Rideshare companies, including Uber and Lyft, do significant business in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. However, with more ridesharing vehicles on the road comes the possibility of serious accidents and injuries involving these vehicles.
Rideshare accidents sometimes happen when rideshare drivers violate the rules of the road. However, they may also occur when third-party drivers are negligent, causing their vehicle to strike a rideshare vehicle and injure people.
If you suffered injuries in a recent Fort Lauderdale rideshare accident, the legal team at The Russo Firm is ready to fight for your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve for your losses.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a Fort Lauderdale rideshare accident lawyer, please call us at (954) 767-0676 or contact us online right away.
Schedule a Free Initial Consultation Today!
Fort Lauderdale Rideshare Accident Guide:
- How Much Is My Fort Lauderdale Rideshare Accident Case Worth?
- Most Common Locations for Rideshare Accidents in Fort Lauderdale
- Most Common Types of Fort Lauderdale Rideshare Accidents
- Common Injuries in Fort Lauderdale Rideshare Accidents
- Fighting the Insurance Company in a Fort Lauderdale Rideshare Accident Case
- Important Steps to Take Following a Fort Lauderdale Rideshare Accident
- Speak to an Experienced Fort Lauderdale Rideshare Accident Lawyer Today
Why Choose Us for Your Fort Lauderdale Rideshare Accident Legal Needs?
Ridesharing accidents can result in debilitating injuries, some of which may affect accident victims for the rest of their lives. If you sustained injuries because of a rideshare driver’s or third-party driver’s negligence, you are not alone.
The legal team at The Russo Firm will fight for your interests and ensure that you recover the compensation you need. Over the years, our attorneys have recovered more than $1 billion in settlements for injured accident victims. We are committed to helping you maximize the compensation you recover in your rideshare accident case.
You can view our most recent client testimonials and case results by clicking on the following links.
Our office is conveniently located at 110 East Broward Boulevard, #1700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.
How Much Is My Fort Lauderdale Rideshare Accident Case Worth?
In Florida, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance plays a role in rideshare accidents. Florida requires all drivers to carry PIP insurance, which covers up to $10,000 in medical expenses and lost income regardless of who was at fault.
This no-fault insurance should ensure that injured parties receive prompt compensation for their immediate medical needs and lost income without waiting for fault determinations.
However, PIP coverage has limitations. It may not cover all medical costs or lost income if they exceed the policy limits. Additionally, PIP insurance doesn’t cover non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
You may pursue additional compensation through a personal injury claim against the rideshare company, driver, or other liable parties if your damages exceed PIP limits.
In a Fort Lauderdale rideshare accident, third-party compensation typically falls into several categories:
- Medical Expenses: This includes the cost of emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, doctor’s appointments, physical therapy, and any ongoing treatment needed for your recovery. You can also recover costs for medications and medical equipment.
- Lost earnings: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim compensation for the income you lose while you cannot perform your job. This also covers potential future earnings if your injuries have long-term effects on your ability to work.
- Pain and Suffering: This compensates you for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries. It addresses the effect on your quality of life and overall well-being.
- Loss of Consortium: In some cases, if the injuries significantly affect your relationship with your spouse or family, you may recover compensation for this loss of companionship or support.
Most Common Locations for Rideshare Accidents in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale rideshare accidents frequently occur due to driver or motorists’ negligence.
Some common areas where these accidents happen include:
- Downtown Fort Lauderdale: The downtown area is bustling with activity, including traffic from locals, tourists, and rideshare vehicles. With numerous intersections, heavy traffic, and high pedestrian activity, rideshare accidents are more likely in this area, particularly around popular spots like Las Olas Boulevard and the Fort Lauderdale Beach area.
- Airport and Travel Hubs: Locations like Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport are common spots for rideshare accidents. The airport experiences high volumes of traffic from arriving and departing flights, which can lead to congestion and careless driving. Rideshare drivers often navigate through busy airport terminals and pick-up areas, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Major Highways and Roads: Highways such as I-95, U.S. 1, and FL-84 are major thoroughfares that experience heavy traffic and frequent merges. Negligence by rideshare drivers and third-party drivers, such as speeding or distracted driving, can lead to collisions.
- Popular Entertainment and Shopping Areas: Areas like the Galleria Mall and the various entertainment districts in Fort Lauderdale attract a great deal of foot traffic and vehicle congestion. Rideshare drivers often pick up or drop off passengers in these crowded areas, leading to higher chances of accidents due to sudden stops, illegal parking, and pedestrian crossings.
Negligence by rideshare drivers, such as distracted driving, speeding, or not following traffic laws, and third-party drivers who may be driving recklessly or under the influence, contribute significantly to these accidents.
Most Common Types of Fort Lauderdale Rideshare Accidents
In Fort Lauderdale, Florida, several types of rideshare accidents frequently result from negligence by either rideshare drivers or other motorists:
- Rear-End Collisions: One of the most common accidents involves a rideshare vehicle being rear-ended by another car. This often happens when the following driver is distracted, speeds, or fails to maintain a safe following distance.
- Side-Impact Collisions: Side-impact accidents, also known as T-bone collisions, occur when a rideshare vehicle is hit on its side by another vehicle. These accidents typically occur when a third-party driver runs a red light or fails to yield at an intersection. In Fort Lauderdale, busy intersections or high-traffic areas near shopping centers and entertainment districts are common locations for such accidents.
