Pensacola Rideshare Accident Attorney

If you have been seriously hurt in an auto accident in which the rideshare driver was negligent or reckless, you need more than first-rate medical attention — you need experienced legal representation. If you live in Northwest Florida, this is the time to contact Staples, Ellis + Associates, P.A. Our rideshare accident attorney is well-versed not only in federal and state traffic laws, but in the insurance laws pertaining to rideshare companies, their policies, and liabilities. 

As many Floridians have discovered, rideshare convenience comes with risks. There is no doubt that rideshare travel has advantages — prompt availability of vehicles, relatively well-kept automobiles (since the cars are owned by the drivers), and the ability to pay through an app without having to carry cash. Nonetheless, for those who have suffered injuries in rideshare accidents, the risk factors and complications may outweigh the benefits.

Reasons for Rideshare Accidents – From an Auto Accident Lawyer

There are a number of reasons rideshare accidents are not uncommon. For one thing, with so many rideshare vehicles on the road, city streets, highways, and rural routes have become more congested. The more cars there are on our roadways, the more accidents occur. 

Other factors contributing to rideshare accidents include:

  • Rideshare companies do not vet their drivers very carefully —  drivers are only required to be licensed for one year before hire; rideshare drivers are not routinely or randomly drug tested; rideshare drivers are not fingerprinted
  • Rideshare drivers are on the road for long periods of time and many work at 

more than one job so they are more likely to be fatigued or sleepy than other drivers

  • Rideshare drivers constantly use their GPS and smartphones to connect with potential customers and their office, so they are often more distracted than other drivers
  • Rideshare drivers are trying to move quickly, even in slow-moving urban traffic, in order to transport as many customers as possible to increase their profits

It should be noted that other people besides rideshare drivers can be victims of rideshare accidents. Other drivers and their passengers, as well as pedestrians and bicyclists, can also be harmed. No matter which category you’re in, consulting with Staples, Ellis + Associates is a wise plan. However your rideshare accident occurred, we will provide you with the same compassionate, effective legal representation.

Serious Injuries Rideshare Accident Passengers May Suffer

Like any other auto accident, rideshare accidents can result in a broad range of severe injuries, including fractures, internal bleeding or organ damage, spinal cord or traumatic brain injuries. If you have suffered a catastrophic injury, you will need substantial compensation to see you through. Our rideshare accident attorneys are here to fight for your rights and ensure that you obtain every dollar you deserve.

Navigating the cumbersome judicial system when you are physically, emotionally, and probably financially traumatized is never easy.  When your case involves suing a large rideshare corporation for damages, you have an even more urgent need for the services our skilled rideshare accident attorneys can provide. 

What Staples, Ellis + Associates Can Do to Help

Once you become our client, we will take over all legal and logistical matters while you concentrate on healing. You can depend on us to:

  • Investigate the accident site
  • Check out the police report 
  • Examine your medical records
  • Interview witnesses
  • Consult with any necessary experts in related fields 
  • File all procedural paperwork promptly
  • Create a strategy strong enough to win at trial

We know from experience that rideshare accidents are more complicated to handle than other collisions because of the lack of clarity concerning the role of the rideshare driver relative to the rideshare company. Whether the company is responsible depends on whether the rideshare driver was “on the app” at the time of the accident — looking for customers, doing a pick-up or taking someone to their destination.  

Damages Our Auto Accident Lawyer Will Fight to Win for You and Your Family

Our rideshare accident attorneys know how distressing your situation is, not only for you but for your loved ones. Because we understand how quickly your savings are depleted as medical costs skyrocket and you remain unable to work, we will do everything in our power to obtain the resources you need and charge you no attorneys’ fees until we win your case.

We will fight aggressively to obtain a settlement or verdict substantial enough to pay for:

  • Medical treatment, rehabilitation
  • Long-term nursing care
  • Lost income (present and future)
  • Property damage or loss
  • Pain and suffering
  • Psychological counseling
  • Permanent disability
  • Extended nursing care
  • Permanent scarring or disfigurement
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

If you have endured the misery of the wrongful death of a loved one in a rideshare accident, we will work tirelessly to obtain funds to cover end-of-life suffering, final medical costs, funeral/cremation costs, and loss of financial and emotional support.

What if more than one party was responsible for your rideshare accident?

In many auto accidents, more than one person is to blame. If, for example, another driver was partially responsible for your injury, our rideshare accident attorneys may file personal injury lawsuits against the rideshare driver, the rideshare company, and the driver of the other vehicle.

While it is nearly impossible to imagine that you bear any blame for your injury if you were a rideshare passenger, it is very possible that you are partially responsible for the accident if you were the driver of another vehicle. Even if you were partly responsible for the accident, we will work tirelessly to get you damages under the Florida principle of “pure comparative fault.”

According to this law, even if you were speeding or making an illegal turn at the time of the accident and the court finds you 30 percent liable for your own injuries, you may still be 

awarded damages. However, your award will be decreased by your percentage 

of responsibility. In this example, if the court awards you $100,000, you will receive $70,000. 

Because of complexities like these, having a savvy lawyer at your side is critical to winning the compensation you need and deserve.

Contact Our Experienced Rideshare Accident Attorneys Today

Traffic accidents with injuries are always complicated, even more so when they are rideshare accidents. Give yourself the strongest chance of a positive outcome by contacting our talented law team. We will fight aggressively to obtain the damages you require to make your future and your family’s future comfortable and secure. 

The Rideshare Accident Attorneys at Staples, Ellis & Associates serves clients in Pensacola County, Escambia County, Santa Rosa County, Okaloosa County, Walton County, and throughout Northwest Florida.