If you or a loved one was recently involved in an accident while using an Uber in Florida you shouldn’t despair. The skilled Miami Uber accident attorneys at Klotzman Law Firm can help you for the rights you are entitled to under the law.
With the massive popularity of ridesharing services like Lyft and Uber in Florida, it is hardly surprising that many people prefer these cost-effective and convenient options over traditional methods of transportations.
Still, whenever you get into any vehicle, an Uber included, there’s always the risk of being involved in an accident. If you or someone you love is injured in an Uber accident, you have the right to claim compensation from the at-fault party.
Unlike typical auto accidents, Lyft or Uber accidents tend to be complex, with multiple parties likely being potentially responsible for the accident. It can be difficult to handle the claim on your own, especially if you aren’t familiar with the legal process.
You will be required to prove the at-fault party’s negligence if you want to obtain maximum damages for the injuries you have suffered and your lost wages. That’s where a knowledgeable and experienced Miami Uber accident attorney comes in.
Florida has its fair share of personal injury law firms, but not all of them are created equal. Prior to choosing a lawyer to represent you, it is important that you do proper research and pick one with expertise, experience, and a client-centered approach.
Fortunately, that’s exactly what we offer at Klotzman Law Firm. We have the necessary expertise, resources, and skills to handle any type of Uber accident case to recover maximum compensation for our clients.
Our law firm in Miami, Florida has adopted a unique client-centered approach that leverages both efficiency and technology to deliver superior results. We are also proud to treat all our clients with compassion and warmth. Our procedures and policies allow us to focus on all details of your claim, and we always pay a great deal of attention to the needs of each of our clients.
If you have any questions regarding your Uber accident claim, get in touch with our Miami Uber accident lawyers at Klotzman Law Firm today. Our representatives will assess your situation and provide the help you need to recover maximum compensation.
Call us today at 954-915-7405 to handle your Uber accident claim and obtain the compensation you deserve!
Uber and Lyft Accident Statistics
Overall, it seems that drivers prefer Lyft to Uber when it comes to ride sharing platforms. While some drivers do work for both Uber and Lyft, the statistics reveal some interesting insights. The number of Lyft drivers in 2017 stood at 1.4 million while Uber had 3.9 million drivers across 63 countries.
Interestingly, while both Lyft and Uber drivers are usually below 50 years old, there has been an increase in the number of drivers around the age of 62. In terms of driver satisfaction, Lyft is the clear winner with a total of 75% of drivers reporting being satisfied with the experience compared to 58% of Uber drivers.
In April 2019, Lyft announced that it had enhanced background checks for drivers. Following in the footsteps of Uber from 2018, both ride sharing platforms now conduct continuous criminal background checks and annual screenings to ensure passenger safety. Overall, the findings suggest that drivers prefer Lyft with a higher commitment to safety and satisfaction levels.
Uber’s 2019 Safety Report shows that the company recorded 3.1 million daily trips in the U.S. in 2017 and 2018. During this period, 97 Uber drivers were involved in fatal crashes, which resulted in 107 deaths.
Digging deeper, the report shows that the motor vehicle safety rate for Uber drivers was 0.59 fatalities for every 100 million miles in 2017, while the rate dropped slightly to 0.57 fatalities for every 100 million miles traveled in 2018. While this might seem like a minimal decline, any progress made in reducing fatalities on the road is always welcome.
It is important to note, however, that Lyft, which is Uber’s major competitor, also has similar statistics, showing that accidents can happen to anybody, even those that utilize ridesharing services. The data highlights why it is important to always stay vigilant on the road whether you are a casual rider or professional driver.
All in all, it is important to always be aware of the possible risks and be extra cautious when out on the road. Safety must always be a top priority, and these sobering statistics need to serve as a reminder of why you should always be vigilant when behind the wheel.
What Are the Most Common Types of Uber & Lyft Accidents?
Ridesharing services like Lyft and Uber have enjoyed massive popularity in recent years since they provide quick and affordable transportation for millions of people. However, with their growing usage, there has also been an increase in the risks associated with accidents on the road.
