​North Port Lyft Accident Lawyer

What Is Lyft?

Lyft launched the ridesharing service in 2012 and connected riders with drivers who signed up to become independent contractors and connect with riders via the Lyft smartphone app. Lyft earns most of its revenues from automobile ridesharing in the U.S. and Canada. Due to their status as independent contractors, Lyft drivers don’t receive a set wage or benefits. The company says most drivers work less than 20 hours per week.

Lyft’s services are available in 300 metropolitan areas across the United States and Canada, making it the second-largest ridesharing company on the continent. In one recent year, rideshare companies provided more than four billion rides. Despite their ever-growing popularity, finding someone with the experience to handle a Lyft accident can be difficult. The rideshare attorneys at Boohoff Law have extensive experience handling similar cases and have dedicated themselves to getting you fair compensation.

Lyft Accidents: How Common are they?

Busy intersections in our area, such as Tamiami Trail, Tuscola Boulevard, South Biscayne Drive, and other locations along U.S. 41 and Interstate 75, see lots of car accidents.

In recent years, ridesharing has enjoyed a reputation as a safe mode of transportation. However, a study by the University of Chicago and Rice University found that traffic deaths have increased by two to three percent since the rise of rideshare services such as Lyft and Uber.

The study cited traffic congestion caused by “deadheading” drivers as one of the reasons for this increase. These drivers have their apps on and are waiting for a fare. Consumers are using rideshare apps to order rides instead of public transportation, which has increased congestion.

It is hard to find statistics on how many ridesharing trips end in accidents, even in news articles about accidents involving Lyft drivers. Through lobbying efforts and protective orders, rideshare companies have successfully quieted so-called dark information about injury accidents and sexual assaults occurring during rides, media sources reported.

Accountability for Lyft Drivers

Lyft drivers should follow all safety rules and laws to ensure the safety of others. Like any other driver, however, Lyft drivers can cut corners, have a lapse of concentration, or otherwise violate traffic laws. They should be accountable for any injuries that result from their carelessness or errors.

According to Lyft, drivers must obtain state-compliant insurance. Moreover, the rideshare company provides coverage to drivers and passengers during a trip. This insurance is mandatory, knowing that Lyft drivers can make mistakes and cause serious injuries. This does not, however, mean that all drivers comply with insurance requirements at all times they are on the road.

In response to severe accidents, Lyft deactivates the driver’s account while investigating the incident. After the investigation is complete, if the company has not uncovered any information that indicates a driver’s violation of company policies, the company reactivates the driver’s account, and the driver can begin accepting rides once more.

Lyft Accidents: Causes and Consequences

Most Lyft accidents follow the same pattern as other motor vehicle accidents. Distracted driving causes most of these accidents, which may be more of an issue for Lyft drivers.

Lyft drivers typically need to use a navigation app and communicate with passengers, which can interfere with their ability to pay attention to the vehicle’s operation. Lyft policy prohibits drivers who use the Lyft app while driving from doing so, yet they often do and end up causing severe accidents since this distracted behavior is no better than texting while driving.

The following are some common Lyft accident causes:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol
• Drowsy/fatigued driving
• Speeding
• Aggressive driving
• Problems with vehicles

Lyft Accidents You May Encounter

The types of accidents you may encounter in a Lyft include:

• Rear-end wrecks
• Sideswipe crashes
• T-bone crashes
• Parking lot incidents
• Head-on crashes
• Multi-vehicle crashes
• Single-vehicle wrecks

How Florida’s No-Fault Insurance System Affects Your Case

For motor vehicle accidents, Florida follows a no-fault insurance system. Thus, our state’s laws require you first to seek reimbursement from your insurer. If you suffer from catastrophic injuries, you can file a third-party claim against the responsible party.

In Florida, Uber drivers must carry TNC coverage when offering or giving rides through the app. A rideshare company or driver must compensate you for negligent acts if this coverage does not apply and you suffer severe injuries.

You Can Get Financial Compensation for Your Losses

Personal injury victims face new legal issues following an accident for the first time. You are likely wondering who will pay your medical bills or reimburse you for the time missed at work.

In Florida, injured parties may receive compensation for both economic (financial) and non-economic (non-financial) losses. Such losses are called damages.

Economic damages are reimbursements and compensation for out-of-pocket expenses.

Examples include:

• Future medical expenses
• Healthcare expenses
• Long-term care
• Lost future earning capacity
• Lost wages
• Physical therapy

Non-economic damages compensate you for your indirect losses, including:

• Loss of consortium
• Loss of independence
• Lost enjoyment of life
• Mental anguish
• Pain and suffering
• Scarring and disfigurement

Florida law allows you to recover punitive damages in rare circumstances. Punitive damages punish negligent parties for grossly reckless or careless behavior. Juries rarely award punitive damages, but your Florida Uber accident lawyer will examine your case to determine whether it qualifies.

Several Factors Determine an Uber Accident Injury Case’s Value

Every Uber accident is unique. Without speaking to a Florida Uber accident injury lawyer, it isn’t easy to establish the value of your case. A personal injury lawyer can’t estimate the value of your case without all the relevant information.

Our legal team considers:

• The available evidence
• The amount of medical treatment received
• The nature, severity, and permanence of the injuries
• The overall outlook and prognosis
• The costs you incur out of pocket
• Traumatic nature of the accident

Similarly, the amount of insurance coverage available impacts the value of your injury claim. Boohoff Law will take sufficient time to review and document each client’s case. We present a demand to the insurance company based on our findings to recover as much money as possible.

We Help You Fight Back Against Uber Accidents

Uber accident injury lawyers can help you if a motor vehicle accident injured you. It is Boohoff Law’s goal to conduct a thorough investigation to determine what caused the accident and to preserve evidence that speaks to the facts and circumstances of your case. We will also work with the insurance company.

Lawyers Who Assist Clients in Proving Negligence

When insurers offer up to $1 million in coverage, they present a formidable case against claimants. Therefore, valid and admissible evidence is paramount during the claims process. A North Port Uber accident injury lawyer can assist you in collecting and preserving the evidence you need to receive an equitable settlement (or verdict if the matter goes to trial).

Boohoff Law generally demands and produces:

• Evidence relating to accident reconstruction
• Accident reports
• Records of cell phones
• Depositions
• Discovery productions
• Physician’s notes
• Driver dashcam footage
• Expert witness testimony
• Eyewitness testimony
• Medical records
• Past safety records
• Photo evidence
• Police reports
• Uber app data logs/records
• Video surveillance footage
• Other important evidence

Contact Us if You Suffered an Injury in a North Port Lyft Accident

Here in North Port and across the country, ridesharing companies make transportation easier. Nevertheless, as you can see, accidents involving rideshare drivers can quickly become complicated when it comes to figuring out who pays for your injuries.

While you should focus on healing from your injuries, we can help you make sense of the process. You can easily contact us online or call us at any time at (941) 888-0848 for your free case evaluation. Let our experienced North Port Lyft accident attorneys handle your case and get you the compensation you deserve.