Call Us Today Ridesharing services have changed the way we move around the world. They are convenient and affordable and solve many problems associated with public transportation. But rideshare accidents can happen, and when they do, you may be unsure who is liable for your injuries.
If you have been hurt in a rideshare accident through no fault of your own, you deserve compensation. Your medical bills may be mounting, your family may be suffering, and you might be unable to work. A Fort Myers rideshare accident lawyer can help you understand your rights.
Viles & Beckman LLC has recovered over $100 million for injured victims just like you. Contact our Fort Myers car accident lawyers for a free consultation. We want to hear your story.
What is a Rideshare?
Ridesharing as a service provides one-way transportation on short notice. The most prominent ridesharing companies are Uber and Lyft. They have developed a business model that allows clients to connect with drivers and schedule transportation.
This commuter/driver connection is made possible through a smartphone-based platform. Uber and Lyft differ from taxi services in that Uber or Lyft drivers use their personal vehicles to transport clients instead of using a company-owned cab.
Rideshare drivers are independent contractors, and rideshare companies consider themselves as a third party that connects people with drivers. In case of an accident, a Fort Myers personal injury lawyer can help you determine the responsible party and file for maximum compensation.
Expect More, Receive More: Legal Support That Feels Like Family
Common Reasons for Rideshare Accidents in Fort Myers
Like any car accident, a rideshare accident can happen for a wide range of reasons. If the rideshare service is at fault, their insurance coverage will usually cover the cost for rideshare accident victims. Here is a list of the most typical rideshare accidents :
- Acts of nature: Events such as rain, fog, snow, and ice cause bad accidents.
- Distracted driving: This is a significant cause of rideshare accidents, as drivers are continually checking GPS devices and talking to passengers.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol: Because rideshare drivers are independent contractors, they aren’t monitored closely.
- Exhaustion: Rideshare drivers often put in long hours. This leads to an increased risk of accidents.
- Failure to maintain vehicles: Due to busy routines or a lack of revenue, rideshare drivers can forget to maintain their vehicles properly or cannot afford to do so.
- Ignoring stop signs and traffic lights: Negligent drivers rushing around in unfamiliar areas can run stop signs and traffic lights, resulting in a rideshare vehicle accident.
- Inexperience: Rideshare drivers can be hired with as little as one year of driving experience. Speeding: Because rideshare drivers make their money based on the number of customers they transport, speeding can be a problem.
- Reckless and aggressive driving: Rushing, distraction, inexperience, and impatience can lead to an improper lane change, which endangers both passengers and drivers.
(239) 334-3933
Are Rideshare Companies Always Liable for Accidents?
In some cases, rideshare companies could be liable in case of an accident. Both Lyft and Uber have robust insurance policies that cover accident victims. However, their driver must be logged into the app for their insurance to take priority. If not, your claim may be with the driver’s personal insurance company.
A Fort Myers rideshare accident lawyer can help you make sense of insurance coverage and file a rideshare accident claim for fair compensation. You may recover the costs of your medical care, lost wages, property damage, and possibly pain and suffering.
Click To ContactHow to Make Your Rideshare Experience Safer
A rideshare accident can mean physical injuries leading to tremendous medical costs and other economic damages. Here are a few common-sense precautions that may help you avoid a rideshare accident in Fort Myers:
- Make sure you choose drivers with a lot of positive ratings.
- Never sit in the front seat.
- Avoid any serious conversations with your driver.
- If you feel your driver is going too fast, politely ask them to slow down.
- Never enter a vehicle if your driver appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Get another ride!
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Most Common Types of Car Accidents
Following are the six most common types of accidents on U.S. roads. If you have been in any of the below situations with a rideshare company driver, contact a rideshare accident lawyer in Fort Myers as soon as possible.
Rear-end collisions
Rear-end crashes account for around 29 percent of all car accidents and happen when a driver hits the back of the car in front of them. These collisions often occur during periods of heavy traffic and sometimes end up involving several vehicles.
Head-on Collisions
The most common cause of a frontal impact accident is a vehicle veering from its lane and colliding with a car going in the opposite direction. Head-on crashes are rare and most often occur in rural areas where travel lanes aren’t adequately delineated or where medians aren’t used to separate traffic.
Side-impact Collisions
Also called a “T-bone,” these accidents occur when one vehicle turns against on-flowing traffic and collides perpendicular to an oncoming car. The number of these accidents has increased in the last twenty years due to higher traffic speeds and the increased number of larger vehicles.
Single-car Collisions
A single-car collision usually results from a driver losing control of the car, traveling off the road, and hitting an object (e.g., a tree, a mailbox, or a fence). These types of accidents are caused by driver distraction, impairment, or weather conditions.
Low-speed Collisions
Low-speed, low-impact accidents usually occur in places like parking lots and school zones. These areas bustle with activity and can be quite tricky to navigate. The National Safety Council (NSC) states that the number of car accident claims jumps between Black Friday and the end of the holiday season.
Pedestrian Collisions
The dangers of rideshare accidents aren’t limited to passengers. Careless rideshare drivers may also strike pedestrians. If an Uber or Lyft driver hits you, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Contact a Fort Myers Rideshare Accident Attorney
Car accidents can change your life. Serious injuries take time to heal, and you can incur tremendous economic and non-economic hardships. A rideshare insurance company may be unwilling to offer a settlement that actually helps you.
You need the right legal representation to stand up to rideshare companies and their insurance providers. A Fort Myers rideshare accident attorney can help you fight for compensation from the liable parties so you can get your life back on track.
Since 1995, our legal team at Viles & Beckman has represented injured victims like you. Because we work on a contingency basis, you pay nothing unless we win. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Call or text (239) 334-3933 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
