Uber is one of the most popular ridesharing services in the United States and in Florida. Since it started, it has grown considerably. In 2018, Uber reported 10 million trips taken globally using its service. According to a study from 2019, ridesharing services are tied to a 3% increase in traffic accident deaths. The researchers found that in the span of a year, there were 97 fatal crashes involving Uber drivers, and 107 wrongful deaths resulted. About 20% of victims were riders, and nearly 60% were other drivers or passengers. Also, the researchers found about 1,000 accidents per day involving ridesharing vehicles.
The researchers used crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and data from Uber and Lyft regarding the number of rides they provided in the United States. Because of the lower cost of ridesharing versus a taxi, more people can afford this private form of transport instead of taking public buses or trains. This means more potential roadway congestion in cities, leading to more accidents.
The number of people downloading and using Uber, Lyft, and other ridesharing apps is continually growing today. Also, the number of people signing up to work for Uber is growing in Boca Raton and other Florida cities. People who are injured in Uber or ridesharing accidents may not know how to proceed. This article will explain the effects of Uber accidents, insurance coverage issues, and why you need a Boca Raton Uber accident lawyer.
Types of Uber Accidents in Boca Raton
With the rising number of ridesharing accidents, more types of victims exist. Our firm can handle Uber accident cases that involve different situations. These are some common examples of the types of Uber accident cases we handle:
- Pedestrians, motorcyclists, or bicyclists who Uber drivers strike.
- Riders in vehicles of Uber drivers who crash into objects, roll or go off the road.
- Riders in vehicles of Uber drivers who collide with other vehicles.
- Passengers or drivers of other vehicles struck by Uber drivers.
- Riders whose Uber drivers cause them injuries from sudden stops, speeding, or other forms of careless driving.
Although it is less common, some people may also get into altercations with Uber drivers. If the rider sustains injuries, the rider may be able to collect compensation. Uber drivers abide by a code of conduct that places passenger safety first. They have a duty of care to drive responsibly and carefully. However, if an accident occurs because an Uber driver is irresponsible, any involved victims may be entitled to compensation.
Common Types of Injuries From Uber Accidents in Boca Raton
The type and severity of injuries may depend on the type of accident. For example, the injuries of a pedestrian who is hit by an Uber driver traveling at 30 mph will likely be more severe than the injuries sustained by a rider who has a seatbelt on and is in an accident when the driver is going the same speed. From all forms of Uber accidents, these are some of the most common resulting injuries of victims:
- Broken or fractured bones
- Whiplash
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Cuts and lacerations
More serious injuries may be fatal. For example, high-impact injuries can lead to fatal internal bleeding. Some people also suffer more severe long-term injuries. Traumatic brain injuries or paralysis are some potential types of Uber accident injuries.
Potential Effects of Boca Raton Uber Accident Injuries
Accidents can have ripple effects regarding pain and injuries. Although a person may not feel pain immediately after the accident, it can develop and worsen over time. Chronic pain may lead to many negative effects. For example, a person may start to lose mobility. Many people require physical therapy after an accident for one or more injuries. Some may need to purchase medical assistive devices to help them walk, stand or do something else.
Also, some people suffer penetrating injuries or complications that may lead to surgery. Infections or other complications can also lead to the need for amputations, which can cause a permanent disability. If you suffered any injury after an accident involving an Uber driver, it is important to speak to a Boca Raton Uber accident attorney.
For some people, losing certain abilities means losing a job. For instance, if an accident victim’s job requires dexterity and the use of hands, losing an arm or becoming paralyzed could mean that the person can no longer work. Some people may still be able to work but may not be able to continue their previous type of work. In such a case, a person may need to train for a new career. All these negative effects can be expensive.
In addition to lost or reduced income, an accident victim may notice other negative effects. For example, the person may be unable to drive children to their sporting events, provide childcare or maintain household tasks. People in these situations often need to hire someone to help if they do not have family or friends who can regularly help. Some people may lose the ability to maintain intimacy with a spouse after a serious injury, and that can strain a relationship.
