"Whether it's a whiplash, serious injury or wrongful death case, we pride ourselves on representing you with the personal service and aggressive representation that you expect and deserve!" -Attorney Ron Sholes
Gainesville Rideshare Accident Attorney
Uber & Lyft Accidents in Alachua County
Rideshares, like Uber and Lyft, offer a popular alternative to taxis, shuttles, and other forms of private and public mass transportation. However, rideshare drivers do not receive any formal training and are essentially like any other driver on the road. This means that they are prone to making the same mistakes as anyone else and carry the same risk of causing an accident.
Rideshare accidents are not like regular car accidents. If you or someone you love was injured in a crash involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle, it is important that you reach out to an experienced rideshare accident lawyer who can help you understand your legal rights and options. At the Law Offices of Ron Sholes, P.A., we have helped countless individuals take on major rideshare companies, as well as their insurance providers and legal teams—and won. We can help you navigate the claims filing process and fight for the full, fair recovery you are owed.
Injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Gainesville or the surrounding areas? Call us at (855) 933-3881 today to learn how we can help during a free, no-obligation consultation with an attorney!
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident
Because rideshare accident claims are so complex, there are several important things you should do in the aftermath of the accident to protect your rights. If you are reading this, chances are you have already been involved in an accident. However, below we have provided information on what to do immediately after the crash, as well as in the hours and days that follow, so that you can take the appropriate steps and stay prepared for the future.
If you are involved in an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver, whether as the passenger of the rideshare vehicle or a third party, try to do the following:
- Check yourself and others for injuries. If necessary, call 911.
- Contact local law enforcement and have them come out to the scene of the accident.
- File an official accident report with police at the scene. Be honest about what happened but avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be used against you later.
- Get the name, insurance information, and contact information of the other driver(s) involved, including the rideshare driver. You may need the driver’s private auto insurance provider information to file a claim.
- Talk to any witnesses who saw what happened, take down their statement(s), and get their basic contact information.
- If you do not go to the hospital, see a doctor as soon as possible for your injuries, no matter how minor they may seem.
- Follow all of your doctor’s instructions. Take all prescribed medications, attend follow-up appointments, and complete physical therapy exercises.
- Contact an attorney who can help you file a claim and seek fair compensation for your damages.
Regardless of whether the accident took place several hours ago or several weeks ago, the best way to protect your recovery is to reach out to a lawyer who has experience with these types of claims. Our Gainesville rideshare accident attorneys are available to assist you at any time; we accept calls 24/7, and you will always be connected with a real, live person.
How to File an Uber or Lyft Accident Claim
The process of filing a personal injury claim after a rideshare accident differs depending on the circumstances:
- If you were the driver of another vehicle, you will most likely file a claim through your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. This allows you to recover a limited amount of compensation for your medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who was at fault for the crash.
- If you were the driver of another vehicle and you can prove that your injuries were “serious,” as defined by Florida law, you could be eligible to go outside the no-fault system and sue the at-fault driver directly for economic and non-economic damages.
- If you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft that caused an accident, you may be able to file a claim against the driver’s private auto insurance, or you may be able to file a claim with the rideshare company. Uber and Lyft both offer limited coverage for those injured in accidents caused by their drivers in certain circumstances.
- If the rideshare driver was not at fault (or not entirely at fault) for the accident, you may be able to file a third-party claim against the liable person or party. This might be the case if you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft that was hit by another negligent motorist.
At the Law Offices of Ron Sholes, P.A., we can help you understand all of your legal rights and options, as well as which course of action may be best for your specific situation. We work tirelessly to protect our clients’ rights and develop innovative legal strategies aimed at securing the maximum compensation they deserve.
the Law Offices of Ron Sholes, P.A. Can Fight for You
We know that getting back on your feet after a serious motor vehicle accident can be incredibly difficult. If you were injured in a crash with a rideshare vehicle—whether as the passenger of the vehicle, an occupant of another vehicle, or even as a pedestrian or bicyclist—our team is ready to fight for you. With over a century of combined legal experience, our Gainesville Uber and Lyft accident lawyers know how to navigate the many complexities inherent in these types of claims. Our goal is to provide you with the personal attention you deserve and handle every detail so that you can focus on what’s most important: your recovery.
We provide free case evaluations and contingency fees, meaning you do not owe any attorneys’ fees unless/until we recover compensation for you. Our firm offers legal services in Spanish, Russian, and German and answers all phone calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to file a claim! Call us at (855) 933-3881 or contact us online today to request your free initial consultation.