Traveling around Orlando can be difficult, especially if unfamiliar with the area. Fortunately, rideshare companies operate within the city to create an inexpensive way for you to get around. Having the ability to rideshare around the area makes life easier. No parking fees and no hassles trying to find a space can be a great stress reliever.
Our Orlando personal injury lawyers can handle the entire legal process for you. The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine offers complimentary consultations so you can learn your options with no obligation. Whether you were a passenger, driver, or in a vehicle hit by a rideshare car, our team knows the laws and how to get you the compensation you deserve.
What Compensation Can You Seek for a Rideshare Accident?
Drivers must carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance under Florida Statutes § 627.736. The minimum coverage includes $10,000 for medical and disability and $5,000 for death benefits in the event of a fatality. Under the no-fault insurance law, you may be limited to compensation from PIP coverage.
Per Florida Statutes § 768.81, the comparative negligence law in Florida allows you to collect compensation under certain circumstances. If you meet any of the following, per Florida Statute § 627.737, you are not limited to PIP:
- Loss of a bodily function
- Injury deemed permanent
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Death
After an accident with significant injuries, the largest obstacle is often medical expenses. The bills pile up quickly, especially if you spend time in a hospital. There are two general types of compensation–economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Direct expenditures after an accident may be recoverable as economic damages. These include any expense directly related to the injuries you received in the accident and can include:
- Medical costs include ambulance, emergency room treatment, surgeries, medications, follow-up care, appointments, and physical and occupational therapy. This level of compensation can also cover ongoing medical expenses, including prosthetics, medical devices such as wheelchairs, and home modifications to add ramps and safety equipment.
- Lost income from wages while you can’t work, commissions, bonuses, vacation wages, and future raises. Compensation for future lost earning potential or a change in job status such as a lesser-paying position due to disability.
- Property damage compensation is to repair or replace your vehicle or items that may have been damaged during the accident. Equipment such as cell phones, iPads, car seats, and other damaged items fall under property damage compensation.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages encompass things you won’t have a receipt or a bill for. They are non-tangible items with no direct monetary cost. Still, they affect many aspects of your life after a severe accident. Non-economic damages include things such as:
- Pain and suffering incurred due to injuries. This includes past, current, and future physical pain, anxiety, disability, disfigurement, and mental anguish associated with severe injuries.
- Disability, temporary or permanent, can affect daily life, causing depression and other ongoing physical and emotional problems.
- Loss of consortium includes the inability to continue life relationships. It applies to the quality of life that comes from an injury that alters your abilities, such as no longer being able to coach a child’s sports team.
Who Pays for Your Orlando Rideshare Accident Damages?
As with a standard vehicle accident, the at-fault driver is responsible for the damages. Initial medical costs will fall under the PIP coverage. Beyond that, if your injuries are significant and fit the above parameters, you can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Depending on the circumstances, you may file additional lawsuits against one or more of the following people or entities:
- Private property owners
- Other drivers
- Vehicle maintenance shops or personnel
- Construction companies
- Government agencies
- Auto or parts manufacturers
One of the benefits of having a rideshare accident attorney is that we will seek out all liable parties. Compensation is different in each case and is based on individual circumstances. Our rideshare accident team will evaluate your situation and fight for the compensation you deserve.
In the Event of a Wrongful Death
If you suffered the loss of a family member in a rideshare accident, please accept our sincere condolences. It is difficult saying goodbye to a family member, but it does not need to create financial ruin for the family. Our wrongful death lawyers can fight to get your family compensation to assist with expenses such as:
- Final medical expenses
- Funeral costs
- Burial costs
- Lost wages for a primary wage earner
- Loss of consortium and companionship
Money will never replace your loss, but it will allow your family the time to grieve without worrying about finances.
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If You Were a Passenger in an Orlando Rideshare Accident
Suppose you were a passenger in a rideshare accident. You should do things to ensure that you receive compensation for your injuries. While you consider hiring a rideshare accident attorney, make sure to do the following:
Getting the Information You Need
At the scene, obtain information from your rideshare driver and other drivers involved in the accident. Include names, contact information, insurance information, the make and models of vehicles, license plate numbers, location information, and the names of any witnesses.
Reporting Via the App
You should contact local law enforcement personnel if your driver did not call them. Log into your rideshare application to report the accident. If your injuries are severe, have a friend or family do it as soon as possible.
If You Were a Driver in an Orlando Rideshare Accident
As an independent contractor, your vehicle insurance will cover your damages and injuries under Florida’s no-fault law. If your injuries are significant, you sometimes have additional recourse through your rideshare company.
On the Clock Or Not – That Is the Question
Rideshare companies have differing policies, but they are similar in determining whether or not their insurance policies cover your accident. They use three phases of operation to determine this:
- App off – No rideshare insurance will apply.
- App on with driver waiting for a passenger – Rideshare coverage will apply after personal insurance coverage is exhausted.
- App on with passenger or en route to pick up a passenger – Rideshare liability coverage applies.
Our Orlando personal injury lawyers can help whether you were a driver or a passenger in a rideshare accident in Orlando.
Our Orlando Rideshare Accident Lawyer Can Help
Accidents involving rideshare drivers can be complicated. Suppose you are confused about who pays for your injuries, damage to your vehicle, and the compensation you should be receiving. In that case, our rideshare accident team can answer your questions. Contact our team at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine for a complimentary case evaluation.
