Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become a staple for transportation, providing rides for thousands of people in the Pompano Beach, Florida, area every day. But what happens when you’re injured in a car accident while using one of these services? Do you have legal recourse to help pay for your medical expenses, time off work, and other losses?
The compassionate Pompano Beach rideshare accident attorneys at Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers are here to help.
As active members of the Pompano Beach community, we've seen firsthand the devastating impact rideshare accidents can have on individuals and families.
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become an integral part of the transportation landscape in South Florida. While ridesharing offers convenience, it also introduces new risks and complexities if an accident occurs.
Why Choose Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers for Your Pompano Beach Rideshare Accident Case?
Determining liability and accessing adequate insurance coverage is often challenging in these cases. That's where our knowledgeable legal team comes in. Our attorneys have decades of combined experience handling complex personal injury cases, including rideshare accidents.
We've secured millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our deserving clients. We stay on the cutting edge of the ever-changing legal landscape surrounding Uber and Lyft accidents.
Our legal team will use its skills and resources to thoroughly investigate your accident, determine all sources of liability, and aggressively advocate for your right to full and fair compensation. You can count on us to provide the caring, personalized attention you need during this stressful time.
Our law firm is deeply rooted in the Pompano Beach area. We don't just work here; it's our home. We are passionate about serving our neighbors and making a positive difference in the community.
Where to Find Us in Pompano Beach
The Pompano Beach offices of Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers are located between I-95 and FL811A in McNab Executive Plaza at 1000 W. McNab Road, #182, Pompano Beach, Florida, 33069.
Have Accidents Increased with the Introduction of Rideshare Services?
Ridesharing apps are popular in part because they seem to provide a safe and relatively affordable option for transportation. People who don’t feel comfortable driving at night, or who need to get home after drinking may choose these services for safety reasons. However, a recent report suggests accidents with injuries and fatalities may have increased since the introduction of services like Uber and Lyft.
According to a study by researchers from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and Rice University, the introduction of ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft has led to a significant increase in auto-related deaths in the United States. The study, which analyzed data from large U.S. cities between 2001 and 2016, found that ride-sharing adoption was associated with a 3 percent annual increase in auto deaths nationwide, amounting to 987 additional lives lost each year.
The researchers hypothesize that the convenience and affordability of ride-sharing services have led to an increase in the number of cars on the road, as well as changes in the average quality of drivers. They observed a rise in new car registrations in larger cities, despite the presence of public transportation systems, suggesting that some consumers may have replaced public transit trips with ride-sharing, while others purchased cars specifically for ride-share driving.
Furthermore, the study found that the intensity of ride-share use, as measured by Google searches for terms like Uber and Lyft, was linked to increased auto fatalities. The carpooling features offered by these apps did not significantly decrease total vehicle miles traveled or reverse the increase in fatalities, possibly because carpooling accounts for only 20 percent of overall rides.
Public Transportation Regulations vs Rideshare Regulations
In Florida, public transportation services like buses are regulated differently than rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. Public transportation is generally held to a higher standard of regulation.
Public transportation in Florida is regulated by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). It must comply with various state and federal laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulations. These regulations cover areas such as safety, accessibility, driver training, vehicle maintenance, and operational standards.
On the other hand, rideshare services in Florida are regulated by the state's Transportation Network Company (TNC) law, which was passed in 2017. This law sets insurance coverage requirements, driver background checks, and vehicle inspections. However, these regulations are generally less stringent than those governing public transportation.
Some key differences include:
- Driver training: Public transportation drivers must undergo more extensive training than rideshare drivers.
- Vehicle maintenance: Public transportation vehicles are subject to regular inspections and maintenance requirements, while rideshare vehicles have less stringent requirements.
- Accessibility: Public transportation must comply with ADA regulations, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Rideshare services are not held to the same standards.
- Operational standards: Public transportation agencies must adhere to strict operational standards, such as fixed routes and schedules, while rideshare services have more flexibility.
Rideshare Insurance Coverage: Primary vs. Secondary Coverage
Insurance coverage is one of the most complex aspects of Uber and Lyft accident cases. Both rideshare companies provide insurance, but this coverage varies depending on the driver's status at the time of the accident. The driver's personal auto insurance may also come into play. This can create confusion over which insurer is responsible for covering injuries and damages.
Here's a general breakdown of how insurance coverage works in Florida rideshare accidents:
When the App is Off
If the Uber, Lyft, or other ridesharing app is off and the driver is not working, their personal auto insurance is the primary coverage. The rideshare company's insurance is not involved. In Florida, drivers must carry at least $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 in property damage liability (PDL) coverage.
When the App is On but No Passenger Request Has Been Accepted
If the driver has the app on and is available for rides but has not yet accepted a passenger request, the following insurance coverage applies:
- $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage
- $25,000 in property damage liability coverage
- The driver's personal auto insurance may also provide coverage
While a Passenger Request is Accepted Through the End of the Ride
When the rideshare driver has accepted a ride request and is on their way to pick up the passenger or is actively transporting a passenger, the maximum coverage provided by the company’s insurance applies:
- $1 million in third-party liability coverage
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage
- Contingent comprehensive & collision coverage for drivers who already maintain these coverages on their personal auto policies
Navigating this complex web of insurance policies and determining the liable parties requires extensive knowledge of rideshare accident law. The attorneys at Frankl Kominsky will identify all avenues for recovering maximum compensation on your behalf. We won't let the rideshare companies or their insurers take advantage of you when you're at your most vulnerable.
