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Ride-Sharing Vehicle Accidents (Uber/Lyft)

From the 2011 launch of the first ridesharing service in San Francisco, ridesharing services were hailed as a solution to several of our urban transportation maladies:  individual mobility in crowded cities, impaired driving and DUIs, and transportation in underserved neighborhoods.  Uber and Lyft have led the way to increasing mobility in crowded cities and underserved neighborhoods, as well as providing more transportation options so inebriated passengers aren’t tempted to get behind the wheel.

But recent data points that show an increasing number of ridesharing accidents (due in part to the sheer quantity of ridesharing drivers) may be casting a shadow over the ridesharing safety benefits.  Studies from University of Chicago and Rice University contend that ridesharing services account for an annual increase in traffic fatalities of 3%.  The assumption behind this may include not only an increase in ridesharing vehicles on the road, but that many of these ridesharing drivers are distracted as they look at their GPS to locate pick-up points or search for their passengers waiting on the sidewalks, rather than keeping their eyes on the road.

With the increase in ridesharing vehicle accidents, it’s important to note that most ridesharing companies maintain extensive liability insurance to cover drivers when they are officially picking up, dropping off, or driving passengers.  However, when contacting a ridesharing company in reference to an accident, the victim will typically be rerouted to contact the driver’s own insurance. 

If you were injured in an accident while riding in a ridesharing vehicle, you may be able to hold the driver liable for injuries.  Was the driver speeding, driving recklessly, or distracted?

We can help! 

But first, be sure you are safe and call 911 to obtain medical attention you or others may need.  Then, if you can do so safely, take notes of what happened, weather and road conditions, and the vehicle positioning.  Take photos of the vehicle and any injuries.  Request the names and contact information of any witnesses.  Next, ask the police officer for the accident report and case number.  Afterwards, contact your insurance company and tell them you were in an accident but do not permit them to record a statement.  Moreover, do not discuss the details of the accident with anyone other than your attorney.

ECanter Lawyers

When you are dealing with the chaos and pain of accidents and personal injuries, the last thing you need is technical, confusing legal language.  ECanter Lawyers breaks down the complexities and provides clear, informative answers so that you understand your legal options. 

For over two decades, ECanter Lawyers has remained committed to honest, straightforward answers.  Named one of AVVO’s Clients’ Choice, ECanter Lawyers has helped clients receive multi-million-dollar verdicts, and millions of dollars in settlements.  ECanter Lawyers specializes in personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, premises and product liability, and healthcare law.

With offices conveniently located throughout South Florida and 24/7 services, ECanter Lawyers personal injury law firm offers you the personalized attention that you need in order to maximize your compensation. 

ECanter Lawyers

561-447-4500

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