Popular ride-sharing apps, such as Uber and Lyft, provide an alternative form of transportation to a taxi. Whether you are in an unfamiliar city, had a few drinks with friends, or are otherwise unable to drive, ride-sharing is generally a safe option. Just how safe a form of transportation it is, however, depends upon your rideshare driver. You trust the driver has a safe driving and criminal record.
If you hailed an Uber or Lyft ride, only to experience serious injuries in an accident due to the driver's negligence, contact us. You may pursue compensation. Contact the Fort Lauderdale Ridesharing Lawyers at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA for a free case evaluation by calling (833) 55-CRASH, or contact us online today.
The Popularity of Fort Lauderdale Ridesharing Services
The share of Americans who have used ridesharing services has more than doubled during the last few years, according to the Pew Research Center. The two most popular services are Uber and Lyft.
Uber
One of the most common names when it comes to ridesharing, Uber has led the industry since its start in 2009. Uber recently expanded its background checks on drivers. The new, continuous background check alerts Uber if the driver receives a felony or charge related to a violent offense. No part of the Uber process currently involves fingerprinting, nor does it conduct a credit check on drivers.
As part of the hiring process, Uber checks drivers' motor vehicle records for the following:
- Minor moving violations within the last three years: the driver must have no more than three.
- Major moving violations, like that of a DUI: the driver must have no major violations within the last seven years.
- Felonies, cases involving sex offenses, and violent crimes: the driver must have no felonies within the last seven years.
The changes in recent years regarding Uber's background check policies occurred after stiff fines by state and local officials. Colorado, for example, fined Uber more than $8 million in 2017 for over 3,000 violations. Among the various violations was the hiring of drivers with felony and moving violation convictions. The fine was eventually reduced, and Uber changed its policy regarding background checks.
Lyft
This fast-growing ride-sharing service launched in 2012. By 2018, Lyft reached its one billion ride milestone. To drive for Lyft in Florida, a driver must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 25 years old (except for Tallahassee where drivers must only be at least 21 years old)
- Pass a criminal background check and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check for driving violations
- Possess a valid state driver's license—a temporary or out-of-state license is acceptable.
Like Uber, Lyft does utilize fingerprinting as a part of its background check process. Both companies face scrutiny for their stance on fingerprinting. Congressional lawmakers continue to advocate for Uber and Lyft to fingerprint ridesharing drivers and to exchange information about drivers.
If your rideshare experience resulted in personal harm due to the negligence of your driver, you should explore your legal options. It only takes one driver to slip through the cracks of a failed background or MVR report to change your life forever.
The Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, understand how your unexpected trauma and injuries may overwhelm you. From your physical pain to financial worries and emotional stress, it is easy to feel confused about what to do next. Securing legal representation as soon as possible is essential to protecting your best interests.
We offer free case evaluations, leaving you nothing to lose by reaching out to us today. If you were seriously injured or otherwise harmed by a Fort Lauderdale ridesharing driver, let us help you. A car accident lawyer from our team can handle the details of your case during this difficult time.
When Your Fort Lauderdale Rideshare Trip Turns Tragic
Using a rideshare app for transportation in an unfamiliar city or after a few drinks with friends should not result in tragedy. When a rideshare driver loses control of his or her vehicle, it often results in serious harm for passengers.
Here are just a few of the more common types of injuries that can result from a ridesharing accident:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) - The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that a traumatic brain injury disrupts normal brain function. From a concussion to a severe TBI, your life may never be the same. If a loved one experienced a severe TBI as the result of a rideshare accident, he or she may require continuous, long-term care. The cost of a skilled nursing facility for your loved one may cost thousands of dollars per month.
- Spinal cord injury - A spinal cord injury is a devastating injury that affects mobility and sensation. For those who experience paralysis, the expense of a power chair, home modifications, and accessible transportation can escalate into millions of dollars throughout the years.
- Broken bones - A serious car accident can result in more than one broken bone. The type of break can impact your recovery period, need for physical therapy, and need for personal care.
- Internal injuries - Internal injuries are often very dangerous due to delayed signs and symptoms. Internal bleeding, for example, can result in organ damages and possible death if not treated immediately. Internal injuries are why it is imperative to seek medical attention immediately following a car accident—even if you feel fine.
These are just a few examples of the types of serious injuries possible when ride-share drivers lose control of their vehicles. A short drive across town or a long drive through a large city can place you at the same level of risk if the driver fails to use care.
Examples of driver negligence that can result in such serious and life-changing injuries include:
- Drunk driving: The driver chooses to transport you while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Distracted driving: The driver focuses too much on his app and next pick up rather than the road.
- Drowsy driving: The driver fails to adequately rest at night and between customers.
- Aggressive driving: The driver speeds, purposely tailgates, or shows other signs of aggression in traffic.
