When you’re involved in a rideshare accident in Gainesville, navigating the complex web of insurance policies and liability issues can feel overwhelming. Unlike traditional car accidents, rideshare collisions involve multiple parties and insurance coverages, making it challenging to determine who’s responsible for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
At The Eberst Law Firm, we understand the unique complexities of rideshare accidents in Florida and have helped numerous clients recover fair compensation after Uber and Lyft crashes. Our experienced Gainesville car accident lawyer know how to thoroughly investigate these cases and hold the responsible parties accountable for your injuries.
What Makes Rideshare Accidents Different from Regular Car Accidents in Gainesville, FL?
Rideshare accidents involve a complex insurance structure that differs from typical vehicle collisions. When you’re injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, you may be dealing with the driver’s insurance, the rideshare company’s commercial policy, and potentially other drivers’ insurance companies.
The coverage available depends entirely on what the rideshare driver was doing at the time of the accident. Understanding these coverage periods is crucial for determining your compensation options.
Period 1: App Off or No Ride Request
When the rideshare driver’s app is turned off or they haven’t accepted a ride request, only the driver’s auto insurance applies. That often provides minimal coverage and may not be sufficient to cover serious injuries.
Period 2: Available for Rides or En Route to Pickup
During this period, rideshare companies provide limited liability coverage, typically $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident. This coverage only applies if the driver’s insurance doesn’t cover the accident.
Period 3: Passenger in Vehicle
When a rideshare driver has an active passenger, the company’s full commercial insurance coverage is in effect. This typically includes $1 million in liability coverage, as well as comprehensive and collision coverage for the vehicle.
Understanding these periods helps determine which insurance policies apply to your case and what compensation you may be entitled to receive.
How Do You Prove Liability in a Gainesville Rideshare Accident?
Establishing fault in rideshare accidents requires a thorough investigation and the collection of evidence. Our Gainesville rideshare accident lawyers work quickly to gather crucial evidence before it disappears or becomes altered.
Our investigation process focuses on multiple evidence sources. We obtain the following pieces of evidence:
- Rideshare company’s trip data and driver records
- Police reports and witness statements
- Traffic camera footage and photos from the scene
- The driver’s phone records as evidence of distraction
- Vehicle maintenance records and the driver’s history
Florida follows a comparative negligence system, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you’re partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault, making it essential to build a strong case proving the other party’s responsibility.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Rideshare Accident?
Rideshare accident victims in Gainesville may be entitled to various types of compensation depending on the severity of their injuries and the circumstances of the crash. The substantial insurance coverage available through rideshare companies often results in higher potential compensation compared to typical car accident cases.
Economic damages cover your measurable financial losses, including:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation costs
Non-economic damages address the intangible impacts of your accident. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and mental anguish all fall into this category. In cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may also be available to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
Why Choose The Eberst Law Firm for Your Gainesville Rideshare Accident Case?
We have built our reputation on protecting Florida families and fighting for the rights of accident victims throughout our community. Our team has successfully recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients, including a recent $1.26 million car accident settlement and a $510,000 case involving a spine injury.
What sets us apart is our commitment to clear communication and timely support. We respond to our clients quickly because we understand time is valuable, and we don’t intend to waste it. Our innovative approach means we think outside the traditional law firm box, using advanced technology to keep you informed about your case every step of the way.
Talk to an Experienced Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Gainesville, FL Today
Rideshare accidents present unique challenges that require experienced legal representation. The multiple insurance policies, complex liability questions, and corporate defendants involved make these cases more complicated than standard car accident claims. We have the resources and knowledge necessary to take on large rideshare companies and their insurance providers.
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in Gainesville, don’t let insurance companies minimize your claim or delay your compensation. We offer free, no-obligation consultations to evaluate your case and explain your legal options. Contact us today at (772) 225-4900 or through our contact form to schedule your consultation and start protecting your rights.
