Miami Accident Lawyer Blog
Even if you do not use ridesharing services on a regular basis to get around Miami, you are no doubt familiar with the popularity of Uber, Lyft, and other transportation network companies. Statistics on annual Uber trips indicate that ridership went from 140 million in 2014 to 6.9 billion in 2019 – an explosion due in part to the ease-of-use, low cost, and many other convenience-based factors. However, your willingness to let someone else drive does not improve safety or act to reduce the potential for serious car accidents. Passengers who use rideshare services are not immune to severe injuries in the event of a crash.
From a legal standpoint, Uber and Lyft collisions are slightly different than other auto crashes. It is important to know what to do if you were hurt, and one of the first steps is consulting with a Miami rideshare accidents attorney about your rights. Some additional tips may also be useful.
- Seek proper medical care. Getting treatment for your injuries is a top priority after a ridesharing accident, so head to an emergency room or urgent care center right away. Not only does prompt treatment support your health, but it also affects your legal rights. Delays can lead to the assumption that you were not hurt or only sustained minor injuries.
- Get contact information from all drivers. Fault is a critical element in an Uber or Lyft collision. Besides your rideshare driver, there may be other motorists who were at fault or contributed to the accident. As such, you should obtain contact and insurance information from drivers of other vehicles so you know where to file your claim.
- Gather evidence at the scene. Use your cell phone to take pictures of all vehicles, the surrounding area, span of roadway, traffic signals, and other physical characteristics of the accident scene. You should also capture images of the damage to vehicles, since dents and scratches can be an indication of fault.
- Talk to potential witnesses. If there were bystanders or other individuals who may have observed the Uber or Lyft crash, ask what they saw and when. Witnesses can be important in corroborating your version of what happened, for purposes of proving fault. As a neutral third party, a witness has credibility when providing input to an insurer.
- Hold off on discussions with an insurance company. Your rideshare driver and other involved motorists will pass on your contact information to their own insurers, so it is likely that you will receive a call. Do not speak to the insurance company employee, other than to confirm your name and phone number. You may reveal too much through your statements, potentially harming your right to recover compensation.
Call a Miami Rideshare Accidents Lawyer Right Away
Because of the complications involved with Uber and Lyft collisions, it is wise to entrust your claim to experienced attorneys who know the relevant laws. To learn how our team at Gerson & Schwartz, PA can assist with the legal process, please contact our offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach, FL to set up a free consultation.