St. Petersburg Lyft and Uber Accident Lawyer

It may have seemed questionable a generation ago, but soliciting rides from strangers while out on the town has become completely natural, especially in congested cities. Ordering an Uber or Lyft ride is a great option when traveling to an unfamiliar area or going out for drinks with friends after work. The beauty of rideshare service is having rides on demand whenever you need them in almost every city in the world.

Rideshare companies like Lyft and Uber have completely taken over the taxi industry and are widely available in St. Petersburg and throughout Tampa Bay. Taking an Uber or Lyft makes it more convenient than ever to enjoy all that our town has to offer. While they do fulfill widespread demand for easy transportation, the rose-colored glasses come off when accidents take place and passengers get hurt.

Who Is Responsible for a Lyft or Uber Accident?

In specific Lyft, Uber, and rideshare accidents, the rideshare company is responsible for the losses and injuries of any victims.  However, the company is only liable when their employee — the driver — is active within the application.  Typically, this means the driver is actively picking up a passenger or the passenger is in the vehicle and on their way to their destination.

However, there may be other circumstances where another party might be responsible for an accident, even if a rideshare vehicle is involved.  Any of the following individuals may be responsible, depending on the circumstances surrounding your case:

• Another driver;
• Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare company;
• Rideshare driver;
• Owner or renter of the premises;
• Employers or employees on the premises;
• City or state government entity;
• Negligent passengers or pedestrians;
• Manufacturers for any involved vehicles, parts, or other related equipment; or
• Hired maintenance employees, including third-party contractors.

Other parties may also be liable for your claim, so we encourage you to work with an attorney during your legal matters.  We at Marsalisi Law can assist you during this challenging time.  We can help identify who is responsible, hold them accountable for your losses and suffering, and make it possible for you to obtain complete and fair monetary compensation.  Please contact us if you need support or have questions about your accident.

Recommendations for Next Steps: What Should You Do After a Rideshare Accident?

Following a rideshare accident, or any other incident where you may have gotten hurt, you may feel stuck about what to do next.  Luckily, you can use the following recommendations to simplify your claim process:

• Report the accident to law enforcement and the FLHSMV, if necessary;
• Seek medical attention as quickly as possible; 
• Adhere to all suggestions given by your medical team;
• Retain an attorney as soon as possible;
• Stay offline and log out of your social media accounts;
• Refrain from talking about your legal matters with others, including friends and family;
• When speaking with any insurance company, provide only minimal information that is required of you;
• Collect evidence related to your claim, keeping it safe and organized;
• Maintain your privacy and confidentiality by only discussing your case with your attorney; and
• Follow your attorney’s recommendations for the next steps.

At Marsalisi Law, we tailor our practices and recommendations to fit your specific needs and circumstances.  We can also help explain complex ideas and phrases, helping you feel confident during your claim.

Rideshare Accident Statistics

Data reveal that the widespread availability of Uber and Lyft is contributing to a rise in car accident fatalities. The University of Chicago found that, in 2011, traffic deaths increased by 2% to 3% since the introduction of Uber and competing services. Uber launched in 2009, and in 2010, 32,885 fatal car accidents marked the lowest number since 1949.

State Regulations for Transportation Network Companies

Transportation network companies or TNCs like Uber and Lyft must follow specific laws that vary by state. In Florida, TNCs must retain insurance coverage for their drivers and passengers. These policies must provide a minimum of:

• $50,000 for death and bodily injury per person;
• $100,000 for death and bodily injury per accident; and
• $25,000 for property damage.

These minimums may increase when the driver is active on the Uber or Lyft app. When a passenger is on a ride, and the driver is active, the coverage may reach:

• $1 million of total liability,
• $1 million of uninsured or underinsured motorist, and
• Full coverage of vehicle damages with a $1,000 deductible.

The available coverage to which you may be entitled as a passenger depends on what stage in the ride you were hurt. Your Uber or Lyft accident lawyer will be able to advise you on this matter.

Florida requirements also mandate TNCs to run background checks on all prospective drivers that verify their criminal and driving records. No one with any of the following convictions in the past 5 years may drive for Uber or Lyft (or any other transportation network company) in the Sunshine State:

• Any felony conviction;
• A DUI misdemeanor;
• A misdemeanor hit-and-run or fleeing or eluding police;
• A misdemeanor sexual battery or other violent crime;
• A conviction of indecent exposure or lewdness; or
• Driving with a revoked or suspended license.

These basic regulations seek to keep consumers safe when using Uber, Lyft, or some other mode of transportation.

Unfortunately, vehicle accidents involving Uber and Lyft still take place daily. Passengers are often innocent victims of these types of accidents. While Lyft and Uber employ million-dollar insurance policies, it may be challenging to prove to their insurance companies the severity of your injuries.

