Vacations are meant to be relaxing getaways, not sources of stress. But accidents can happen anywhere, even on trips. If you find yourself in a rideshare accident while vacationing in Florida, don’t panic. Follow these steps to protect yourself legally and medically after a crash far from home. Having an action plan ready can alleviate some of the anxiety of dealing with the aftermath of an accident in an unfamiliar place. With the right help, you can still salvage your vacation and make sure your rights are protected under Florida law. This guide will walk you through what to do if you are unfortunately involved in a rideshare accident during your Florida getaway.
Check for Injuries and Call for Help
The first thing to do after a car accident is make sure you and any passengers are uninjured. If there are injuries, call 911 immediately to get medical assistance on the scene. Even if the injuries seem minor, it’s best to get checked out by paramedics. Adrenaline after an accident can mask pain from injuries that may worsen over time if left untreated.
If there are no injuries, you’ll still want to call the police to make an official report of the accident. Law enforcement needs to determine fault and document the scene. Having a police report can help protect you from false accusations later and ensure any property damage is covered by insurance.
Exchange Information with the Other Driver
While waiting for the police to arrive, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver involved in the crash. Get their name, phone number, address, driver’s license number, license plate, and insurance details. Also, provide them with your own contact and insurance information.
Take pictures of the accident scene, damage to both vehicles, and injuries (if any). These photos can serve as evidence if the other driver’s story later conflicts with your rideshare driver’s about how the accident occurred.
Get Witness Statements
If there were any witnesses to the accident, ask them to provide an account of what they saw. Obtain their full names and contact information. Witness statements are extremely helpful for determining fault later on.
If you can’t get official statements, at least ask witnesses to write down a few sentences about how the accident happened from their perspective. Any evidence you can collect at the scene will strengthen your case.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
As soon as possible after the accident, call your car insurance company to file a claim. Provide details about what happened and ask them to start an investigation. Your insurance should cover your medical bills if you were injured and other losses stemming from the crash.
Cooperate fully with your insurer’s investigation and follow their instructions about getting examined by a doctor and providing documentation. This will speed up the claims process so you can get compensation faster.
Your personal insurance may try to deny coverage since you were in a rideshare, not your own car, at the time of the crash. Be prepared to firmly explain this was an accident that occurred while you were a paying passenger in a transportation service. You have every right to file a claim and receive compensation for your damages. If the insurance company continues to resist, contact an attorney for assistance fighting for your claim.
Consider Hiring a Local Attorney
Dealing with a car accident far from home while on vacation can be extremely stressful. Consider hiring a personal injury attorney located in the area where the crash happened to handle the aftermath for you. A knowledgeable local attorney understands the specific laws and insurance regulations in that jurisdiction and can best protect your rights.
An attorney can communicate with the insurance companies, conduct a thorough investigation, determine fault, negotiate a fair settlement, and represent you in court if necessary. This allows you to focus on recovering from the accident while your lawyer handles the legal process for you.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Rideshare Accident in Florida?
Florida follows no-fault insurance laws for auto accidents. This means your own insurer will cover medical expenses and lost wages up to the policy limit, regardless of who caused the crash. The at-fault driver’s liability coverage then kicks in to compensate for additional losses.
Potential damages you may be able to recover after a rideshare accident in Florida include:
- Medical bills, both current and future treatment
- Lost income from missing work due to injuries
- Reduced earning capacity if disabilities from the accident limit your ability to work
- Property damage to your belongings
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of your vacation
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disabilities or disfigurement
Punitive damages may also be awarded if the other driver exhibited a reckless disregard for safety. An experienced attorney can fight to get you full and fair compensation under Florida law.
Why Hiring a Lawyer is Essential
Don’t underestimate the value of consulting an attorney after any auto accident. Insurance companies are focused on minimizing payouts, not making you whole. An attorney levels the playing field and handles negotiations so you can avoid getting taken advantage of.
A lawyer can also determine if other parties may share liability, such as:
- The rideshare driver
- Rideshare company (e.g. Uber or Lyft)
- Vehicle manufacturer if a defective part caused the crash
- Government entity if poor road design contributed to the accident
Pursuing multiple avenues of recovery can increase your total settlement. An attorney has the resources and expertise to build the strongest case on your behalf so you get maximum compensation.
Contact Monge & Associates for a Free Consultation
If you are injured in a rideshare accident while on vacation in Florida, contact our team at Monge & Associates for a free consultation. With 32 offices in 19 states, including Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, we have local lawyers ready to help wherever your accident occurred. Call us at (888) 477-0597 to learn about your rights and options after being injured in a rideshare crash. Our experienced attorneys will protect your interests and vigorously pursue maximum compensation so you can focus on your recovery.