Daytona Beach Rideshare Accident Lawyer

In the past, ridesharing was essentially just carpooling. Passengers covered half the cost of a trip when both the driver of the car and the rider were heading in the same direction. Today, with apps like Uber and Lyft, drivers often rideshare for profit, offering transportation services like a taxi. Some have made ridesharing into their day job, putting thousands of miles on their cars every year ferrying residents and tourists through their home cities.

Ubers and Lyfts are not hailed like traditional taxis. App users connect to drivers via a smartphone app, with the drivers having the choice to accept the rider and take them to their destination. All fare payments are handled by the app. Uber and Lyft also offer ridepooling services for more economical riders.

Ridesharing has become incredibly popular, with businesses adjusting to accommodate. There are now rideshare lanes in airport terminals, hotel fronts, and outside sports arenas.

Despite the convenience of ridesharing, there are some negative aspects to increased popularity. Ridesharing has been attributed to a small increase in auto accident fatalities, about 1,000 additional deaths per year. It has also led to an increase of vehicles on the road, contributing to congestion.

Some people turn to rideshare driving in a pinch to help them through a tight economic spot, and they may be unfamiliar with the areas they have to operate in. This can lead to behaviors that cause accidents, such as driving distracted while they repeatedly check their phone GPS to make sure they are heading the right way.

Insurance situations involving ridesharing accidents can be complicated. Rideshare companies carry their own insurance policies for their drivers, and these layered policies can contradict each other. Take these steps to protect your rights.

1. Seek Medical Attention Seek medical attention, no matter how minor your injuries seem. Prompt treatment protects your health and creates a record for your claim.
2. Contact Law Enforcement Contact law enforcement to report the accident so an official report documents what happened.
3. Document the Scene Take your own photographs of the scene, and write personal notes in order to remember the sequence of events.
4. Report the Incident to the Rideshare Company Report the incident to the rideshare company, and confirm they received your accident report.
5. Consult with an Attorney Consult with an attorney in order to have a go-between for all the parties involved in sorting out responsibility and damages for the accident.

In the aftermath of a rideshare accident, in addition to any harm you may have suffered during the accident itself, you may find yourself caught between the Uber or Lyft driver’s insurance company and your own. In difficult situations like that, you need legal help in your corner.

The attorneys at The Eberst Law Firm have experience in this field, and we can help you pursue the damages you are entitled to so you can focus on recuperating. Our Daytona Beach team is ready to take your call.