Every time we choose to use rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, we are placing our trust in the hands of both the contracted drivers and other people on the road. While the majority of rides go smoothly, there are situations where accidents occur, leaving those involved with injuries that can greatly impact their future.
The most obvious losses associated with a car crash are usually medical bills and property damage – but what about lost wages? When we miss work due to injuries, this can significantly impact our financial welfare. This not only adds to the stress of affording various medical expenses but also creates uncertainty surrounding our future earning capacity.
If you find yourself in these unfortunate circumstances, you may be wondering what your options are. The good news is, you have legal options. According to Florida law, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and future income losses, which can be a major part of a rideshare injury claim.
So, how can you make educated decisions about your legal matters? What are the best ways to balance your claim with the recovery process? With the insight that an adept attorney can provide, these questions become clearer, and success becomes more of a reality.
This article will guide you through the legal process with confidence by explaining how wage loss is calculated, detailing the necessary documentation, and demonstrating how to incorporate this information into your claim…
Know Your Rights As A Passenger In Florida: What You Need To Know
Rideshare passengers in Florida are protected by an array of state laws and insurance coverages designed to provide compensation if there is an accident injury. Both Uber and Lyft must carry liability insurance that covers passengers from when the ride is accepted until it ends. This means that if the driver is at fault, their rideshare insurance policy should compensate victims for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
If another party causes a collision, their insurance would most likely be responsible. However, in the case that they are uninsured or underinsured, Uber and Lyft also provide uninsured motorist (UM) coverage for passengers. Victims also reserve the right to pursue compensation through their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage according to Florida’s no-fault insurance system, no matter who caused the accident.
In the vast majority of situations, passengers are not legally liable for the crash. However, proper procedures must be adhered to, including:
- Reporting the accident through the app.
- Seeking medical care within (14 days to preserve PIP benefits).
- Documenting all injuries and expenses (including lost wages from missed work).
Common Reasons For Missing Work After A Rideshare Accident
Many injured victims find it difficult to return to work immediately after a rideshare accident. Physical injuries like whiplash, fractures, concussions, and back injuries can make it impossible to perform basic job duties safely and effectively. Even “minor” injuries such as bruising or strained ligaments can limit mobility or cause pain that prevents normal functioning.
Psychological trauma is another major consideration when it comes to working after a rideshare accident. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression can develop as a result of the incident, particularly if the victim experienced a severe impact or life-threatening circumstances. These emotional factors can make it difficult to focus, drive, or interact with coworkers.
In addition to all of this, victims often miss work to attend medical appointments, follow-up evaluations, and ongoing physical therapy. Recovery is a time-consuming process, and returning to work before you’re ready can delay healing and make matters worse. For those living with long-term or permanent disabilities, changing professions or leaving the workforce altogether may be necessary.
What Damages Can A Rideshare Accident Claim Cover?
Rideshare accident claims in Florida can provide victims with compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include financial losses such as medical bills, rehab costs, prescription expenses, and lost wages. Future lost earnings may also receive coverage if the injuries impact an individual’s capacity to earn money long-term.
Non-economic damages provide compensation for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, and other harms that are considered intangible. For serious or catastrophic injuries, these damages represent a large portion of the claim’s value.
If the accident involved gross negligence, punitive damages may also be awarded. These are meant to punish reckless conduct and deter others from behaving similarly in the future.
How Long Do Benefits Last For Lost Wages? What Happens If A Victim Suffers Long-Term Injuries?
According to Florida’s no-fault system, PIP insurance covers up to 60% of lost wages for injuries up to the $10,000 limit. It is worth noting, however, that these benefits are usually short-term and aimed to provide immediate relief while the victim recovers.
If the injuries exceed PIP limits or are categorized as serious under Florida law, victims may pursue a liability claim or lawsuit against the at-fault party or rideshare company. If this is the case, past, present, and future income losses, as well as reduced earning capacity, can be fully compensated.
For those suffering from long-term or permanent injuries, damages may extend to lifetime earnings. Experts may be utilized to help determine the total financial impact of the disability or reduced work ability. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or private disability insurance may supplement some compensation if the victim cannot return to work.
How To Prove Lost Wages In Florida
In order to prove lost wages, there must be documentation that clearly demonstrates how the accident impacted your income. Common evidence includes tax returns, pay stubs, employment contracts, and employer statements.
For individuals who are self-employed, proving lost income may call for invoices, bank statements, client correspondence, and lost contracts. Medical records should be used in tandem to establish a link between the inability to work and accident-related injuries.
When future lost earnings or diminished earning capacity are involved, expert testimony can help facilitate credibility and accuracy. With their insight, long-term financial impacts can be projected based on your occupation, experience, and medical diagnoses. Throughout this entire process, it is crucial to maintain detailed records of all treatment, employer correspondence, and financial losses to ensure your claim is as strong as possible.
Fenstersheib Law Group, P.A. Is Here To Help
Our firm is pleased to provide dedicated legal services to victims across Florida.
When it comes to seeking compensation for missing work due to an Uber or Lyft accident, you need qualified legal guidance. At Fenstersheib Law Group, P.A., we have direct experience successfully managing personal injury claims in the context of rideshare accidents. With our unwavering support, you can be sure that every aspect of your claim is thoughtfully considered.
Our firm represents victims who missed work in Florida from our main office in Hallandale Beach, with additional offices in Hollywood, Miramar, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Orlando, Sarasota, Tampa, and Jacksonville (by appointment only).
Your recovery starts with a simple phone call. Speak with a dedicated legal advocate today at (954) 231-6123 for a free and confidential consultation. Don’t leave the outcome of your claim up to chance. Protect your rights and secure complete compensation under the guidance of Fenstersheib Law Group, P.A.