Unfortunately, it is still not uncommon for Lyft and Uber vehicles to be involved in serious accidents, and the legal process after such accidents is often complicated and confusing. To protect yourself and your passengers, you should understand the most common types of accidents that occur with Lyft and Uber.
Here are some of the most common types of Uber & Lyft accidents:
-T-Bone Crashes
You could be cruising down the road when all of a sudden, an Uber or Lyft driver suddenly makes an illegal U-turn right in front of you, resulting in a collision. Sudden turns in unexpected areas by Uber/Lyft drivers are accidents waiting to happen.
-Rear-End Collisions
People often assume (wrongly) that the driver at the back is always at fault. But, what if the driver in front makes a sudden stop, leaving the driver behind with no time to react? Rideshare drivers are known to make erratic stops in unfamiliar areas as they try to pick up passengers, which puts both their passengers and other drivers at risk.
-Sideswipes
These are another common type of Uber/Lyft accident and usually happen when a rideshare vehicle hits a moving or parked vehicle while the driver is distracted by their phone, chatting with passengers, or scanning the road for passengers, resulting in a deadly collision.
Unfortunately, there are numerous other types of rideshare accidents, which cause various types of injuries to both Uber/Lyft drivers and passengers, which is why it is always important to know what to do in the event of an accident.
Safety is always the first priority. Call medical assistance if necessary and exchange insurance information with other parties involved. If you’re a passenger, report the accident to the rideshare company, document everything, and contact an attorney if necessary.
If you are an Uber/Lyft driver, ensure that you have adequate insurance coverage because your policy might not cover you in case of an accident. You should also never let your guard down. Always keep your eyes on the road, be mindful of other drivers, and take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety and that of your passengers.
Who Can Be Found Liable in an Uber Accident?
Dealing with a personal injury claim involving a rideshare company like Uber or Lyft can be rather complicated. After all, there could be multiple parties that could be held liable for the accident that resulted in your injuries or those of a loved one.
That’s why you should always have a capable personal injury lawyer representing you who can help you determine who should be held accountable. Here are some of the parties that could be found responsible for an accident involving a rideshare vehicle:
The Rideshare Driver
If the Uber or Lyft driver is found to be at fault because of their negligence, you may be able to seek damages from their personal insurance. If their insurance policy cannot cover your medical bills and other expenses, however, the rideshare may have to take responsibility.
The Rideshare Company
The rideshare company may be held accountable for its drivers’ actions in some instances. Many rideshare companies, however, have agreements with their drivers classifying them as independent contractors, which can make it much harder to hold the company responsible.
Fortunately, an experienced personal injury lawyer such as those at Klotzman Law Firm in Miami, FL can help argue your case for shared liability and ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
Third Parties
Accidents involving rideshare vehicles are sometimes caused by the negligence of a third party, such as another driver on the road. In such instances, it is important to act fast and contact a reputable Miami accident lawyer to file a claim seeking maximum compensation from the at-fault party.
Navigating the complexities involved in a personal injury claim involving a rideshare service might be overwhelming, but having experienced legal counsel on your side can make all the difference. Don’t hesitate to seek legal assistance from Klotzman Law Firm to help you recover the compensation you are rightfully entitled to.
How Do Uber Accident Cases Differ from Regular Car Accident Cases?
Driving a car carries with it inherent risks and whenever you hit the road, you are always faced with the possibility of being involved in an accident. For Uber/Lyft drivers that spend many hours behind the wheel, even late and night when they may be fatigued, the risk of an accident is amplified.
It is absolutely important to understand that there are several key differences between a regular car accident and an Uber accident.
In a regular car accident, the at-fault driver will likely have an insurance policy offering limited coverage, thus limiting the payout to the injured party. Uber, on the other hand, is a giant corporation with massive assets and ensures that drivers carry a whopping $1 million insurance policy when on the job.
The enormous insurance coverage by Uber means that the injured parties can receive a much larger payout to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other associated costs. Since insurance companies usually minimize payouts, you should consider engaging an experienced lawyer who will guide you through this intricate process.