- Left Turn Accidents: Rideshare drivers making left turns at intersections risk accidents if they don’t properly check for oncoming traffic. Negligence can include failing to see approaching vehicles or misjudging their speed. Such accidents are common in areas with heavy traffic and at numerous intersections, including U.S. 1 or near the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
- Pedestrian Accidents: Fort Lauderdale has many pedestrian-heavy areas, and rideshare drivers may not always be vigilant when pedestrians cross the street. Distractions, speeding, or failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks can result in serious accidents. Areas near malls, entertainment venues, and busy downtown streets are frequent hotspots for these accidents.
- Accidents Involving Cyclists: With the growing number of cyclists in Fort Lauderdale, drivers of rideshare vehicles must watch carefully. Negligence, such as not checking for cyclists in bike lanes or not allowing them enough space, can lead to accidents. These accidents are most likely to occur on busy streets and popular bike routes.
- U-Turn and Lane Change Accidents: Rideshare drivers who make sudden U-turns or lane changes without signaling or checking blind spots often cause accidents. These accidents are common in Fort Lauderdale since traffic is dense and drivers frequently maneuver through congested areas.
Common Injuries in Fort Lauderdale Rideshare Accidents
Victims of rideshare accidents in Fort Lauderdale can suffer from a range of injuries that vary in severity.
Some of the most common injuries that accident victims may suffer include:
- Whiplash: A frequent injury in rear-end collisions, whiplash occurs when the head and neck are jolted back and forth abruptly. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and a limited range of motion in the neck. It often requires physical therapy and pain management.
- Concussions: A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that results from a sudden impact or jolt to the head. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, confusion, and memory problems. Concussions may require medical evaluation and monitoring to ensure full recovery and to rule out more severe brain injuries.
- Broken Bones: Accidents can cause fractures or broken bones, especially in high-impact collisions. Commonly affected areas include the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbone. Treatment may involve immobilization with casts, surgery, and rehabilitation.
- Back and Spinal Injuries: Injuries to the back and spine, such as herniated discs or spinal fractures, can occur in severe accidents. These injuries can cause chronic pain and mobility issues and may require extensive medical treatment, including surgery and physical therapy.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: These injuries involve damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, often resulting from sudden impacts or awkward movements. Common examples include sprains, strains, and contusions. They typically require rest, physical therapy, and pain management.
- Internal Injuries: In serious accidents, internal organs can be damaged, leading to conditions such as internal bleeding or organ ruptures. These injuries can be life-threatening and often require emergency surgery and prolonged hospital care.
- Psychological Trauma: Emotional and mental injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, can also result from the trauma of a rideshare accident. Victims may need counseling or therapy to address these psychological effects.
Fighting the Insurance Company in a Fort Lauderdale Rideshare Accident Case
After a Fort Lauderdale rideshare accident resulting from the negligence of a rideshare driver or another motorist, you need a lawyer to fight the insurance company.
If PIP insurance won’t compensate you for your medical expenses and lost income – or to pursue compensation for pain and suffering – you may need to file a third-party claim against the rideshare operator, rideshare company, or negligent third-party driver’s insurance company.
At The Russo Firm, here’s how we can help you navigate the process and secure the compensation you deserve:
- Gathering Evidence: We start by collecting all relevant evidence. This includes police reports, witness statements, photos of the accident, and medical records. Solid evidence is crucial for proving negligence and supporting your claim.
- Assessing Damages: We will evaluate the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. An accurate assessment of your damages ensures you seek appropriate compensation for all your losses.
- Dealing with Insurance Adjusters: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims. We handle all communications with insurance adjusters, protecting your rights so you don’t make statements that may hurt your case.
- Negotiating a Fair Settlement: We negotiate with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement that covers all your damages. This involves presenting a strong case based on the evidence and damages we’ve assessed.
- Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary: We can take legal action if negotiations don’t lead to a satisfactory settlement. Filing a lawsuit can get the compensation you deserve and hold the responsible parties accountable.
- Providing Legal Knowledge and Experience: Our legal team has experience handling rideshare accident claims and understands the complexities of insurance policies and laws. We advocate for you and navigate the legal system effectively.
By taking these steps, we ensure you have a strong case and fight for the compensation you need to recover and move forward.
Important Steps to Take Following a Fort Lauderdale Rideshare Accident
Following a rideshare accident in Fort Lauderdale, to protect your legal rights:
- Document Everything: Collect and retain all relevant documents, including police reports, medical records, and any correspondence with insurance companies. You need these documents for your claim.
- Complete Medical Treatment: Follow through with all recommended medical treatments and therapies. This not only aids in your recovery but also provides a clear record of your injuries and the treatment you received, which is vital for your case.
- Consult a Fort Lauderdale Rideshare Accident Attorney: At The Russo Firm, we can explain your legal rights, navigate the claims process, and pursue favorable monetary compensation for your injuries and damages.
Taking these steps promptly will safeguard your health and strengthen your position in pursuing a successful rideshare accident claim in Fort Lauderdale.
Speak to an Experienced Fort Lauderdale Rideshare Accident Lawyer Today
The experienced lawyers at The Russo Firm can swiftly investigate the circumstances surrounding your rideshare accident and fight for the compensation you deserve through a personal injury claim or lawsuit.
For your free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney, please call us at (954) 767-0676 or contact us online today.
Schedule a Free Initial Consultation Today!
The Russo Firm – Fort Lauderdale Office
110 E Broward Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 767-0676