A St. Petersburg accident attorney who handles Uber and Lyft claims can help you push back against these powerful companies and their insurance providers. Frank P. Marsalisi of Marsalisi Law strives to help in your time of need so you can focus on healing — both physically and mentally — from accident injuries caused by another’s negligence behind the wheel.

Damages You Could Seek After a Lyft or Uber Crash in St. Petersburg

The details of an accident victim’s losses in an Uber or Lyft crash can vary; however, in general terms, you may be entitled to compensation for the following losses:

• All medical bills related to the accident;
• Rehabilitation for your injuries;
• Transportation to and from medical appointments;
• The cost of an in-home caretaker;
• Psychiatric treatment;
• Lost wages;
• Pain and suffering; and/or
• Overall reduced quality of life.

Anyone who requires medical attention after an Uber or Lyft crash is urged to keep all records and receipts for those treatments.

How to Prove Liability in Your Rideshare Accident Claim

Rideshare accidents, including those involving Uber or Lyft, are handled according to personal injury laws in a given state.  To receive monetary compensation in your personal injury claim, you must prove that your case meets all four of the following requirements:

• You were owed a duty of care:  A duty of care is a person’s responsibility in a given circumstance, generally related to maintaining a safe environment.  For example, all rideshare drivers are likely responsible for maintaining the vehicles, following the speed limit, using their blinkers, and following other traffic laws.
• Someone breached their duty of care, acting negligently:  When someone breaches their duty of care, they put themselves and those around them at risk.  Someone may be negligent if they drive while drowsy, ignore posted speed limits and traffic signs, or text while driving, among other irresponsible decisions.
• There is causation between someone’s negligence and your injuries:  Generally, you can prove that someone’s negligence caused your injuries with medical documentation.  We recommend you seek medical attention as soon as possible after your accident, as this will help legal personnel understand that you are taking your well-being seriously.
• You face losses due to the accident:  Many losses may qualify for monetary compensation in your claim, including medical costs, property damage, and lost wages.  We can help you identify other qualifying losses.

If you need assistance demonstrating that your rideshare accident claim meets these requirements, we can help.  Marsalisi Law can help you identify and assess relevant evidence, build arguments in your favor, and speak on your behalf to demonstrate you deserve significant financial recovery.  To retain support from the dedicated and compassionate Attorney Frank P. Marsalisi, please contact us at your convenience.

How Can a Lawyer Help in Your Lyft or Uber Accident?

If you have been hurt because another person was acting negligently — whether you were in a rideshare accident or otherwise — working with an attorney may be beneficial.  We at Marsalisi Law can provide extensive support during this challenging process, allowing you to receive fair monetary compensation without unnecessary stress.

When you retain Attorney Frank P. Marsalisi, we can help you in many ways, including but not limited to the following:

• Conduct an independent and thorough investigation;
• Help you find a solution for your medical care and healing;
• Communicate with other parties on your behalf;
• Level the playing field against other representatives;
• Connect you with additional helpful professionals, such as reconstructors and experts;
• Complete and file all documents correctly and on time;
• Use concise and specific language to communicate with legal personnel;
• Access to research methods and tools only available to attorneys and legal professionals;
• Navigate insurance company communication with minimal complications; and
• Quickly receive documents from medical providers and law enforcement.

If you need assistance with your rideshare accident claim, please do not hesitate to contact Marsalisi Law.  We can make the legal process more straightforward and less stressful, reducing time spent in litigation and increasing the financial recovery you can recoup from liable parties.  Please be wary of representing yourself during your claim, as the process is complex without adequate knowledge or support.

We offer free consultations and work on contingency so you can win the monetary compensation you need without excess stress.  You only pay for our support when you successfully obtain your financial recovery, so we are just as invested in your claim’s success as you.  We look forward to hearing from you and providing you with the support and guidance you need.

Contacting an Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer in St. Petersburg

Marsalisi Law is dedicated to fighting for the rights of accident victims in and around St. Petersburg. Frank P. Marsalisi is passionate about helping his clients obtain much-needed compensation for their injuries and charges no upfront fees. Our firm does not receive payment for our fees unless we win your case.

You can trust our firm to keep you updated on the status of your case while your wounds heal. If you’re in a condition that prevents you from visiting our firm, Frank will come to you to resolve important matters when necessary. With more than 10 years of experience, you can count on Frank P. Marsalisi to provide competent and passionate representation. Call (727) 334-1344 or complete our contact form for a free consultation. Marsalisi Law is Where Law Gets Personal.

Reference:

https://news.uchicago.edu/story/ride-hailing-services-may-be-driving-traffic-deaths