Common Injuries in Rideshare Accidents
Ridesharing is a convenient way to get around, but accidents can happen. If you've been injured in a rideshare accident, you're not alone. Here are some of the most common injuries people suffer:
- Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: The sudden force of a crash can cause your neck to jerk violently, leading to whiplash. Other soft tissue injuries, like strains and sprains in your back, shoulders, and knees, are also common.
- Head Injury and Traumatic Brain Injuries: These can range from concussions to severe brain trauma. Hitting your head on a window or the interior of the car can cause serious injuries.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: The impact of a collision can break bones in your arms, legs, ribs, and other parts of your body.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These are some of the most serious injuries that can occur in a car accident. Damage to the spinal cord can cause paralysis or other long-term complications.
- Psychological Injuries: Rideshare accidents can be very stressful and lead to emotional trauma, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
This is not a complete list, and any injury can be serious. If you've been hurt in a rideshare accident, seek medical attention immediately and contact a lawyer to discuss your legal options.
Recovering Damages After a Rideshare Accident: What a Lawyer Can Help You Secure
Serious rideshare accidents can leave you with significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens. If you've been injured or lost a loved one in a rideshare accident, a lawyer can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Here are some of the damages you may recover:
Economic Damages
- Medical Bills: This includes past, present, and future medical expenses related to your injuries, including hospital stays, doctor visits, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and therapy.
- Lost Wages: A lawyer can help you recover lost income due to missed work while you recover from your injuries. They can also fight for compensation for future lost wages if your injuries impact your ability to work.
- Diminished Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or earning potential, a lawyer can help recover damages for this loss.
- Property Damage: This covers any damage to your personal belongings due to the accident.
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and Suffering: This includes compensation for the physical and emotional pain you've endured due to your injuries.
- Mental Anguish: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other emotional distress caused by the accident can be compensated.
- Loss of Consortium: If your injuries significantly impact your relationship with your spouse, you may be entitled to compensation for this loss.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed, a lawyer can help recover damages for this loss.
Wrongful Death
In the tragic case of a rideshare accident fatality, surviving family members may be entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This can recover damages such as funeral and burial expenses, lost financial support from the deceased, and loss of companionship.
How a Lawyer Can Help with Your Pompano Beach Rideshare Accident Claim
When it comes to securing the compensation you deserve for a Pompano Beach Uber or Lyft accident, having the right legal representation makes all the difference. There are several ways the dedicated attorneys at Frankl Kominsky will fight for you:
- Providing a Fair & Thorough Case Evaluation: We offer free initial consultations to review your case, answer your questions, and advise you of your legal options. Once you become our client, we'll begin a personal injury claim and launch a thorough investigation to gather evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, photos/video footage, and more.
- Identifying All At-Fault Parties: Liability in rideshare accidents can be shared among multiple parties, including the rideshare driver, the rideshare company itself, third-party drivers, vehicle manufacturers, and even government entities responsible for road maintenance. We'll identify all potentially liable parties to maximize your sources of compensation.
- Communicating with Insurance Companies: Dealing with the insurance company after an accident can be stressful and frustrating. Insurance adjusters may try to pressure you into accepting a low settlement. We'll handle all communications with the insurance companies on your behalf and work diligently to negotiate a fair settlement.
- Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit: Most rideshare accident cases can be resolved through insurance settlements. However, if the insurance companies refuse to make a fair offer, we are fully prepared to file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf. We have extensive litigation experience and will be a strong advocate for you in the courtroom.
- Quantifying Your Damages: To secure full compensation, we'll identify and document all of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, disability, and any other losses stemming from the accident. We often work with medical and financial experts to substantiate your damages.
- Pursuing Justice & Accountability: In addition to making you whole financially, a rideshare accident claim or lawsuit can prompt meaningful change that makes our roads and community safer. By holding negligent drivers and rideshare companies accountable, we can deter unsafe practices and fight for justice on behalf of accident victims.
When you work with Frankl Kominsky, you can have peace of mind knowing you have a dedicated legal ally by your side through every stage of the process. We'll handle all the complex legal work so you can focus on healing and putting your life back together.
How Long Do I Have to File a Rideshare Crash Injury Claim?
Florida's statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. In cases of wrongful death, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the victim's death. Florida law also generally allows four years for property damage claims that may be related to a car accident. It is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate time frame.
Hurt in Rideshare Crash in Pompano Beach? Call Frankl Kominsky Today
After a serious rideshare accident, you need more than just any personal injury attorney. You need a law firm that combines legal skills with personalized client service and a deep commitment to the local community. At Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers, we are proud to offer all of this and more to our clients in Pompano Beach and throughout South Florida.
Rideshare accidents can turn your life upside down in an instant. If you or a loved one has been injured in an Uber or Lyft crash in the Pompano Beach area, the Pompano Beach personal injury lawyers at Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers are here to help you pick up the pieces. We know you're struggling, but you don't have to face it alone. Let us put our skills, experience, and resources to work to demand the full compensation you need and the justice you deserve.
We handle rideshare accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You won't owe us anything upfront, and we only collect a fee if we secure compensation for you. We believe everyone should have access to top-quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. With Frankl Kominsky, you can pursue the justice you deserve without worrying about upfront legal costs.
Take the first step today by contacting us for a free case evaluation. You have nothing to lose and potentially much to gain. We're ready to listen to your story, advise you of your options, and fight for what is right. We look forward to making a difference for you and your family.You can call us at (954) 800-8000 or contact us online. We speak Spanish and Creole.