This article will break down how insurance works in these situations and what you need to know to protect yourself.
People often utilize Uber, Lyft, and other app-based transportation services for both convenience and safety. Whether getting a ride to the airport or home from a restaurant, the last thing you want to deal with is the repercussions of a car accident. However, the reality is that every time we step into a vehicle, there are risks involved. From minor to severe injuries, these situations may leave you wondering how to move on with the life you had before.
Fortunately, you don’t have to answer these questions alone. With the right legal support, you’ll be able to start making smart and well-balanced decisions aimed at protecting your future, even if things may seem unclear now…
Given that rideshare companies rely on smartphone applications to function, understanding the role this technology plays in personal injury claims is critical. If you were injured in the middle of a ride without the app open, you may have doubts about proving your case.
Does this diminish the value of your evidence? Will insurance companies use this to challenge your credibility?
It’s true that insurance companies do everything in their power to save money and protect their bottom line. However, if you understand the full scope of a rideshare accident claim in California, you’ll be able to counteract these attempts with proven legal strategies.
Recent studies have shown that rideshare-related accidents contribute to 11,300 crashes, 7,300 injuries, and 91 fatalities annually in the state of Florida. Given the prevalence of this issue, lawyers, and insurance representatives are highly skilled at approaching these types of personal injury claims. For this reason, you should choose to work with legal counsel who deeply understands the details of rideshare accidents – and the vital evidence needed to maximize your compensation.
The Role An Active Rideshare App Plays In Proving Your Accident
An active rideshare app can play an essential role in proving fault and liability in an accident. This is because the app logs real-time data – including the driver’s status, trip details, and GPS location. This is digital evidence that could be foundational to confirming whether the driver was actively engaged in a trip when the accident occurred, which determines how insurance policies apply.
Trip history and timestamps have the ability to establish key facts, such as the coordinates of the crash, whether the driver was en route to the passenger, and the time of impact. If the driver was actively transporting the passenger or on their way to pick one up, the rideshare company’s insurance coverage will likely apply. Even if the app was on without the trip yet accepted, limited coverage may still be available.
For legal proceedings, in-app communications, screenshots of ride receipts, and GPS logs can add immense validity to a victim’s case. A lawyer can help gather and present this digital evidence to increase the chances of securing a favorable settlement.
Who Pays The Victims In Rideshare Accident Claims?
There are several factors that determine financial responsibility in a rideshare accident, including the driver’s status in the app at the time of the crash. Usually, there are three potential sources of compensation in these circumstances: the driver’s personal insurance, the rideshare company’s insurance, and third-party insurance from other parties involved.
If the rideshare driver was engaged in a ride or on their way to pick up a new passenger, the rideshare company may provide up to $1 million in liability coverage. If the driver was logged into the app without yet accepting a ride request, there is a lower level of coverage – such as $50,000 per person for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage. If the driver was fully offline, their personal insurance is responsible for covering all damages.
If another driver’s negligence caused the collision, their insurance policy should cover losses. However, if that person is uninsured or underinsured, the rideshare company’s uninsured motorist coverage may provide adequate compensation. Navigating these policies can be complex, making it that much more important to consult with qualified legal counsel.
How Long Do Rideshare Claims Take To Resolve In Florida?
The time it takes to resolve a rideshare accident claim in Florida varies greatly depending on several factors, like the severity of the injuries, the complexity of the case, and whether an agreeable settlement can be reached outside of court. Simple cases may conclude within a few months, while more complicated ones can take well over a year.
Florida has comparative negligence laws that can extend the timeline. This is because insurance companies may choose to dispute fault allocation. Additionally, the duration of medical treatment affects settlement discussions, as insurers typically wait for victims to reach maximum medical improvement before finalizing payment.
In cases where negotiations fail, a lawsuit may be necessary, which further lengthens the process. However, an experienced attorney can expedite the claim by gathering evidence, aggressively negotiating with insurers, and pursuing litigation if needed.
The Benefits Of Working Alongside A Skilled Attorney
If you are looking for ways to greatly enhance your chances of obtaining fair compensation, hiring an attorney to manage your claim is highly recommended. Rideshare insurance policies can be confusing, and their workers may use your confusion to their advantage to reduce payouts. A skilled attorney understands these tactics and can negotiate on your behalf to mitigate their efforts.
By ensuring that medical records, app data, witness statements and other key evidence are properly collected and presented, your lawyer will work diligently to strengthen your claim. If negotiations don’t lead to fair settlement offers, your case may be taken to court. This protects you from being taken advantage of financially.
Additionally, since most personal injury professionals work on a contingency fee basis, there are no upfront legal costs – making comprehensive representation accessible to all accident victims.
From medical expenses to property damage, you can rest assured that adept legal counsel will stop at nothing to help you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Fenstersheib Law Group, P.A. Stands With Rideshare Accident Victims Across Florida
Don’t let unanswered questions jeopardize your success. Our firm provides personalized guidance and support when you need it most.
If you’re unsure whether or not the activity status of your rideshare app will impact the success of your claim, Fenstersheib Law Group is here to provide you with the insight you need for complete legal clarity. No two cases are the same – and we will meticulously analyze all the facts of your case to help you make the best decisions available to you.
While our main office is located in Hallandale Beach, we are pleased to provide additional in-person support at our secondary locations conveniently situated in Hollywood, Miramar, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Orlando, Sarasota, Tampa, and Jacksonville.
Ready to get started with a proactive legal strategy aimed at promoting your financial and physical well-being? Partnering with a trusted law firm is the first step to take. To schedule a free consultation with a member of our team, call 800-TELL-ROBERT or fill out our contact form today.
