The use of rideshare apps has been on the rise in recent years. With many different companies offering food deliveries, car rides, and ease of travel needs, many people are partaking in these services using apps. In 2020 alone, Uber, one of the most popular ridesharing apps, estimated 4.98 billion trips among its drivers even amid the pandemic.
Although there are many benefits to ridesharing as a means of transportation, it is not uncommon for passengers and other drivers to get into an accident with a Florida rideshare driver. If this is your case, it is important to know the steps after the accident. At Marsalisi Law Firm, our skilled personal injury attorney can help you gather all the information you need for your claim and receive compensation.
What Should I Do If I Have Been in a Rideshare Car Accident?
Rideshare accidents are more common than some may think, as you can still get into an accident whether you drive on your own or with a paid ride. If you have been in a Florida rideshare accident, here are the steps you should take:
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
After being involved in an accident, an important step to take is to seek immediate medical attention. You may not have definitive knowledge of the extent of your auto accident injuries right away because they can appear later on once the initial shock wears off. By going to your auto accident doctor’s appointment or a hospital, you can ensure that you are being treated properly while gathering the medical records and documentation you need.
2. Report the Accident to Necessary Parties
Another important step after a car accident is to file a report. You will want to make a police report at the time of the accident and let the rideshare company know that you have been in an accident while riding with their driver. Since Florida is a no-fault state, it can be tricky to determine who is liable for your injuries. Once all the necessary parties are notified, you will have the needed information and documentation to pursue compensation for your injuries and add the totality of damage with a skilled lawyer.
3. Keep Documentation of Everything
When going through a personal injury case, you need proper documentation of the events and the necessary documentation to support your claim. An experienced attorney can help you by requesting all the crucial evidence from your medical bills, doctor’s visits, progression of injuries, loss of wages, and workdays, as well as other factors that add to your case.
4. Hire a Florida Car Accident Attorney
With Florida’s no-fault rule, you may be wondering what your options are and how you can seek compensation after being in an accident. Attorney Frank P. Marsalisi has helped thousands of patients get the proper compensation for their rideshare accident injuries and losses. Having a skilled lawyer on your team will help you feel at rest knowing everything you need to handle a successful case.
5. Do Not Speak to Insurances or Companies without Legal Advice
Another essential part to note after a rideshare accident is settlement offers from insurance and companies involved that may try to deceive you and settle the case without further evidence or legal support. It is not beneficial to accept the first settlement offer from an insurance company. Be cautious of giving information to those that call, and never speak with anyone about the accident until you have consulted your legal counsel.
Who Is Liable for the Accident in a No-Fault State?
If a no-fault rule applies to all drivers, such as in Florida, it may be difficult to prove and determine who is liable in a car accident. This makes it troublesome when seeking compensation for your injuries and the damages caused from the accident. A Florida personal injury attorney can guide you throughout your case and determine the best strategy to help you recover and receive the compensation you deserve.
Looking into the cause of your accident, an attorney can determine who is responsible for the financial compensation owed to you. Almost always, a passenger is not held liable for a car accident. Most times, the rideshare driver is responsible, or the other driver that caused the accident will be held accountable. Since rideshare apps require drivers to carry their insurance, the driver may be able to cover the injuries you face through their full coverage. Some rideshare companies also offer limited coverage for their drivers to use in the case of an accident while completing an accepted ride. Liable parties in a rideshare accident may include:
- The rideshare driver
- Rideshare insurance coverage
- Product or car manufacturers
- Other drivers
- Pedestrians or cyclists
- Commercial trucks or truck operators
Once you have an experienced rideshare accident lawyer on your side, you can determine who is responsible and sue for your injuries. While you are recovering from the damage and injuries resulting from another, our team will provide you with the best legal representation in personal injury law.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You after a Rideshare Accident
You may be wondering how a car accident attorney can help you after an accident. Legal counsel and support can help you attain the right amount of compensation owed to you for many reasons. It may be challenging to gather all the needed information and proof that many companies, like auto insurance adjusters, are skilled in disputing. They will often determine an amount of compensation and unjustly attempt to settle your claim
An expert attorney can help you counter these settlements and build the case you need to compensate for the injuries, damages, and other possible factors that contributed to your losses due to the accident. You may miss looking into different types of damage and personal injury components that can help you gain more compensation. Do not face an injury case alone and risk the chance of not putting your best foot forward.
Call Skilled Personal Injury Attorney Frank P. Marsalisi for Your Florida Rideshare Accident Claim
At Marsalisi Law, our skilled personal injury lawyer Frank P. Marsalisi can help you after a rideshare accident. With an experienced and understanding legal team, you will rest knowing that our attorney will take care of all you need for your case. Reach out to our law firm using our contact form or give us a call at (727) 800-5052 to schedule your free consultation.