Santa Rosa County Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Santa Rosa County Rideshare Accident Attorney

Unfortunately, injuries caused by vehicular accidents are a common occurrence. Injuries and personal injury claims can be further complicated when they are sustained while using a rideshare service. Trying to gain restitution from a large company can be a confusing and intimidating process. Our skilled Santa Rosa County rideshare accident lawyers are here to help.

At Phil Hall, P.A., we have been serving the people of Santa Rosa County for over twenty years, helping them navigate a wide range of legal claims. Our talented attorneys are prepared to fight on your behalf to ensure you find a resolution to any injuries you may have suffered from a rideshare accident.

Rideshare Services and Liability

Typically, a legal claim after an accident that occurs while using a rideshare service is directed against the company rather than the individual driver. A successful claim hinges on the circumstances of the accident.

Unlike traditional taxi services, rideshare drivers are considered “independent contractors” and are not vetted as rigorously. Because of this status, most rideshare services have different levels of liability insurance that cover certain situations.

Uber and Lyft, for example, have liability insurance coverage that fluctuates depending on several factors. These include the driver, their activity on the application, and the passenger. Uber’s liability policy follows a strict set of “periods” that designate liability coverage. These periods are classified as follows:

• Period 0: The driver is offline. In this case, Uber or Lyft is not liable. Only personal insurance for the driver applies.
• Period 1: The application is on, and you may be waiting for a ride. Here, the company provides limited liability coverage. This amounts to around $50K per person.
• Period 2: At this point, the driver has accepted the ride and is on their way. Company coverage kicks in and covers some of the damages.
• Period 3: You are in the car. Now, a $1 million liability policy covers those within the car.

Understanding this fluctuating coverage is important so you can know what to expect when making a claim against a rideshare company. Claims can be further complicated by the number of people involved and the type of accident that occurs. Litigation often involves pedestrians injured by rideshare drivers, motorists in accidents caused by rideshare drivers, and passengers using the service themselves.

Finding the Right Lawyer

When entering a claim against a rideshare company, it is important to have sound legal counsel. Be sure to engage with an attorney who has experience dealing with personal injury and car accident litigation. The legal process that surrounds such cases can be confusing, and having a lawyer with a proven track record is important.

Seek out a lawyer who will represent your interests with vigor and tenacity. Entering a claim against a large company can be overwhelming. It is important to have counsel by your side who is ready to answer questions and provide support. This includes keeping you updated about your options and the status of your claim.

Lastly, be sure to have an attorney who works on a contingency-based fee. It is common practice amongst personal injury attorneys to accept cases where their fee is dependent on the case’s successful litigation. In short, if your claim is not successful, they don’t get paid. Be wary of lawyers who ask for upfront payments and do not work on a contingency fee or disclose their payment structures.

At Phil Hall, P.A., our experienced Santa Rosa County rideshare accident lawyers are prepared to fight on your behalf to ensure you find a resolution to any injuries you may have suffered from a rideshare accident. We are tenacious and unwavering in our pursuit of justice, and we are ready to advise you going forward.

FAQs

How Do I Sue Uber for an Accident?

It is important to remember that you should have all relevant evidence. This includes police reports, videos, witness statements, medical documentation, and any relevant trip details saved with the rideshare service. Report the incident to Uber, and make sure you get a definitive answer as to the driver’s “status” at the time of the accident. Refrain from giving a detailed statement until you have consulted with an experienced personal injury attorney.

How Much Does an Attorney Charge for a Car Accident in Florida?

The fee for a personal injury lawyer engaged with a car accident case in Florida may vary. In Florida, accident attorneys generally work on a contingency fee basis. This means that their fee is taken from whatever final settlement is reached. While it depends on the attorney, it is not uncommon for the fees to include 20% to 40% of the settlement’s outcome.

What Mistakes Should I Avoid When Hiring an Attorney for My Accident?

There are several things to avoid when hiring an attorney for your accident. The first is not to hire an inexperienced attorney who has had a limited history in handling personal injury cases. Another is to avoid attorneys who do not communicate well. Every case is unique, and you need to be certain you have a lawyer who is dedicated to ensuring that you gain full restitution.

Can You Sue Lyft for an Accident as a Passenger?

Yes, you can sue Lyft for an accident as a passenger. Injuries gained during accidents caused by a rideshare driver, circumstances involving another driver that lead to an accident, and vehicular malfunction are all examples where you may be entitled to compensation. It is for such circumstances that Lyft and other rideshare services provide liability coverage to their drivers.

Contact Us for Attentive Legal Representation

We all like to believe that contracting a rideshare service will ensure our safety while traveling. Unfortunately, accidents are all too common. This year alone, the state of Florida has had a reported 240,000 car crashes. In 2024, Pensacola saw over 4,900 people injured in car accidents, as well as 58 fatalities.

It can be intimidating facing a large corporation, and it is an unfortunate reality that companies will often either deny fault or undervalue claim payouts when it comes to the restitution of your injuries. Don’t allow yourself to get taken advantage of. Contact Phil Hall, P.A., to speak with one of our talented Santa Rosa County rideshare accident lawyers today.