Delray Beach Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Many Palm Beach County residents could not imagine getting around without rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. Using just a smartphone you can get an affordable ride wherever and whenever you need. The popularity of these rideshare services, however, also means there has been a significant rise in accidents involving Uber and Lyft vehicles and their passengers.
The Delray Beach rideshare accident lawyers at Steinberg Law can assist you in seeking compensation following such crashes. We understand the complexities of Florida law as it applies to rideshare companies. And we can represent you in negotiating an insurance settlement or filing a personal injury lawsuit against the parties who are liable for your injuries.
Was Your Uber or Lyft Driver Negligent?
The State of Florida requires Transportation Network Companies (TNCs)–the legal term for rideshare services–to follow certain rules with respect to conducting background checks of drivers and carrying commercial liability insurance to provide coverage in the event of an accident caused by a driver’s negligence. Such negligence may include:
- Speeding — Rideshare drivers get paid per ride. This can mean they are in a hurry to finish your ride and get to their next paying customer, which often leads to speeding and other reckless driving behaviors.
- Distraction — A rideshare driver is often distracted by keeping a constant eye on their phone, both to navigate and to check for new fares. Such distractions divert the driver’s attention from the road and can lead to an accident.
- Fatigue — Rideshare drivers often work long hours without a break just to make ends meet. This increases the risk of having a fatigued driver behind the wheel who is less responsive to road conditions.
- Intoxication — Many people use Uber or Lyft to avoid driving home drunk. Unfortunately, there are cases where the rideshare driver may themselves be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, making them a danger to their passengers and everyone else on the road.
TNCs must provide at least $1 million in liability coverage for an accident that occurs while a driver has a passenger in their car or is picking up a passenger after accepting a ride request through an app. This can provide compensation for an injured passenger’s medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering, among other economic and non-economic damages.
Additionally, rideshare companies must provide a much lower amount of coverage if their driver causes an accident with another car, pedestrian, or cyclist during any period when the driver is logged into the TNCs app and available to accept rides but does not yet have a paying customer.
Contact Steinberg Law Today
Aside from TNCs and their drivers, other parties may also be legally liable for a rideshare accident, including the driver of another vehicle or a company responsible for manufacturing a defective vehicle or part. A qualified Delray Beach rideshare accident lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation into your crash and help you determine who owes you money. Contact Steinberg Law today to schedule a consultation.