The ridesharing industry provides income for many drivers throughout Florida. Some drivers may become too comfortable in driving their own vehicles and forgetting the fact that they are technically working when they pick up a passenger.
There is no excuse for a driver whose negligence causes you serious harm. If your injuries resulted from a rideshare accident due to the reckless actions of your driver, you may qualify for compensation.
Liability for Your Fort Lauderdale Rideshare Injuries
Rideshare drivers are independent contractors who must carry a certain amount of insurance coverage.
While Uber and Lyft insurance policies cover accidents in certain situations, who pays and how much depends on the following:
- The driver is offline, and the driver app is off.
- The driver is available and waiting for a ride request.
- The driver is en route to pick up customers.
- The driver is actively transporting customers.
Even the highest level of coverage by an insurance policy does little to cover all of your medical costs following a serious accident. When you experience serious harm due to the actions of a distracted or otherwise negligent rideshare driver, they are most likely liable for your harm. If law enforcement charges them with a crime, their criminal case has no association with your right to civil action.
A personal injury lawyer can review the evidence of your accident and determine the best course of action for you. If you used Uber, Lyft, or another type of rideshare service and experienced serious injuries, contact the Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA now.
Why You Need a Fort Lauderdale Rideshare Injury Lawyer
Insurance companies generally want to settle injury claims as soon as possible—and often for the least amount of money possible. The time immediately following your accident is no time to deal with aggressive insurance company representatives.
No matter how friendly the insurance representatives seem, do not accept any settlement offer without first consulting an auto accident lawyer. An initial settlement offer from an insurance company may seem like a quick solution to your financial problems. The truth is that if you accept the settlement, you may lose your right to pursue civil action later. This is a problem down the road if your medical condition worsens. You may then realize that you need more to cover your medical expenses than what the settlement provided.
A personal injury lawyer from the Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. Whether it is an Uber policy, the driver's policy, and/or your own policy that tries to deny, delay, or underpay your claim, we are ready to fight for you. If we cannot secure the settlement you deserve out of court, we are ready to go to trial.
Never try to handle negotiations on your own. Insurance companies are far too experienced to negotiate with alone. The result may leave you stressed and without the funds necessary for your medical care.
Fort Lauderdale Wrongful Death Cases
If you lost a close loved one due to a fatal rideshare accident, we can help you. The upsetting news of your loved one's death can lead to feelings of anger and frustration. Your time of mourning is not the time to deal with insurance companies.
No amount of money can fill the void left by your loved one. Financial compensation can, however, possibly alleviate your concerns about your bills and loss of income. Our team can gently lead you through the wrongful death process. We treat our clients with compassion and provide timely updates when necessary.
Let us help you during this difficult period of your life. By holding those responsible accountable for your loved one's death, you may protect others from the same fate.
Don't Delay in Seeking Help
The Florida statute of limitations is a time limit for how long a plaintiff has to file a civil case. State law generally allows four years for personal injury cases and two years for a wrongful death case. While this may seem like a long time, it can pass quickly when you are dealing with physical, financial, and emotional stress.
Missing the deadline for filing your case may effectively bar you from pursuing compensation, ever. Do not miss your chance for justice. While each case is different, you may qualify for compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
In cases involving wrongful death, you may qualify for compensation of your loved one's final medical bills and funeral costs. Non-economic damages, like loss of companionship, are often harder to assign a monetary value, making legal representation essential. At the Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, we will not stop until we secure the best possible outcome for your case.
The injuries you experience may involve a long recovery or tragically result in a permanent disability. The rideshare industry continues to grow, placing an increasing number of people at risk for serious harm. While the industry continues to adjust its policies regarding background checks on drivers, the actions of one driver can impact your life forever.
Contact the Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA Today if a Fort Lauderdale Rideshare Accident Injured You
Traveling by a rideshare service is meant to serve as a safe form of transportation. If you were seriously injured or lost a loved one due to a negligent Uber or Lyft driver—either in the form of an accident or due to an assault—contact us without delay. Our Fort Lauderdale rideshare lawyers will carefully review all forms of evidence associated with your case, including police reports, accident scene photos, and witness statements. We have experience with these cases, so our team of experienced Fort Lauderdale rideshare attorneys knows what evidence to collect to build a strong legal case.
Time is not on your side due to the statute of limitations. If your Fort Lauderdale rideshare turned tragic, let us help you. The Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA proudly serve clients throughout Florida. To learn more about how we can help you, call us now at (833) 55-CRASH, or contact us online, for your free case evaluation.
Fort Lauderdale Office
150 E Davie Blvd Suite 201-2
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Phone: (754) 208-1130
What Our Clients Have to Say:
“This firm is amazing! Very professional, they helped me with my case until the end. They were available and very flexible. Dolman Law Group would answer all my calls/emails and wouldn't hesitate on explaining all of my concerns. They represented me on my case, in which it turned out to have a successful result. Super recommend them!”
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Thiara Bandeira
June 2018
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