Who Is Responsible for Uber Driver Accidents in Boca Raton?
Is Uber or the driver responsible for an Uber accident? The answer depends on the circumstances of the accident. In some cases, Uber may be responsible. According to Section 627.748 of the Florida Statutes, Uber must carry liability insurance for its drivers. The coverage may be worth up to $1 million. However, it is not always applicable. Full coverage applies from the time an Uber driver accepts a ride until the time a passenger is dropped off. After that, there is partial coverage when drivers are seeking ride requests, and there is no coverage when they are not using the app.
To better clarify this, consider a few examples. In the first example, an Uber driver accepts a ride request, picks up the passenger, and runs a stop sign a few blocks from the passenger’s destination. There is a collision that leaves the rider injured. In this case, Uber’s liability policy may apply with full coverage.
In the second example, an Uber driver drops off a passenger and waits for more requests. The driver decides to stop at a gas station and accidentally strikes a pedestrian crossing the road while trying to turn into the gas station. In this case, Uber’s policy may provide partial coverage. This is because the driver is still looking for requests but is not transporting a passenger and has not just accepted a request.
For a third example, an Uber driver drops off a passenger and decides to stop using the app to go spend time with some friends. While driving to a friend’s home, the Uber driver collides with another vehicle. In this case, Uber’s liability policy does not apply since the driver was not using the app, responding to a request, or transporting a passenger.
What happens when a driver is responsible? The state of Florida requires all drivers to carry personal injury protection insurance to cover their injuries. Because Florida is a no-fault state for injuries, recovering damages can be challenging. However, it is possible to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for serious injuries from an accident that occurred because of an off-duty Uber driver or another car driver. Since the process is complex and requires expertise, it is critical to work with a knowledgeable car accident lawyer.
How Boca Raton Uber Accident Attorneys Handle Cases
The first step is collecting information about your accident. A personal injury attorney can help you determine if you have a case against an Uber driver. An attorney can also investigate the details of the crash to determine if Uber’s liability policy may provide full or partial coverage for your injuries. One of the most important aspects in an Uber accident case is examining insurance and determining what applies based on the details of what happened.
An attorney also evaluates your injuries. It is important to know the severity of injuries and your prognosis. If your injuries are severe and permanent, the compensation your attorney seeks may be larger. When an attorney determines that you have a case against Uber or a driver, it is important to keep all your medical appointments. They are a vital part of the case to show the full extent of your injuries, any new developments, new complications, or other factors that may affect compensation.
Your attorney handles all legal paperwork and correspondence with insurance companies. This gives you the peace of mind that you do not have to feel harassed by insurance companies or others involved in the accident. You have more time to focus on coping with your injuries and managing your responsibilities. Attorneys typically settle Uber accident injury cases out of courtrooms. This means that they usually do it without there being a trial. Most responsible parties do not want the expense of a trial and will arrive at a fair settlement agreement. If you accept the settlement offer, your attorney gets paid based on the pre-agreed portion of it after it is awarded. When you receive your award, you can use it however you need to pay bills, pay for training for a new type of career or pay for any other expenses related to the accident.
If a case goes to trial, your attorney handles all the preparatory work. This may involve collecting witness statements, finding expert witnesses, reconstructing the crash, and more. Your attorney will work hard to present your case favorably for the best possible outcome.
Speak With A Boca Raton Uber Accident Lawyer Today
The easiest way to find out if you may be entitled to compensation for injuries from an Uber accident in Boca Raton is to call us. Your call is free and confidential, and we can discuss the accident details with you to help you understand your rights and what to expect. We understand that this is a difficult time for you. Although accident cases typically take some time to settle, we will keep you informed of every step and all new developments. Please contact us for a free consultation with a Boca Raton Uber accident lawyer.
Boca Raton Uber Accident Law Office
Shiner Law Group
7800 Congress Avenue, Suite 108
Boca Raton, FL 33487
