Tampa Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Rideshare services such as Lyft and Uber have been increasing in popularity across the United States and especially in Tampa, where many tourists are looking for outside transportation. Whether you are a tourist visiting Busch Gardens and suffer injury due to a negligent rideshare driver or are hit by a rideshare driver on I-275, you may be entitled to recover compensation. At Ronald Bone, P.A., our Tampa rideshare accident lawyer is here to help.

Ronald Bone, P.A., Is Here to Serve You

At the law offices of Ronald Bone, P.A., we understand how difficult a rideshare accident can be and how devastating your injuries are. Since 1997, we have helped countless individuals recover millions of dollars in compensation following a personal injury accident. While the outcome of your case cannot be guaranteed by past results, we are here to put the same level of excellence into your claim as we have in the claims of previous clients. 

Large and powerful insurance companies are typically involved in rideshare accident claims and will likely try to offer you a low settlement amount in hopes you will take it in desperation and simply walk away. At Ronald Bone, P.A., we do not stand for this kind of predatory behavior. We have extensive trial experience and aren’t afraid of bringing your case all the way to a courtroom when the need arises. 

Determining Liability in a Tampa Rideshare Accident

In the United States, one-third of all rideshare drivers have reported being involved in an accident in the past. In rideshare accidents, one of the most challenging aspects will be determining liability. Depending on the circumstances, there are several parties that could be held responsible. Ronald Bone, P.A., is here to review your case and determine which party, or parties, to hold liable, including:

• The rideshare driver. If the driver of the rideshare was acting negligently or with reckless behavior and violated numerous traffic laws that led to your accident, we may be able to hold them liable.
• The rideshare company. Certain rideshare companies, such as Uber and Lyft, provide liability coverage for drivers in very specific situations. If the driver was logged into the app and was on the way to pick up a passenger or was in the process of actively taking a passenger to their destination, then the rideshare company’s insurance might kick in. 
• Other third parties or other drivers. If another driver caused the accident, they could be held liable for your damages.

At Ronald Bone, P.A., we can conduct a comprehensive investigation into your accident to determine which parties are liable and can then work to pursue fair and full compensation. 

Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Tampa

In Tampa, thanks to increased tourism and year-round population over the last several years, rideshare vehicles have only grown in popularity. While these services have many benefits, the more of them there are on the roadway, the more accidents they are involved in. There is a wide range of factors that contribute to rideshare accidents in Tampa, including the following:

• Distractions. In a single year in the United States, distracted driving results in 3,275 deaths. Rideshare drivers are more prone to certain distractions, such as interacting with the rideshare app, GPS, or a communication device. 
• Fatigue. Many rideshare drivers use this service as a second income, meaning that many have already worked their day job before they clock into the rideshare app. This can lead to fatigue and an increased risk of causing an accident. 
• Impaired driving. If a rideshare driver gets behind the wheel of their vehicle drunk or drugged, it can result in devastating and even deadly accidents. 
• Speeding. When a driver speeds, they will have a harder time slowing down or reacting to hazards that can crop up on the roadway. This can lead to an increased risk of accidents. 

If you have been injured in a rideshare accident, it is important to understand the direct cause of the accident. At Ronald Bone, P.A., we are here to determine the cause of your rideshare accident, thereby being able to identify the liable parties. 

What You Should Do Following a Rideshare Accident

Following a rideshare accident, there are certain steps you should take in order to protect your physical health and also the health of a future injury claim. These steps include:

• Seek medical attention, even if you do not feel physically injured, as you could be suffering from invisible and life-threatening injuries such as internal bleeding.
• Report the accident to the police so that they can come to the scene and draw up an official accident report.
• Document the scene through videos and photos.
• Notify the rideshare company that they can bring their own internal process for dealing with your claim.
• Contact an attorney from Ronald Bone, P.A., who can guide you through the entire claims process and protect your rights to compensation.

Damages to Recover in a Rideshare Accident in Florida

In Florida, calculating the full amount of compensation you are entitled to after an accident with a rideshare vehicle will depend on the severity of your injuries and property damage. Depending on the nature of your case, you could be able to pursue a range of compensation, including that for:

• Medical costs. This can include the past, present, and future medical expenses associated with your rideshare accident injuries. Any surgeries, treatments, emergency care services, ambulance rides, doctor visits, hospital stays, or rehabilitation can be compensated. 
• Lost wages. If your injuries are severe enough that you are unable to work, you may be able to recover compensation for your lost income. You may also be able to recover any lost employment benefits. If your injuries keep you from being able to return to work on a permanent basis, you may be entitled to recover your lost future earning capacity. 
• Physical pain and emotional suffering. This compensation works to cover any of the physical pain and emotional or mental distress you have suffered as a result of your injuries. 
• Property damages. If any of your personal property, such as your vehicle or an item on your person, like a laptop or cell phone, suffered damage in the accident, you may be able to seek compensation for possible repairs or replacement. 
• Punitive damages. In cases where the accident was caused by gross negligence, you may be able to seek punitive damages. These damages are rarely awarded, but when they are, they can add an extremely high amount of value to your claim. Punitive damages are typically awarded in order to punish the liable party and deter them from taking similar actions in the future. 
• Wrongful death damages. If a loved one has died as a result of a rideshare accident, you may be able to recover certain wrongful death damages. These damages can cover any of the medical bills associated with your loved one’s injury prior to their passing, as well as any funeral or burial costs. 

In the United States, non-lethal car accidents typically cost around $162,000 in damages. At Ronald Bone, P.A., we are here to review your claim and calculate the full and fair amount of compensation you can recover. 

FAQs

Q: How Long Do I Have to File a Rideshare Claim?

A: In Florida, you have two years from the time of your injury to file a rideshare accident claim. This deadline is known in legal terms as a “statute of limitations.” If you fail to file your official claim before this deadline, then you will like be unable to recover compensation, and your case will be dismissed.

Q: How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Assist Me?

A: Your personal injury lawyer is here to assist you in handling all the legalities of your case so that you can focus on your own rest and recovery. Your lawyer can launch an independent investigation into the accident to determine who the liable party might be and how much compensation you are entitled to. They can gather evidence and take care of all communications with the insurance companies involved. 

Q: What if the Rideshare Accident Was My Fault?

A: Even in cases where you believe the rideshare accident might have been completely or partially your fault, you should still hire an attorney. A skilled personal injury lawyer like the team at Ronald Bone, P.A., can uncover any available evidence to see if there are any other factors that might have contributed to the crash. 

Q: How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Rideshare Accident Lawyer?

A: The costs involved in hiring a rideshare accident lawyer can ultimately depend on the unique factors of your case. These factors can include the complexity of your case, the duration of your case, and the skill level and experience of your attorney, as well as the fee basis your attorney works from.

Talk to a
Lawyer Before
It’s Too Late

Contact Us Today

Hire a Rideshare Accident Lawyer Today

If you have suffered in a rideshare accident in Tampa, you need to hire a rideshare accident lawyer as soon as possible. These are serious and complicated legal matters, and the team at Ronald Bone, P.A., is here to serve you. We’ve been advocating for clients’ rights since 1997, and we aren’t stopping now. Contact our offices today to learn more and schedule your initial consultation.