Rideshare services like Uber have become extremely popular in Florida and nationwide. Most Uber rides are completed safely, without incident, getting you where you need to go. However, Uber drivers are involved in accidents just like other motorists.
The liability issue in rideshare accidents can be more complex than in most other accidents. Whether Uber insurance provides coverage for your damages depends on the stage of the drive at which your accident occurred.
Uber Accident in Fort Myers?
Contact an Attorney at Garvin Injury Law Today
You need the help of an experienced Fort Myers Uber accident lawyer with a proven record of recovering the maximum possible compensation. You need Garvin Injury Law by your side.
Our car accident attorneys in Fort Myers have been protecting the rights of car accident injury victims for over forty years and can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Call (239) 277-0005 or complete the form on our contact page to schedule a free consultation to discuss your Fort Myers Uber accident claim.Â
Why Choose a Fort Myers Uber Accident Lawyer From Garvin Injury Law?
- We have over fifty years of experience helping car accident injury victims recover the compensation they deserve.
- We have recovered numerous multi-million dollar settlements for car accident injury victims.
- We have the experience, skills, and resources to handle even the most complex car accident injury cases.
- We pay all costs of pursuing your claim, and you pay nothing until we win for you.
Why You Need A Fort Myers Uber Accident Lawyer
An experienced Fort Myers personal injury lawyer can significantly increase your chances of recovering the maximum compensation possible for your damages.
Uber accident cases can be complex, so you need an attorney with experience handling rideshare accident claims. An experienced Uber accident attorney will know how to investigate the accident to determine its cause, liability, and at what stage it occurred.
An experienced Uber accident attorney can help ensure all your current and future damages are accurately valued and help determine a fair settlement of your claim.
Your attorney can build your strongest case by discovering and gathering essential evidence to prove your claim. They can also help negotiate a fair settlement of your claim as quickly as possible.
Compensation in Fort Myers Uber Accidents
Compensation in a Fort Myers Uber accident claim depends on numerous factors. The severity of your injuries is a significant consideration.
Additionally, it matters whether there is sufficient insurance coverage or other assets sufficient to pay the full value of your damages. Our attorneys work hard to ensure all sources of compensation are discovered and available to pay your damages.
In a successful Uber accident claim, you may be able to recover economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include your current and future medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs incurred by your injuries and the accident.
Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional and mental distress, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, and other intangible losses.
In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded. However, Florida law only permits punitive damages when your accident was caused by the defendant’s intentional misconduct or gross negligence.
Liability in Uber Accident Claims
The majority of Uber accident claims are based on negligence. To be successful in a negligence-based claim, you must prove the existence of four elements:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care. All drivers owe a duty of care to operate the vehicle safely and to take reasonable actions to avoid harming others.
- The defendant breached their duty of care by their negligent actions or inaction.
- The defendant’s breach of duty caused the accident.
- You suffered damages caused by the defendant’s negligent action or inaction.Â
At Garvin Injury Law, our attorney investigates every accident thoroughly to help identify all possible causes of action and liable parties.
Wow! I am nearly in tears at the amount of appreciation I have for this law firm, Leland and Glenna!! I was hit by an unlicensed and under insured driver on my moped in Key West, Fl. Leland and Glenna went above and beyond to get me the aid and assistance I needed to not be forever in debt do to this difficult situation. They did not ever overpromise (like many other firms did when I called around) but man did they ever deliver! They did everything within their legal power to help make me whole. These types of law suits are never easy and I didn’t feel good. I am so happy to have had them dealing with my bills and insurance and medical providers on my behalf. All I had to worry about was my recovery, which they checked up on me VERY regularly also. I feel like I could count on them to help me in the future, and would definitely recommend them to anyone who is also in a tough spot. Thank you so much for everything you have done and continue to do to help me!
Lacey Albrecht
Uber Insurance Coverage
Uber provides insurance coverage for accidents involving their drivers. The Uber insurance coverage amounts depend on the driving stage in which the accident happened.
When Uber’s driver app is off, Uber does not provide coverage. In that case, Uber drivers’ insurance coverage would apply.
When the app is on, and drivers are waiting to receive a ride request, Uber maintains insurance coverage for accidents if personal insurance does not apply in the amounts of:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 per accident for property damage
When the app is on, and drivers are en route to pick up passengers, and during passenger rides, Uber maintains insurance coverage in the amounts of:
- At least $1 million for third-party auto liability coverage
- First-party coverage may include uninsured motorist coverage, underinsured motorist coverage, PIP, MedPay, and/or Occupational Accident coverage
Uber’s insurance company may try to avoid liability by arguing that the accident occurred when coverage did not apply or a lower coverage applied.
It is important that your attorney be experienced with Uber accident cases, know how to recover the evidence needed to prove when your accident happened, and build your strongest case.Â
Our attorneys are also familiar other rideshare services such as Lyft — reach out to speak with a Fort Myers Lyft accident lawyer today.
Common Causes of Fort Myers Uber Accidents
Uber accidents, like any other accident, can have many causes. However, some causes are unique to rideshare services. Some common causes of Fort Myers Uber accidents include:
- Distracted driving– Uber drivers can be distracted by the same types of things that any other driver may be. However, Uber drivers may also check for ride requests, respond to them, and check the Uber app, which can distract them from driving safely.
- Speeding– The more rides a driver can complete, the more he will be paid. So, many Uber drivers trying to get their riders to and from destinations may exceed the speed limits, making accidents more likely.
- Looking for addresses– Uber drivers may slow down and take their eyes off the road to look for a ride’s address, making accidents more likely.
- Driving under the influence– Uber drivers can be guilty of driving while intoxicated, just like any other driver.
- Fatigue or drowsy driving– Many Uber drivers work other jobs and drive for Uber as a side hustle. These hard-working drivers may be exhausted after working a long day or sleepy if they drive late in the evening.
- Equipment failure– If an Uber driver’s vehicle fails during operation, it can lead to a tragic accident. Vehicles may fail because of a defective vehicle part or equipment, the driver’s negligence in maintaining their vehicle, or the negligence of a mechanic or vehicle maintenance company.
- Dangerous road conditions– When a road is designed dangerously or is negligently maintained, it may contribute to a dangerous accident.
Determining the possible causes and potentially liable parties in your accident is essential to your case. Our attorneys leave no stone unturned when investigating your accident and recovering evidence to support your claim.
Common Injuries in Fort Myers Uber Accidents
Like other car accidents, Uber accidents can result in injuries ranging from minor to catastrophic.
Some common Uber accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken and crushed bones
- Burns
- Scarring
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Neck and back injuries, including whiplash
- Strains, sprains, and bruises
Some injuries are not immediately apparent. You must have a medical evaluation even if you do not think your injuries are severe.
Let Garvin Injury Law Help You With Your Fort Myers Uber Accident Claim
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Fort Myers Uber accident, you need the help of an experienced Fort Myers Uber accident lawyer.
Our attorneys have the experience, skills, and resources to help you recover the maximum possible compensation for your Uber accident damages.
Call (239) 277-0005 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your Uber accident claim.