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Collisions involving rideshare vehicles are becoming increasingly common. If you were injured in one of these collisions, you have clear legal rights, and you should hire an experienced Fort Myers car accident lawyer with Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. to assert your rights on your behalf. While you may be entitled to financial compensation, there are several costly mistakes you need to avoid—and it will be important for you to work with an experienced lawyer who can advise and represent you throughout the process.

The first step in the process is understanding your rights under Florida law. Once you know your rights, you can make informed decisions that protect them. So, what are your rights after a collision with a rideshare vehicle in Florida? Here is what you need to know:

If the Rideshare Driver Was At Fault in the Collision

First, we will talk about your legal rights if the rideshare driver was at fault in the collision. Driver negligence is a common factor in rideshare accidents—and, in these cases, it is frequently the rideshare driver who is to blame.

If you were seriously injured in a collision that was a rideshare driver’s fault, you have the right to file a claim under the rideshare driver’s insurance policy. Under Florida law, rideshare drivers are required to carry liability insurance that applies when they are logged in and/or providing prearranged rides. So, if the rideshare driver was working at the time of the collision, they should have coverage.

If the rideshare driver does not have insurance coverage (or if his or her coverage is not enough), you can also file a claim with Uber or Lyft. Both of the major rideshare companies have insurance that covers accidents involving their drivers. If you have auto insurance coverage, filing a claim with your insurer may be an option as well.

Before you can file a liability claim, however, you need to have proof of liability. This means you need to gather evidence showing the rideshare driver was at fault. Depending on the circumstances, the types of evidence you may need to file a claim include:

• Forensic evidence from the scene of the collision
• Eyewitness testimony
• Traffic or surveillance camera footage
• The rideshare driver’s cell phone data records
• The rideshare driver’s Uber or Lyft application, background check, and other relevant documentation

When you hire an experienced Fort Myers car accident lawyer with Spivey Law Firm to represent you, your lawyer will work quickly to gather the available evidence. Once your lawyer has gathered as much evidence as possible, your lawyer will evaluate your legal rights and take appropriate legal action on your behalf.

If Another Driver (or Some Other Party) was At Fault in the Collision

If you suffered serious injuries and another driver was at fault in the collision, you can file a liability insurance claim in this scenario as well—provided the driver has coverage available. While liability insurance is mandatory for rideshare drivers in Florida, it is not mandatory for other drivers. Still, many Florida drivers pay for liability insurance to protect themselves, and your lawyer will be able to determine whether the driver who caused your accident has the coverage you need.

If the at-fault driver does not have the coverage you need, you may be able to rely on your (or potentially a family member’s) uninsured/underinsured motorist policy. This is important coverage in Florida and provides an opportunity to file a fault-based claim for significant or permanent injuries when no better options are available. If you are not sure whether you have access to uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, your lawyer can help with this as well.

Another possibility in this scenario is to file a claim against the party legally responsible for the collision. Depending on the circumstances, some examples of other parties that could be liable for a collision on Florida’s roads include:

• The at-fault driver’s employer
• A vehicle (or component) manufacturer
• A repair shop or dealership
• A government agency or contractor
• A trucking company, shipping company, or another business

When you are facing the financial and non-financial costs associated with serious traumatic injuries, it is critical to ensure that you are giving consideration to all of the options you have available. After investigating your rideshare accident, your lawyer at Spivey Law Firm will be able to advise you regarding the claim (or claims) you are eligible to file.

Victims with Significant or Permanent Injuries Have the Right to Seek Compensation for Their Financial and Non-Financial Losses

After a rideshare accident in Florida, another key consideration is the amount of financial compensation you are entitled to recover. If you suffered significant or permanent injuries in the crash, you have the right to seek just compensation for your financial and non-financial losses—and you do not want to settle for less than you deserve.

Determining how much you are entitled to recover will also involve working closely with your lawyer at Spivey Law Firm. To assess the value of your claim, your lawyer will consider factors including (but not limited to):

• The past, present, and future costs of your medical care
• Your other out-of-pocket expenses resulting from the collision
• Your lost earnings and lost future earning capacity
• Your physical pain and emotional trauma
• Any other ways the collision has impacted (and will continue to impact) your life

While rideshare accident victims have clear legal rights, protecting your rights is not easy. To ensure that you are giving yourself the best chance of recovering the financial compensation you deserve, you should consult with an experienced Fort Myers car accident lawyer at Spivey Law Firm as soon as possible.

Discuss Your Rights with an Experienced Fort Myers Car Accident Lawyer for Free

Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., received a Preeminent Attorney Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, which is the highest rating standard, signifying the greatest level of professional excellence for legal knowledge, ethical standards, and communication skills. The AV Rated Preeminent Attorney Rating from Martindale Hubbell shows that our law firm has reached the height of professional excellence and is recognized for the highest level of skill and integrity. Spivey Law Firm is proud of its Preeminent Attorney Rating and is committed to providing its clients with the highest level of service and expertise required to maintain such preeminent standing in the legal community.

To discuss your legal rights with an experienced Fort Myers car accident lawyer for free, contact us today. Call 239-337-7483 or toll-free 888-477-4839, or contact us online at SpiveyLaw.com  to arrange a free consultation at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.