Seeking a Fort Lauderdale Uber Accident Lawyer? Englander Peebles Can Help

Fort Lauderdale’s vibrant nightlife and busy tourist areas result in rideshare vehicles being ubiquitous; however, this convenience also increases the risk of accidents. If you’ve been injured in an Uber crash, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to deal with the aftermath on your own. Working with an experienced Fort Lauderdale Uber accident lawyer can make a major difference in how your case is handled and how much compensation you’re able to recover.

Uber accidents often involve more complications than standard car crashes. That’s because rideshare insurance policies vary depending on what the driver was doing at the time of the accident, and multiple parties may be involved. At Englander Peebles, we understand the unique challenges these cases present and know how to handle tough insurance negotiations.

Recovering from a crash is never easy—but when a rideshare company is involved, proving fault and securing fair compensation becomes even harder. Insurance companies are focused on minimizing payouts. Our Fort Lauderdale Uber accident lawyers are here to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 954-500-4878.

Why Uber Accidents Present Unique Challenges

The primary distinction between Uber accidents and typical car crashes lies in the complex insurance landscape. An Uber driver’s coverage changes depending on their activity within the app at the time of the collision. Florida law provides a framework, but pinpointing the applicable policy requires careful analysis.

Understanding Florida’s Rideshare Insurance Laws

Florida Statute § 627.748 details specific insurance minimums for Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) and their drivers. Which coverage applies hinges on the driver’s status when the accident happened:

Driver is Offline

When not logged into the app and using the vehicle personally, the driver’s own auto insurance is generally the primary coverage. However, there may be potential exclusions related to commercial use in personal policies.

Driver is Logged In, Awaiting a Ride Request

If the driver is logged in and available but has not accepted a ride, Uber’s contingent liability coverage may apply if the driver’s personal insurance is insufficient or inapplicable. 

Fla. Stat. § 627.748(7)(b) mandates minimums during this phase: $50,000 for death/bodily injury per person, $100,000 per incident, and $25,000 for property damage.

Driver is En Route to Pick Up or Transporting a Passenger: 

Once a ride is accepted until the passenger exits, Uber’s primary commercial liability policy typically takes precedence. Fla. Stat. § 627.748(7)(c) requires TNCs to provide at least $1 million in combined property damage and bodily injury liability coverage. 

Additionally, during this period, the TNC must also provide $1 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage unless the driver explicitly opts out of this coverage in writing.

Confirming the driver’s precise status during the crash is fundamental to identifying the correct insurance policy and coverage limits. A dedicated Fort Lauderdale Uber accident lawyer meticulously investigates these critical details. 

PIP Coverage in Fort Lauderdale Rideshare Accidents

Florida’s no-fault law requires rideshare companies (TNCs) to provide Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage during two stages of a ride:

• Waiting for a Ride: The rideshare company must provide PIP coverage similar to what limousine services carry until the driver accepts a ride request (Fla. Stat. § 627.748(7)(b)1.b). 
• During the Ride: Once a driver accepts a ride request and until the passenger leaves the vehicle, the rideshare company’s limousine-level PIP coverage continues (Fla. Stat. § 627.748(7)(c)1.b).

This PIP insurance covers 80% of medical bills and 60% of lost wages, up to a maximum of $10,000, no matter who caused the accident. If injuries are serious or permanent, individuals can seek additional compensation beyond these PIP benefits.

Navigating Insurance Company Tactics

Insurance adjusters, whether representing personal policies or large TNC insurers like Uber’s, aim to protect their company’s bottom line. They might contact you quickly, seeming helpful, but often seek statements to limit liability or offer a fast, inadequate settlement before you fully grasp your injuries and losses. Legal representation ensures your interests remain the priority during these discussions.

Common Causes of Uber Accidents in Fort Lauderdale

While Uber accidents share causes with other collisions, certain factors are heightened in the rideshare context:

• Distracted Driving: Constant app interaction for navigation and ride management increases distraction risks, a key concern noted by the NHTSA.
• Fatigue: Pressure to maximize earnings can lead to long hours, increasing the chance of drowsy driving accidents.
• Unfamiliar Roads: Drivers new to Fort Lauderdale might struggle with specific traffic flows, construction near areas like the Port Everglades bypass, or complex intersections, contributing to errors.
• Speeding and Aggression: Trying to complete rides quickly in heavy traffic sometimes results in unsafe speeds or maneuvers.
• Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence remains a persistent danger across all forms of transportation.
• Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Individual drivers are responsible for vehicle upkeep; neglected maintenance can lead to failures causing accidents.

Establishing the cause is vital for proving negligence, the cornerstone of any personal injury claim.

Types of Uber Accident Claims We Handle

Englander Peebles assists individuals injured in various Uber accident situations in Fort Lauderdale:

Injuries as an Uber Passenger

If you were hurt as a passenger due to your Uber driver’s error, another driver’s negligence, or unsafe conditions, you have the right to seek compensation. Uber’s substantial commercial policy, often including UM/UIM benefits, typically applies during your active trip.

Collisions with an Uber Vehicle

If an Uber driver hit your car, motorcycle, or a vehicle you were riding in, determining fault and the correct insurance source (personal vs. Uber’s commercial policy under Fla. Stat. § 627.748) is paramount.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents Involving Uber

Fort Lauderdale encourages walking and cycling, but these individuals face high risks. The FLHSMV promotes road safety awareness. If an Uber struck you while lawfully crossing near Las Olas or cycling along A1A, the injuries might be severe. Identifying the liable party and applicable insurance is essential.

