Miami Uber Accident Lawyers

Miami, with its vibrant culture, bustling streets, and thriving tourism, has become a hotspot for ridesharing services like Uber. People want to have fun, and don’t want the responsibility of driving. While these services offer convenient transportation options, they also come with the potential for accidents and injuries. 

Navigating the legal complexities that arise from Uber accidents in Miami can be challenging, but it’s nothing a Miami rideshare accident lawyer can’t handle. Right now, understanding your rights and the available legal recourse is essential. Together, let’s explore the unique aspects of Uber accidents in the Miami area, from the common causes of these accidents to the steps you should take if you find yourself involved in one. Then, we’d love to go further into detail as to what we can do for you. Here at 1-800-Injured, our mission is to connect you with experienced medical and legal professionals who specialize in Miami Uber accident cases, ensuring that you have the guidance and support you need during this difficult time.

Common Uber Car Accidents

Uber accidents can occur in various unique circumstances, just like any other type of auto accident. However, some factors specific to ridesharing services like Uber may contribute to the uniqueness of these accidents. These include:

Distracted Driving: Uber drivers may be more susceptible to distractions due to the use of the Uber app while driving. Checking for ride requests, navigating, and communicating with passengers through the app can divert their attention from the road.

Maneuvering Pickup and Drop-Off Locations: By nature, an Uber driver is always getting in and out of places to pick people up. This often happens at night and around a large crowd of people, like when a Miami Heat game lets out or the clubs finally close for the night. Accidents can occur when a Miami Uber driver is maneuvering in crowded or unfamiliar areas to pick up or drop off passengers. This may involve sudden stops, U-turns, or parking in unconventional locations. 

Frequent Stops: In many ways, an Uber is like a taxi. Uber drivers often make frequent stops to pick up and drop off passengers. This can increase the risk of rear-end collisions if other drivers aren’t paying attention to sudden stops.

Drowsy Driving: Some Uber drivers work long hours, often well into the late night, to maximize their earnings, which can lead to driver fatigue. There are many more people who want an Uber at 2 am compared to 2 pm. Fatigued driving can impair a driver’s reaction time and decision-making, increasing the risk of accidents.

Inexperienced Drivers: To put it plainly, Florida law doesn’t require someone to be a good driver to work for one of the rideshare companies. Not all Uber drivers are experienced professional drivers. Some may have limited experience or lack familiarity with the local road conditions, potentially leading to accidents.

Ride Request Distractions: Passengers using the Uber app may also be distracted while waiting for their ride or during the trip. This distraction could contribute to accidents if passengers are not paying attention to their surroundings. Be sure to look in the police report for this information.

Busy Miami Traffic: Uber drivers often share the road with other rideshare drivers, taxis, and delivery vehicles, creating a high concentration of commercial vehicles. This increased traffic can lead to more complex traffic situations and potential accidents. Plus, Miami traffic is just plain bad! Even in the best of situations, driving in Miami Dade is rough. Accidents aren’t uncommon.

Ride Cancellations: Anytime someone looks down at their phone, it can be the basis for personal injury claims.  Accidents can happen when passengers cancel a ride request after the driver has already started traveling to the pickup location. Drivers may need to make sudden lane changes or stops.

Intoxicated Passengers: It is worth noting that many people take an Uber because they are drunk. The car crash may be because the driver’s passengers were so rowdy he or she couldn’t focus on the road. In some cases, passengers may be intoxicated, unruly, or disruptive, which can create distractions for the driver and potentially lead to accidents. If this is the basis for your Uber accident case, you can bet you’ll need an attorney to prove who the responsible party truly is.

These unique circumstances associated with rideshare services like Uber highlight the importance of understanding the complexities of liability and insurance coverage in the event of an accident. It’s okay if you don’t know all of this, a Florida personal injury attorney will. If you’re involved in an Uber accident, it’s essential to seek legal guidance to navigate these complexities and ensure you receive the appropriate compensation for your injuries and damages.

Who Covers an Accident With a Rideshare Driver?

There, unfortunately, isn’t a straightforward answer to this question. Uber drivers are driving their personal vehicles, not property owned by Uber. There can be ambiguity in insurance coverage during certain phases of an Uber trip, such as when the driver is waiting for a ride request. This can lead to disputes over which insurance policy should cover rideshare accidents.

If the Uber driver was actively working for the rideshare company at the time of the accident, meaning they had a passenger in the vehicle or was en route to pick up a passenger, Uber’s insurance typically provides liability coverage for the car accident.Uber has liability coverage that can compensate accident victims for their medical bills, as well as other damages, up to certain policy limits. What is offered by the insurance company may or may not be what you consider fair compensation, and personal injury lawyers can help you fight for more.

In some cases, commercial insurance is a piece of the puzzle and the rideshare driver’s personal auto insurance may also come into play and provide additional coverage. However, whether or not they cover your insurance claim largely depends on the specific terms and conditions of the driver’s insurance policy. A Miami Uber accident lawyer will ensure you get as much liability insurance coverage as possible, and move forward with a lawsuit if it isn’t provided.

Common Injuries Caused by an Uber Service Accident

An Uber accident can result in a wide range of injuries. Three of the most common injuries sustained in a car accident are with an Uber driver:

Whiplash: Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs when the head is suddenly jolted forward and then snapped back, similar to the cracking of a whip. It is a common injury in rear-end collisions. Whiplash can cause neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and sometimes even more severe symptoms, such as blurred vision or memory problems. During your accident claim, your personal injury lawyer will use your medical records to show these symptoms were the result of crashing with the Uber vehicle.

Fractures and Broken Bones: An Uber accident can lead to various fractures and broken bones, such as fractures of the arms, legs, ribs, and facial bones. The severity of these injuries can vary widely, from minor fractures to more complex, multiple fractures requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation. If you have a broken bone, or suspect you might, get medical care right away.

Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissue injuries involve damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These injuries can be painful and may include sprains, strains, and contusions (bruises). Soft tissue injuries can affect various parts of the body, including the back, arms, legs, chest, shoulders, and knees. Recovery from soft tissue injuries may require medical attention, a trip to the emergency room, physical therapy, and other forms of treatment.

These are just the beginning. All car accidents can result in more severe injuries, including head injuries, spinal cord injuries, internal injuries, and in some cases, wrongful death. The type and severity of injuries in a car accident often depend on factors such as the speed of the vehicles, the point of impact, the use of seat belts and airbags, and the overall crash dynamics. 

Contact 1-800-Injured After an Uber or Lyft Accident

An Uber accident attorney is essential in taking the next steps with your Uber accident claim. Reach out to 1-800-Injured right away to find an attorney who is able to fight for your medical bills and lost wages to be covered in a personal injury claim. A personal injury lawsuit of this nature isn’t simple, but an Uber accident lawyer knows exactly what he or she is doing.

Justice for Uber accident victims isn’t automatic. Don’t wait to contact our medical and legal referral team. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from an Uber accident in Miami, Florida is typically four years. This means that you generally have up to four years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the responsible party or parties, which may include the Uber driver or the rideshare company.

Yet, your exact situation may be different so it is crucial to consult with a Miami Uber attorney who specializes in personal injury or rideshare accident cases to get the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the statute of limitations for your specific situation. Failing to file a personal injury lawsuit within the applicable statute of limitations can result in the loss of your right to seek compensation for your Uber accident injuries and damages, so it’s essential to take prompt legal action with an accident attorney if you have a valid claim. Perhaps you’re not sure if you do, and that’s okay too. Get a free consultation on your Miami Uber accident case to move forward and get the peace of mind you deserve.