with us at your earliest convenience.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Rideshare Collision?
Liability in a Lyft or Uber accident depends on the specific details of the crash and its causes. We won't delve into the particulars below, but here's a list of potential liable parties just so you understand why it's important to have a trusted legal team on your side.
A Reckless Uber or Lyft Driver
While many rideshare drivers are safe and have high ratings on their respective apps, some are reckless. This poor judgment goes beyond speeding and failing to signal. Some Uber and Lyft accidents wind up being caused by drunk driving, road rage, and even texting while driving.
Another Negligent Motorist on the Road
When a rideshare driver isn't to blame for a Lyft or Uber accident, the blame may fall on another driver on the road. In addition to regular passenger vehicles hitting an Uber or Lyft, it's also worth considering the dangers posed by semi-truck/18-wheeler crashes.
The Rideshare Company Itself
Though rare, it may be possible to sue Uber or Lyft for negligence in a crash. You have to demonstrate that the rideshare company was negligent, which may involve a lack of screening of a potential Lyft or Uber driver.
Automakers or Manufacturers of Vehicle Parts
In cases in which drivers were following the rules of the road at the time of an accident, it's worth considering potential vehicle failure or faulty parts as a contributing factor in a Lyft or Uber accident. This covers everything from poor vehicle design by an automaker, defective tires or braking systems, and catastrophic failure of a vehicle's safety features.
Local Municipalities or Road Authorities
Poor road conditions and malfunctioning traffic signals can also contribute to a rideshare accident. Since these kinds of cases involve local governments and other organizations, it's crucial to have a skilled personal injury lawyer on your side throughout the legal process.
Multiple Parties Could Share Liability for a Car Accident
Collision litigation can be complicated, particularly in multi-vehicle crashes and when multiple parties can be held liable for a car accident. That's why it's important to discuss what happened with the car accident lawyers at Chanfrau & Chanfrau. We have helped many clients throughout Daytona Beach, Palm Coast, Holly Hill, DeLand, and other Central Florida communities.
Damages in a Rideshare Accident Lawsuit
When seeking compensation after an Uber or Lyft accident, our car accident lawyers will seek damages to cover medical bills as well as property damage.
Medical bills cover long-term medical expenses for physical rehabilitation, reconstructive surgery for physical disfigurement that occurred at the time of the accident, and mental health counseling for emotional distress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Property damage covers any damage to the vehicle as well as any of your belongings at the time of the crash; we can also factor in lost wages and earning potential as part of this calculation if needed.
A Note About Punitive Damages
During the investigation process, we can also determine if it's possible to seek punitive damages in your case if intentional misconduct and gross negligence were involved. We should note that these kinds of damages are rarely sought in this state given the strict Florida statutes on pursuing punitive damages.
You Don't Pay Our Law Firm Unless We Win Your Car Accident Case
Chanfrau & Chanfrau eliminates the financial risks of pursuing litigation. This allows working people all over Central Florida to seek restitution for their injuries without worrying about the out-of-pocket costs of legal representation.
Free Legal Consultations
Your initial, no-obligation consultation with our law firm is complimentary. You do not have to pay any money to get your case evaluated by a proven legal professional. We can also let you know what you should consider doing next, regardless of whether or not we wind up handling your case.
Representation on a Contingency Fee Basis
If our car accident lawyers do take on your case, you don't have to pay a retainer or any hourly legal fees. You only have to pay us if we can negotiate a favorable settlement or win your case in court. If we don't win, we don't get paid. This demonstrates our law firm's belief and investment in your case.
Need to Talk With an Injury Lawyer?
Contact Chanfrau & Chanfrau for a Free Case Review
If you've been in an Uber or Lyft-related accident, you need skilled legal representation that can take on insurance companies and other corporate interests. Our attorneys have a long record of legal service and we will not back down while representing your interests. To speak with our lawyers free of charge, contact our Central Florida law firm today. We have offices in Daytona Beach, Palm Coast, and DeLand.
About William Chanfrau, Jr.
William M. Chanfrau, Jr. began his legal career in 1997 working for the State Attorney's office. He joined his father's practice in 2001 and became a managing partner at the firm in 2007. Mr. Chanfrau is a member of the Florida Bar, the Southern Trial Lawyers Association, the Volusia Civil Trial Lawyers Association, and other legal organizations.
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