Accidents Caused By Uninsured or Underinsured Uber Drivers

Even with Florida’s insurance requirements for rideshare, coverage gaps or disputes can still arise. It is crucial to understand uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, including your personal policy and any coverage potentially provided by Uber.

What Steps Can You Take After an Uber Accident (Post-Scene)?

After addressing immediate safety and medical care and returning home, taking these steps helps protect your potential claim:

Continue Recommended Medical Treatment

Adhere strictly to your doctor’s treatment plan, including therapy and follow-ups. Consistent care validates the severity of your injuries for the claim; gaps may be exploited by insurers.

Gather and Organize Documentation

Keep meticulous records of everything related to the accident:

• All medical bills and records.
• Proof of income lost due to injury.
• Vehicle repair estimates/invoices.
• Communications from insurance companies.
• Photos/videos from the scene (if you have them).
• Witness contact details.

Preserve Digital Evidence of the Ride

Screenshot your Uber trip details (driver, car, route, time, fare) from the app. This digital proof helps verify the driver’s status.

Be Cautious with Communications

Avoid posting about the accident or your injuries on social media, as investigators might use this against you. Politely decline recorded statements or detailed discussions with the other party’s insurer without consulting your lawyer first. Refer them to your attorney.

Understand Florida’s Statute of Limitations

Florida law imposes a strict deadline for filing personal injury lawsuits based on negligence. Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(a) generally requires filing within two years of the accident date. Missing this deadline permanently bars your right to sue for damages. Contacting a Fort Lauderdale Uber accident lawyer promptly ensures crucial deadlines are met.

Calculating Damages in Your Fort Lauderdale Uber Accident Claim

Proving another party’s negligence caused your injuries allows you to seek compensation. Calculating the full value involves assessing all tangible and intangible losses.

Economic Damages

These cover direct, measurable financial costs:

• Medical Expenses: All related past and projected future medical costs.
• Lost Wages: Income missed during recovery.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: Reduced future earning potential due to injury.
• Property Damage: Vehicle repair or replacement costs.

Non-Economic Damages

These address intangible impacts on your life:

• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress endured.
• Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, PTSD resulting from the trauma.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Inability to engage in former activities/hobbies.
• Disfigurement and Scarring: Compensation for permanent physical alterations.

An experienced lawyer ensures all potential damages are identified and factored into your claim’s valuation.

Florida’s Comparative Negligence Rule

Florida employs a modified comparative negligence system. If you’re found partially at fault, your damages will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. Under recent changes, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovering any damages. Insurance companies often use this rule to limit their payouts, highlighting the importance of experienced legal representation.

How a Fort Lauderdale Uber Accident Lawyer from Englander Peebles Advocates for You

Successfully navigating an Uber accident claim demands more than just paperwork; it requires deep knowledge of TNC rules, insurance practices, and Florida law. Englander Peebles provides comprehensive support.

Investigating the Accident Thoroughly

Our team meticulously reconstructs the accident circumstances. We gather crucial evidence like police reports, witness accounts, Uber app data/driver logs, and any available traffic or dashcam footage, especially from key areas like Sunrise Boulevard intersections. 

When applicable, we analyze vehicle event data recorder (EDR) information and cell records (if distraction is suspected) to build a clear picture of liability and applicable insurance coverage.

Managing All Insurance Communications

We handle all interactions and negotiations with insurance companies, shielding you from adjuster tactics designed to undermine your claim. Our focus is protecting your rights and countering efforts to undervalue your case.

Accurately Calculating Your Total Damages

We diligently assess the full scope of your losses. This may involve consulting medical experts on future care needs or financial professionals on long-term wage impacts, ensuring our compensation demand reflects the true cost of the accident.

Pursuing Fair Compensation Vigorously

Our objective is securing a just settlement through effective negotiation. However, should the insurer refuse a fair offer, the attorneys at Englander Peebles possess the trial readiness to file suit and forcefully argue your case in Broward County courts.

Why Choose Englander Peebles for Your Fort Lauderdale Uber Accident Claim?

Selecting the right legal representation matters. At Englander Peebles, we combine focused experience in personal injury, including the nuances of Florida rideshare accidents, with deep local knowledge of Fort Lauderdale’s roads, court systems, and procedures to craft a strategy tailored to your needs. 

Our team prioritizes clear communication and unwavering advocacy at every step, ensuring your interests remain front and center. We work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay no upfront costs and owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you—and offer a free consultation so you can explore your options without financial risk. 

Let a knowledgeable Fort Lauderdale Uber accident lawyer shoulder the legal burdens so you can focus fully on your recovery. Call us today at 954-500-4878 today —we are ready to help you understand your rights and seek the compensation you need.

FAQs for Fort Lauderdale Rideshare Accident Lawyer

1. How much does it cost to hire a lawyer from Englander Peebles? 

We handle Uber accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront fees and only owe us if we successfully recover compensation for you.

2. Can I sue Uber directly if I’m injured in an accident? 

Typically, claims involve insurance rather than suing Uber directly. A lawyer helps identify the correct insurance coverage applicable to your specific situation.

3. How soon after an accident should I contact a lawyer? 

It’s advisable to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure critical evidence is preserved, deadlines are met, and your rights are protected.

4. What if the Uber driver was not at fault? 

You may still pursue claims against other responsible parties, such as another driver or a third-party entity responsible for road conditions or vehicle maintenance.

5. Should I accept an insurance company’s initial settlement offer? 

Initial offers are often lower than what your claim is worth. Consulting with a lawyer ensures you understand the full value of your claim and can negotiate effectively.

Englander Peebles – Fort Lauderdale Office

2122 W. Cypress Creek Road, Suite 206
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
P: 954-500-4878