Gonzalez & Cartwright

Uber Accident Injury Attorneys in Lake Worth, FL Secure Compensation for Rideshare Accident Victims in Palm Beach County and Throughout Florida

Since being founded in 2009, the ridesharing company, Uber, has experienced meteoric growth. And it’s not hard to see why it’s so popular; generally speaking, you get a clean, comfortable ride from a friendly driver at a reasonable price.

And in the bigger picture, it can be argued that Uber has done motorists a service by reducing the amount of drinking and driving on our nation’s roads. After all, it’s easier than ever to catch a ride, even in places where one traditionally wouldn’t be able to find a taxi.

On the other hand, one could also argue that Uber has contributed to the growing problem we’ve seen with distracted driving, as Uber drivers inevitably need to interact with the platform while in their car.

Regardless, Uber accidents are happening every day on South Florida roads, and at Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A., our Lake Worth Uber accident lawyers have become experts at handling Uber accident cases, which are more complex than typical auto accident cases and typically require resources that many law firms can’t afford to devote to their work.

Insurance Requirements for Uber Drivers in Florida

In May 2017 Florida’s governor signed into law a bill designed to protect passengers who use Uber as a mode of transportation, one that is sometimes referred to as the Uber/Lyft law. Before the Uber/Lyft law went into effect, there existed a patchwork of rules and requirements throughout the state.

But now the requirements for becoming an Uber driver and maintaining one’s status are uniform statewide.

For one, all prospective Uber drivers are required to pass a background check (which includes a criminal background check), before they are eligible to drive for the service. Additionally, specific insurance requirements now apply—requirements which differ depending on whether the driver has a passenger (or passengers).

• No passenger: If the Uber or Lyft driver is not carrying a passenger but is logged into his or her account, CS/HB 221 requires insurance coverage of $100,000 for death and bodily injury per incident, $50,000 for death and bodily injury per person, and $25,000 for property damage.
• Driving with a passenger: If the Uber driver has a passenger in his or her vehicle, Florida law requires liability coverage of at least $1 million for death, bodily injury, and property damage.

What to do After an Uber Accident

The aforementioned insurance requirements for Uber drivers help protect passengers, drivers of other vehicles, and even pedestrians who may be injured in an Uber accident. Despite this, complexities can arise in pursuing damages for injuries sustained in these incidents.

If you are the victim of an Uber accident, the following are things you should do to protect yourself and your interests.

• Call the relevant authorities: The first step after any car accident is to call the authorities, so the injured can receive treatment and an accident report can be created.
• Exchange personal information: You want to make sure you get the contact information—and insurance information—of all parties involved in the accident.
• Take photographs: If possible, you also want to take photos of the scene of the accident, damage to vehicles, and any visible injuries you may have suffered.
• Get medical attention: Last but not least, you want to get medical attention, either at the hospital or a doctor’s office. Keep in mind that serious injuries may not be immediately apparent to you, as following a motor vehicle accident most people are in something of a state of shock and adrenaline can temporarily mask pain and injuries.

Attorneys Gonzalez & Cartwright Are the Right Choice Following an Uber Accident in Lake Worth, FL

If you’ve been involved in an Uber accident in Lake Worth or elsewhere in South Florida, you want to be sure to contact and retain an experienced Lake Worth, FL Uber crash attorney. For one, Uber accident cases are typically much more complex than traditional auto accident cases and you want to make sure that your attorney is up to date with all of the relevant aspects of the law, including the aforementioned CS/HB 221.

Uber accident cases can also be extra complex from an insurance perspective. Fortunately, we have people on staff with extensive experience working in the insurance industry, providing us with firsthand insight into the tactics commonly utilizing by defense attorneys and insurance company attorneys.

If you feel that you are not being appropriately compensated for your injuries (or property damage) following an Uber accident, or if you are having difficulties communicating with an insurance adjuster, contact our Lake Worth Uber accident lawyers. We have a reputation for successfully obtaining full and fair compensation from insurance companies, and are a frequent first choice of members of the local Hispanic community, as ours is a bilingual office.

Take Advantage of a Free Consultation Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an Uber accident in Lake Worth or elsewhere in South Florida, contact our offices either online or via phone call, to schedule a free initial consultation. Though our main office is in downtown Lake Worth (across from City Hall).

Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Worth Uber Accidents