Does Uber Actually Have a $1 Million Insurance Policy for Accidents?
It is always important to prioritize the safety of the people that use ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft. This is particularly true in the unfortunate event of an accident.
Rideshare companies, however, have a 3-part insurance plan aimed not only at protecting their passengers but also the companies themselves. The extent of coverage that an individual receives will depend on the driver’s activity at the time of the crash.
If the Uber/Lyft driver is using their vehicle for personal reasons and is thus unavailable to accept any ride requests, then the Uber/Lyft insurance policy does not apply. In such instances, it is the driver’s personal insurance policy that determines the level of coverage.
If the Uber/Lyft driver is ready and available on the app to pick up a passenger, their insurance policy takes precedence in the event of an accident while on the way to pick up a passenger wherever they might be located.
The most comprehensive coverage comes into effect when the Uber/Lyft driver has a passenger in the vehicle. The $1 million policy covers the driver and passenger under the liability insurance policy for any injuries, damages, or losses that occur during the ride.
It is important to understand the different levels of coverage that rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft provide to ensure that you are adequately protected while utilizing their services. The companies also provide comprehensive coverage to their drivers to safeguard them in the event of an accident.
What Type of Compensation Can I Seek in an Uber Accident?
If you are ever unfortunate enough to be the victim of an Uber or Lyft accident, it is possible to seek compensation for a variety of damages incurred. The available damages that you can recover can be classified into 4 categories:
Physical Injuries
Physical injuries include any harm or injuries sustained during the accident, such as broken bones, bruises, cuts, spinal damage, etc. These injuries are often life-altering and an experienced Uber accident lawyer can help you recover compensation for your medical bills along with other damages related to your physical injuries.
Economic Losses
Economic losses include the financial losses such as lost wages, reduced productivity, and various other expenses that may result from the injuries incurred. Any Uber accident settlement offer should consider these economic losses along with any immediate medical expenses.
Emotional Distress
Emotional distress can be just as severe as physical injuries and may include conditions such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or emotional trauma. Your lawyer will evaluate the extent of your emotional suffering and work with you to recover compensation.
Loss of Life’s Pleasures
Loss of life’s pleasures is the final category of damages you can recover, which includes a reduction in the quality of personal relationships, loss of enjoyment of life, or loss of consortium with a significant other. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the laws and recover the compensation you deserve.
Should I Simply Accept a Settlement Offer?
You should never agree to any settlement offer before a healthcare provider has had the chance to evaluate the extent of your injuries. You should consult with a knowledgeable lawyer before you accept any settlement offered by the insurance company. Your lawyer will carefully assess all relevant documentation and suggest the best course of action.
How Much Will an Uber Accident Lawyer Cost?
If you decide to work with the Uber accident lawyers at Klotzman Law Firm, you won’t be required to pay any upfront fees for filing your claim. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you only pay if we win your case and recover maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
Do I Have a Deadline to File My Uber Accident Claim?
Yes. The deadline for filing an Uber accident claim is referred to as the statute of limitations, which in Florida is 4 years from the day of the accident. As such, you typically have just 4 years from the accident date to file your claim if you were injured in an Uber accident.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer?
If you have been involved in an Uber accident in Miami, Florida, it can be incredibly beneficial to enlist the help of an experienced lawyer. A skilled lawyer can help you file a strong case and help you receive the maximum compensation possible for your injuries.
Here is how a trustworthy Uber accident lawyer can assist:
-Case Preparation:
Your lawyer will first review your records and speak with eyewitnesses to help you build the strongest case possible.
-Negotiation:
Your lawyer will then negotiate a fair settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
-Trial Preparation:
If settlement negotiations fail, your lawyer will take your case to trial to recover the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Miami Uber Accident Lawyers Today!
Uber accidents are often complicated because there might be multiple parties at fault. If you have been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Miami, Florida, it is absolutely important that you seek the help of an experienced Uber Accident attorney.
Klotzman Law Firm in Miami, Florida has the expertise and skills required to handle your case and ensure that you receive the maximum possible compensation. Call us today at 954-915-7405 to handle your Uber accident claim.
